5 Ways to Find Inner Peace - Rachel Devine

Inner peace is a state of tranquility, calm and harmony within. It is unaffected by external circumstances. Finding inner peace allows you to navigate life’s ups and downs from a place of deep centeredness. When one has a firm foundation of inner peace, nothing in life can shake it.

So how do we get to this place of inner peace? Some ways of reaching inner peace are following spiritual practices, spending time in nature, service to others, and training the mind. These spiritual practices can all help unlock this state of serenity.

This is a wonderful quote from Louise Hay:

“I guard my inner world, for it is there that I create. I do whatever I need to do to keep my inner world peaceful. My inner peace is essential for my health and well-being. I go within and find that space where all is quiet and serene.”

Inner Peace Examples

Meditation quiets the chatter of the mind when focused on the breath or a mantra. Taking time to sit in stillness while observing thoughts nonjudgmentally fosters present moment awareness – a key to inner peace.

Yoga links the breath with movement, helping calm the body and mind. Studies show just 15 minutes of yoga stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system to lower stress hormone production.

Being in nature replenishes depleted energy. Research confirms time outdoors increases vitality and lifts mood through boosted immunity and decreased inflammation. Also walking in nature, in sun light, is a way to find some inner peace.

Serving others with compassion gets you outside of your own worries by shifting your focus. Volunteering and extending generosity also boosts mood through increased oxytocin.

Aroma therapy is a great way to center yourself around the moment. Scented candles bring an aura of spirituality and calm.

Sitting on the beach and watching the waves, is a great way to find some inner peace.

Listening to soothing music is a great way to find peace.

Listening to a meditations on serenity is another way to cultivate some peace in your world.

There are endless ways to find peace in your life. Pick the ones you resonate with.

Quotes on Inner Peace

“Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Set peace of mind as your highest goal, and organize your life around it.” – Brian Tracy

“Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.” – Pema Chodron

Motivational quotes can also have an impact on bringing inner peace to your life.

It’s important to realize that when another person is allowed to upset your inner peace, they have control over you. It’s like they picked up your remote control and started dialing in so you would lose your inner peace. Take the remote control back and be strong in your conviction to stay peaceful, even during turmoil. Stay in your own space and try not to let anyone disturb your peace of mind.

Inner Peace Benefits

• Reduced anxiety, stress, and depression

• Lower blood pressure and more heart rate variability

• Decreased inflammation and improved immunity

• Greater emotional resilience and more positive outlook

• Higher quality of personal relationships

• Increased empathy, kindness and compassion

• Enhanced focus, creativity and performance

• Greater sense of meaning and life satisfaction

Finding Peace Within

“Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.” – William S. Burroughs

When one is in a peaceful state, the mind can resolve problems in a calm manner. You also have the advantage of connecting in the moment with spiritual ideas that may have a profound impact on your life. When life is chaotic it is hard to hear the whisper of God’s Spirit within, which guides us all on this journey called life. God’s Spirit can only be accessed in the moment, where all spiritual ideas form.

The key is staying in the moment. When your mind takes flight with thoughts about the future, or looks back on past regrets, you have lost touch with reality, which is in this very moment. This moment is all we have. This moment is where you will find your peace of mind. Staying in the moment puts you in a safe place of inner peace.

Being in the Present Moment:

• Pay attention to your breathing - notice each inhale and exhale.

• Engage your senses - observe sights, textures, smells, tastes around you.

• Focus on body sensations - note any feelings or aliveness in your hands, feet or heart.

• Listen attentively - be absorbed in sounds you hear.

• Observe thoughts nonjudgmentally - watch them arise and pass without following or attaching.

• Ask yourself "What do I notice right now?" - take inventory of this exact moment.

• Feel into any emotions - name what you’re feeling without judging it as good or bad.

• Silently name activities as you do them - washing dishes, walking, brushing teeth.

• Fully immerse in tasks - give complete focused attention.

• Catch your mind wandering - gently return focus to the now.

• Avoid multitasking - do one thing at a time.

• Limit distractions - reduce interruptions, alerts, planning.

The key to being in the moment is to gently guide your focus back to the present whenever it starts to drift. With regular practice you train the mind to reside more often in the richness of the present moment. Believe me, this practice takes time and effort. However, the benefits of inner-peace practice and staying in the moment is priceless. Finding inner peace will reap happiness and joy in your life.

By learning to still the turbulent waves of past worries, future projections, and fears, you will be more at peace in your world. This will take some effort in spiritual practices and living in loving presence. If you decide to do this, you will return to your natural state - peaceful, joyful, and serene. The quiet depths of your being offer a refuge from any storm. Journey inward to discover your sanctuary of peace waiting patiently to be unveiled. You deserve to live a life of serenity.

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road, a book that gently guides one to the power within and your purpose in life & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack, a spiritual book on dating and relationships.

Life coaching available.

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Please leave your ideas in the comments. I will answer any questions you may have. Please also feel free to contact me.

5 Ways to Overcome Obstacles During Challenging Times - Rachel Devine

Life inevitably brings ups and downs, obstacles arise, and plans go awry. How you respond when challenges test your resolve ultimately determines whether you overcome hurdles or get stuck. Maintaining faith, embracing positive thinking, giving thanks, and envisioning desired outcomes can help unlock inner strength and harness support to propel you through difficult periods. I always maintain that if we keep a positive attitude towards all things in life, inevitably a positive outcome will follow.

Ways to a Happy Life

According to Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, “Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness.” Seeing light within the darkness is key. Looking for the good that comes out of challenges is the key to happiness during challenging times.

The Power of Faith and Prayer

Connecting to the divine source provides comfort and courage to persevere. As pioneering American psychologist William James stated, “Religion...is a place of profound refuge in an otherwise harsh world.” Prayer or meditation can bring spiritual guidance on the path forward. I

Let go of trying to control everything; trust in divine order unfolding. Ask for the faith to navigate uncertainty and challenges with grace. Your situation may remain unchanged, but prayer can change you from the inside out. With prayer, you stay in the moment with peace, rather than lament negatively over a challenging situation.

Practicing Gratitude

It’s human nature to fixate on problems when struggling. Yet where attention goes, energy flows. By instead focusing on blessings and victories - however small - you summon more positive energy around you. Gratitude is magnetic. Look at all the things in your life that you have to be grateful for and focus on those blessings. As they say, “Count your blessings.”

Celebrated spiritual author Dr. Wayne Dyer encouraged meeting negativity with affirmations of thankfulness. “Constantly affirming the good that exists everywhere will cause it to expand and grow in your life,” he taught. The expansion is part of the law of attraction, as like attracts like. Dr. Dyer encourages us to water seeds of hope. Look for all the beauty of gratitude in your life. It is the equalizer when troubles arise.

Positive Visualization

Imagine yourself already emerging triumphant on the other side of current adversity. Envision the lesson, strength and renewed purpose this challenge will produce. Hold firm to this vision; your present belief can shape your future reality.

According to the law of attraction, maintaining positive expectations summons resources and synchronicities to transform difficult circumstances into growth and breakthroughs. Your mindset matters. Positive visualization is a very powerful tool to change the course of a challenge to a positive outcome. Just keep visualizing the perfect outcome you want. Also, look at some motivational quotes to help you get in a positive state.

Progress Through Persistence

Break overwhelming problems into addressable steps. Celebrate small advances; they build momentum. Persistence paired with faith in your vision manifests miracles. Reframe setbacks as learning curves to build grit and courage for the climb.

"Failure is success if we learn from it,” said Malcolm Forbes. Maintain resolve through the darkest nights; the dawn will come. New possibilities exist in each moment - capture them. Let challenges unlock your untapped potential.

With spiritual faith, positive thinking, expressions of gratitude, and unwavering persistence, you can transform trying times into openings for self-discovery and actualization of your highest self. Each challenge brings an opportunity for growth and lessons. For out of every challenge in life comes a lesson that is just what you need to learn. Look at your challenges as life lessons. Have courage; the path may be longer than hoped, but you will grow stronger with each step forward.

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.

Rachel Devine is available for Life Coaching.

Devine Intervention website.

If you have a comment or a question, please feel free to leave me a message in the comment section.

Benefits to Being Present in the Moment - Rachel Devine

Life unfolds in the current moment. Yet so often we mentally time-travel back to the past or into the future, missing the gift of the present. We look back on the past with regrets or look towards the future with worry. The one thing most of us forget is that the present moment is really all we have. The future is not promised to anyone, and the past is just an illusion in our minds that no longer exists. Being present in the moment has scientifically validated benefits for physical and mental well-being, as well as spiritual awakening. Let’s look at ways to practice being present. The present is the place where dreams become our reality.

Being present lowers stress

Stress often arises when attention fixates on regrets, future worries, or trying to control circumstances or problems. Research shows present-moment awareness activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing anxiety and lowering heart rate and blood pressure.

As Eckhart Tolle, the author of The Power of Now, advises, “The key is to have your attention on the now—not the problem, but the result you want.” Transform life’s moments by awakening to the richness available in your senses whenever you redirect focus to the present.

According to Eckhart Tolle, “Stress is caused by being ‘here’ but wanting to be ‘there.’ Centering in the now neutralizes stress by aligning how you feel with where you are. The present is all there ever is.

Boosts in Joy and Performance

Mindfulness boosts the production of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Brain scans reveal happier people exhibit more present-moment focus. Heightened attention also drives excellence by enhancing productivity, focus, and creativity.

"Wherever you are, be there totally." Eckhart Tolle

Immune System and Cellular Health

Studies link present-moment awareness to improved immunity and telomere length, a biomarker of longevity and health at the cellular level. Mindfulness appears to slow cellular aging through positive genetic changes influenced by decreased psychological stress. Anything you can do to decrease stress will benefit your health and wellness. Staying in the moment seems like a good option. However, it isn’t easy, and it does take some focused effort. But the benefits far outweigh the energy that you put into it.

Spiritual Awakening

Most mystical traditions teach that enlightenment unfolds in the ever-unfolding now. Being immersed in the eternal present brings glimpses of timeless consciousness and cultivating non-attachment. And one very important factor is this: The only place you can access your higher power, or God, is in the moment. God’s Spirit is never in the past or the future. God’s Spirit dwells within all of us, and connecting to that Spirit happens in the moment. When one connects with prayer, they are in the moment, in a sacred place of power. The power of prayer is beyond anyone’s scope, and yet it only happens in the moment.

As Louise Hay teaches, “A powerful way to stay conscious and present is to constantly remain aware of the energy in your hands.” In other words, bringing awareness to the sensations in the hands—slight pulsing, warmth, and tingling—gives you an energetic focal point to keep you present. By continually returning focus to actively noticing the "energy" or aliveness in the hands, it gives the busy mind something specific to pay attention to right now.

And all of this will make your life so much happier.

Ways to be Present

According to Dr. Wayne Dyer, "Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different." Refocusing on the present is a skill developed through practices like the following:

• Meditation: sit quietly, noticing your breath and sensations.

• Yoga: synchronize movement and breath together in the moment.

• Nature immersion: absorb sights, sounds, and smells fully.

• Conscious walking: feel each footstep, sync to your rhythm, and gaze at nature.

• Mindful eating: savor flavors and textures intently.

• Listening to music: be absorbed in the melody and beat.

• Arts and crafts channel focus into the creative process.

• Observing thoughts: watch them arise and pass without attachment.

• Daily routines: make activities like brushing your teeth mindful.

And remember, “This moment is all we have. Don’t believe me? Try to capture the previous moment or the future moment and change it.” Rachel Devine from The Third Road.

Life is too short to live in the past or worry about the future. Grab onto each moment. Moments turn into hours, hours to days, days to weeks, and before you know it, years are squandered away. Start living in the now.

 Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road.

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Step by Step Guide to Overcome Self Abandon & Foster Self-Care - Rachel Devine

Nurturing a caring relationship with yourself lays the foundation for improved mental and physical health, as well as greater fulfillment in relationships and work, which brings great happiness. Self-love and self-care allow you to operate from a full cup, rather than running on empty. Let’s look at some self-care strategies. This article answers the question, why is self-care important? Make loving yourself and attending to your needs a top priority with this self-care guide.

Understanding Self-Care

Self-care basically means taking care of yourself, even though you might have to take care of other people around you. Your family is very important, and you might have to take care of young children or an older parent. However, it is so important to find time to take care of yourself. You will be better able to take care of others if you take care of yourself first. There is a famous hypothetical question, “If the plane was going down, who would you put the oxygen mask on? And the answer is you would want to put the oxygen mask on yourself first, so you would be able to help others.”

Cultivating Self-Love as part of Self-Care

Set aside regular quiet time for positive self-reflection through journaling. Write down what you appreciate about yourself, including strengths, talents, and important personal qualities.

Let go of negative self-talk and limiting beliefs through affirmations of self-acceptance, forgiveness, and worthiness. Use affirmations like “I deeply love, accept, and appreciate myself just as I am.” Write out some positive affirmations, starting with, “I am” and post them around your home. Some examples are, I am worthy, I am confident, I am successful, etc.

Spend time alone doing activities you enjoy to reconnect with yourself, without pressure to please others. Discover more of who you are. I took a vacation for the first time, alone to Myrtle Beach, and was able to cultivate so much self-care, which brought me so much joy. It was an experience of a life-time for me and it made me feel worthy of my own self-love.

Do at least one act of self-love daily that you know will make your future self proud, like exercising, creating art, or giving yourself the gift of relaxation. You are worth the investment.

Ways to Practice Self-Care

Attending to your basic needs allows you to operate from a place of fullness rather than depletion. Regular self-care prevents burnout.

Essential self-care involves the following:

• Getting sufficient sleep to restore mind and body.

• Meditation and/or prayer.

• Eating nutritious foods that energize you.

• Staying hydrated and avoiding excessive alcohol.

• Exercising to reduce stress and boost immunity.

• Setting healthy boundaries around your time and energy.

• Making time for fun, play and creativity.

• Unplugging from technology to reconnect with yourself.

• Fostering uplifting social connections that replenish you.

• Expressing your needs and asking for support when required.

• Seeking professional help for any mental or physical health issues.

• Spending time with family or friends.

Prioritizing these foundations empowers you to then expand into more nourishments for body, mind and spirit.

Self-Care Plan

In addition to meeting your basic needs, regularly integrating nurturing activities enhances wellbeing and much happiness in your life. Explore what specific practices fill your cup, then make them part of your routine. Ideas include:

• Starting a gratitude journal to uplift perspective

• Taking relaxing baths by candlelight

• Getting massages and other therapeutic bodywork

• Spending time outdoors in nature

• Lighting candles and burning calming incense

• Listening to affirmations or meditations before bed

• Meditating or doing breathwork

• Trying stress-relieving yoga and stretching

• Cooking nourishing favorite meals

• Reading inspirational books

• Listening to uplifting music

• Dancing, zumba, singing, and moving freely

Make self-care practices an act of self-love. You deeply matter. Consistent nurturing care allows you to then powerfully care for others. It also allows you to open up to love others, especially romantic love. One must love themselves before they can love anyone else.

Through genuine self-love, prioritized self-care, and embracing your unique worth, you set the stage for health, happiness and deeper purpose, as well as meaningful relationships. These self-care tips are priceless. Incorporate a few of them in your life. You deserve nothing less.

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack, and is available for Life Coaching.

Devine Intervention Website

What is your best self-care practice? Please write your answer in the comments.

Cultivating Inner Peace: A Guide to Spiritual Growth - Rachel Devine

In our busy modern lives, it can be difficult to connect to our spiritual selves and find true inner peace and happiness. Most of us can’t seem to find time for growing spiritually. Yet caring for our spiritual health is just as important as physical and mental health. Spiritual leaders and great thinkers provide wisdom on ways we can grow spiritually and discover deeper fulfillment.

Find the Time

It’s crucial to find time to cultivate your spiritual growth. It will help transform your life. Even if you go in small steps of planting some seeds, by starting with spending 10 minutes in a room alone to open up the channels of spirituality in your life. The benefits will far outweigh the small amount of time you put into it.

Great Thinkers

Wayne Dyer encouraged focusing on raising your energy vibrations through meditation, reflection and conscious living. As he said, “There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way.”

Louise Hay recommends affirming self-love and worthiness to manifest joy. “As I say ‘yes’ to life, life says ‘yes’ to me.” Loving yourself unconditionally is the foundation for spiritual growth.

Carl Jung emphasized finding meaning and purpose. “Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” Discover your unique path.

Eckhart Tolle advocates living fully in each moment. “The only way to bring true healing to your body and mind is to return to the present moment.” Anchor yourself in the now.

Practice accepting everything just as it is and release judgment. As Jack Kornfield teaches, “Our capacity to love depends on our ability to embrace the whole.”

Inner Reflection

Make time for inner reflection with motivation quotes, through journaling, prayer or meditation. Inner reflection brings inner peace and joy.

Focus on gratitude in life and appreciate the blessings all around you. “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Spend time in nature and contemplate your connectedness. The writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson can be soothing. “In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows," wrote Emerson. Being in nature has a way of bringing so much joy.

With regular self-reflection and mindful living, you can access your inner spiritual wisdom. Cultivate happiness with inner peace by shifting to a more serene way of living. By opening your heart and finding peace within, you can continue growing into your highest self.

Living in the Moment

Living fully in each moment is key for spiritual development according to teachers like Eckhart Tolle. When we let our minds wander to the past or future, we miss the profound beauty and lessons available in the here and now.

Practicing mindfulness and meditation helps train your mind to become more present-centered. Set aside time each day to sit quietly, following your breath and releasing distracting thoughts. Stay anchored in your body and the sensations you feel right now.

As Thich Nhat Hanh said, “The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”

When you wash the dishes, shower, or take a walk, devote your full attention to the sights, sounds and feelings you experience. Even routine tasks become joyful when you immerse yourself in the here and now.

Eliminate distractions and be fully engaged when connecting with others. Make eye contact, actively listen, express gratitude. Every interaction is a spiritual gift.

Reflect on how even negative experiences can teach and heal if you embrace them with mindfulness. See the deeper purpose behind challenges.

Make your daily motivation to be fully awake and present. As Tolle said, “Wherever you are, be there totally. If you find your here and now intolerable and it makes you unhappy, you have three options: remove yourself from the situation, change it, or accept it totally.”

Benefits to a Spiritual State of Mind

• Reduces stress and anxiety. Meditation lowers cortisol levels, helping induce calm and clarity. Regular practice can make you more resilient to daily stressors.

• Promotes emotional health. Being present and mindful enhances self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Spiritual practices teach acceptance and compassion.

• Enhances focus and concentration. Meditation trains your mind to stay focused in the moment. This translates to better focus even during daily tasks.

• Provides sense of purpose. Spiritual connection brings a deeper sense of meaning and inner purpose. Understanding your place in the bigger picture gives motivation.

• Creates gratitude. A spiritual outlook develops appreciation for all that you have. Practicing gratitude daily enhances overall well-being.

• Improves sleep quality. Meditation can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. Feeling inner peace translate to better rest.

• Strengthens relationships. The empathy, acceptance and consciousness developed through spiritual practices improves your relationships.

• Supports overall health. Some studies link meditation and spiritual well-being to improved immunity, lower blood pressure and reduced inflammation.

Making time to regularly cultivate inner peace provides health benefits that encompass your physical, mental and emotional realms. Spiritual wellness is integral to overall health.

By incorporating more mindful presence into your life, you unlock the secrets and blessings contained in each moment. Your spiritual growth flourishes when anchored in the sacred now.

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.

6 Steps to Manifest Out-of-Reach Dreams: Create the Life you Imagine - Rachel Devine

We all have important dreams and desires - a rewarding career, financial abundance, loving relationships, and good health, may be one or two of your dreams. It doesn’t matter how old you are, we all have desires we want to manifest into our lives. Yet often these dreams seem out of reach. Ancient wisdom and modern techniques show that manifesting your dreams is possible by unlocking the power within your mind. The mind is more powerful than most people could ever dream of. Let’s explore all the possibilities and techniques of manifesting your dreams.

The Law of Attraction

The law of attraction states you attract whatever you focus on consistently. One way to start to manifest dreams is to deliberately shift your mindset to assume and feel that your desire is already a reality. This energy attracts matching circumstances. Affirmations, vision boards and mindfulness help actualize this inner world.

As Napoleon Hill said, “What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” The power is within you, to achieve anything you desire. Deliberately visualize only what you want, not what you don’t have.

The Power of Thinking Positively

Your conscious thoughts directly impact results. Monitor self-talk and replace negative views with uplifting, empowering positive views. Instead of saying “I can’t afford that,” say “I attract wealth and abundance.” Make positive affirmations a part of your inner dialogue. Motivational quotations can also help you gear your mind to a more positive state.

Wayne Dyer said “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” Reframe your mental filter to see the positive possibilities already surrounding you and relish in gratitude. The more grateful you are, the more you will have things to be grateful for.

Meditate with Intention

Meditation creates space to plant the seeds of desires in your subconscious mind. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take deep breaths. Vividly imagine your goal as already realized - engage all your senses and feel your joy with achieving your goal. This is especially powerful as you are falling asleep, since you are going from a conscious to an unconscious state, which is the state your subconscious mind can be influenced.

As Neville Goddard advised, “Lull yourself to sleep feeling you are, and you will be, the ideal you dream yourself to be.” Convince your subconscious mind through repetition.

Influence Your Subconscious Mind

Your subconscious thoughts account for up to 97% of mental activity and determines behaviors. Instilling dreams and beliefs in the subconscious mind allows them to take root and flourish. Techniques like affirmations, law of attraction, vision boards and creative visualization reprogram your subconscious mind to your desired goals.

As Neville Goddard said “Your future is already prepared, but its realization depends on the intensity of your desire.” Firmly impress your goals into your subconscious through focused intention. This will help you transform your life with new purpose.

Create a Vision Board

Collages of desired outcomes impress your subconscious mind. Post images, quotes, affirmations, and stickers on a board, or oak tag, that represents your goals. Hang your vison board in a place where you can easily view it. Gaze at this vision board often to crystallize your dreams into reality and relish in the feelings of having your dreams fulfilled. Let the visualized scenes inspire emotions as though they are already real and relish in the feelings of the wish fulfilled.

Manifestation Examples

Here are 3 examples of how people can manifest goals using the law of attraction and intentional visualization:

1. Landing a dream job

Visualize yourself already working at the ideal company in the perfect role. Cut out photos of the office, make vision boards with affirmations like, "I am grateful for my dream job,” and repeat them daily. Take small steps to raise your confidence like updating your resume. Live from the mindset that you're qualified for this job before you even apply.

1. Meeting your soulmate

Envision the loving relationship you want. Make a list of your ideal partner's qualities and imagine having deep conversations and fun activities with him or her. Look for opportunities to meet new people, approach online dating positively, and increase social engagements with an energy of attracting your soulmate. Act as you would if you were already in a fulfilling relationship.

1. Owning your dream car

Find photos of your desired car model and paste them in your home or vision board. Visualize driving this car, feeling exhilarated and accomplished, as you grip the steering wheel. Affirm daily while viewing the photos “I am enjoying the car of my dreams right now.” Take steps like saving money each month, or test driving models, to align your energy to manifest this. Know that you deserve this car and believe you can achieve it.

The key in each example is clearly defining the desire, conditioning your mindset to believe you already have it, taking aligned actions, and detaching from the outcome by knowing it will come. With focused intention and belief, you can manifest your goals using creative visualization and the law of attraction.

To really solidify your goal into reality, before you fall asleep at night, put one picture in your head of your goal or dream, then fall asleep with how it would feel to get the dream job, or meet your soulmate, or have the new car. It is the feelings that penetrate the subconscious mind, not the thoughts. Neville Goddard repeatedly tells us in his book, Feeling is the Secret, that the subconscious mind gets impressions from our feelings and then works to being those impressions to reality. Remember, the subconscious mind drives 97% of your actions, so it makes sense to impress upon the subconscious mind the feelings that will manifest your dreams.

In conclusion, manifesting requires transforming yourself into the person you already envision yourself to be. Condition your mindset with the law of attraction, positive affirmations, meditation and a vision board, in order to create the future you dream of. With concentrated intention on the dream, or goal you wish to obtain, and your belief in your power to create your future, your dreams will manifest into reality. Your dreams are really just a thought away.

Online Audio Course

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.

Devine Intervention website.

How to Manifest your dreams - is Rachel Devine’s online audio course that gives you a step-by-step guide in manifesting your dreams into reality.

If you have any questions, please contact me or post a question in the comments.

7 Statistics on Childhood Obesity: How this links to Adult Depression - Rachel Devine

Obesity afflicts over 40% of the adult population in the United States and is associated with significant health risks like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. But obesity also takes a heavy toll on mental health. Research shows being overweight can lead to depression and unhappiness, which in turn can trigger more overeating, fueling a vicious cycle. This vicious cycle is hard to turn off. Most people just want to be happy in life. Let’s explore this cycle and see how one can overcome this dilemma and be happy.

Studies on Obesity

Studies have found obese individuals are more likely to suffer from poor self-esteem, social isolation, and symptoms of depression, compared to the general population. An analysis in Obesity Reviews found that depression was 55% more likely in obese versus normal weight adults. There are several reasons obesity predisposes people to depression.

Excess weight often leads to negative body image, shame and self-criticism. Overweight people may experience social stigma, bullying or discrimination which undermine self-worth. Carrying excess weight can cause physical limitations and joint pain that reduce quality of life. Inflammation triggered by obesity may also contribute to chemical changes in the brain that disrupt mood.

Obesity and Depression

Depression resulting from obesity in turn promotes more overeating and weight gain. Depressed people often use food to self-medicate and boost serotonin levels temporarily. Comfort foods high in fat and sugar provide short-term mood relief. Binge eating provides distraction from negative emotions. Depression can also sap motivation needed to maintain healthy diet and exercise habits. This is one of the reasons newly depressed individuals often experience rapid weight gain. Depression medication can also cause weight gain. Reducing sugar and carbohydrates are key to losing weight. Reducing them in your diet can help not only help weight loss, but also lessen inflammation in the body, which causes a slew of health issues, including joint pain.

A case study described in Eating Behaviors examined Emma, a 28-year-old obese woman with major depression and binge eating disorder. Emma traced her weight gain to gaining over 100 pounds during a period of depression after a breakup in college. She continued bingeing to find relief from intense self-loathing about her size. This exemplifies how obesity sparked depression, and depression-fueled overeating caused further obesity. It becomes a vicious cycle.

Fortunately, counseling, or a life coach, and lifestyle changes can help restore mental health and reverse this vicious cycle. Getting regular exercise, adopting a balanced diet, pursuing interests, and developing a social support system are all protective against both obesity and depression. With proper treatment, patients like Emma can achieve lasting weight loss along with reducing depression.

Obesity and depression fuel each other through a complex bidirectional relationship. Obesity predisposes people to developing unhappiness and clinical mood disorders. Meanwhile, resulting depression and poor self-image often trigger compensatory overeating, which worsens obesity. Recognizing this link is key to designing more effective weight loss and mental health treatment plans.

Healthy Eating Plan

A healthy eating plan is so important. Fresh fruit and vegetables might sound boring, but if you choose the ones you really like you can create delicious dishes. For instance, I love spinach, so I saute spinach and garlic with olive oil. Then I add some grilled chicken and I have a healthy dish. I also make a healthy turkey based chili. For dessert, I love a blueberry keto cobbler or some dark chocolate, without sugar in it. Cutting down drastically on carbohydrates and sugar has given me more energy and helped me feel better overall and I am totally pain free.

Here are some fascinating key statistics on childhood obesity rates in the United States:

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the obesity rate for children aged 2-19 years in the U.S. is 18.5% as of 2018. This translates to around 14.4 million obese children.

• Breaking it down by age, around 13.4% of 2-5 year olds, 20.3% of 6-11 year olds, and 21.2% of 12-19 year olds were obese in 2018 based on CDC data.

• Obesity rates in children are on the rise. In the 1970s, only about 5% of U.S. children aged 2-19 were obese. Rates have nearly quadrupled since then.

• Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey show that severe obesity among youth has also risen significantly from 3.8% in 1988-1994 to 6.1% in 2015-2016.

• Obesity disproportionately affects some racial/ethnic groups. In 2018, around 11% of Asian American youth were obese, compared to 14% of white, 25% of Latino, and 22% of black youth.

• A study in Pediatrics found that children who were overweight or obese between ages 3–5 had 4 times higher odds of being obese at age 12 compared to normal weight children. So childhood obesity often persists into adolescence and adulthood.

• Estimates suggest annual healthcare costs associated with childhood obesity are around $14 billion in the U.S. Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes from an early age.

In summary, childhood and adolescent obesity is a major public health crisis in America that appears to be worsening over time. Obviously, childhood obesity morphs into adult obesity. So, it makes sense to start a child’s life off with good eating habits. Addressing this epidemic is crucial for improving long-term health outcomes for the future.

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.

Visit my website with online courses, books and uplifting quotations.

Please put in the comments any questions you may have.

5 Ways to Find Happiness, Peace & Purpose in a Broken World - Rachel Devine

Life can often feel busy, stressful and chaotic. On certain days, life can go in many directions, often finding yourself in a multitasking environment. With so many responsibilities and worries, it can be difficult to feel truly content, peaceful and happy on the inside. Chaos seems to be more of the order of the day, than calm. We come to a point where our life morphs from each moment, to an hour, to a day, to months and then years and before long when we look back we don’t see much meaning rather than our daily routine. However, there are many effective ways to cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and calmness in your daily life.

Live in the Present

One of the most important keys to happiness is to live more fully in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Practice mindfulness by paying attention to the sights, sounds, sensations, and emotions you are experiencing right now. Studies show that mindfulness can reduce anxiety, improve focus and heighten enjoyment of life's little pleasures.

Set aside 10 minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breathing. When your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to the present. You may be surprised at how calm, clear and refreshed this makes you feel. Sitting quietly for 10 minutes can rejuevenate your whole day with peace.

Find Purpose and Meaning

Finding purpose and meaning is extremely rewarding. Identify causes, hobbies or volunteering opportunities that excite you and allow you to use your talents to make a difference in the world. Seeing how you positively impact others will give you a sense of significance. Whatever you love doing can be transformed to your purpose in life, as long as it benefits mankind in some way.

Look for meaning in small acts too - creating a beautiful meal for your family, playing a board game with your kids, or brightening a co-worker's day with a compliment. Even simple connections with family or friends can instill a sense of purpose.

One of my favorite quotes is from Harold Kushner.

“Our souls are hungry for meaning, for the sense that we have figured out how to live so that our lives matter, so that the world will be at least a little bit different for our having passed through it.”

You can also take, What’s my Purpose in Life Quiz? This quiz will help you determine your purpose in life.

Take Care of Your Body

Our physical health and mood are intricately connected. Make taking care of your body a priority. Try to eat a balanced, nutritious diet, drink enough water, get 7-8 hours of sleep nightly and exercise regularly. Consider adding mind-body practices like yoga, which lowers stress and induces calm. dWhen your physical health improves, your happiness does too.

Cultivate Gratitude

Practicing gratitude transforms pessimism into optimism and reminds you of the blessings in your life. You may adapt a more positive outlook. Make a daily list of at least five things you are grateful for - from your family to your pet canary to clean drinking water. Express thankfulness and appreciation to others often. Also, express that appreciation to others, by simply saying, thank you. This simple act keeps you focused on the bright side of life. A study from the Mayo Clinic on gratitude show positive results to our mental and physical wellness.

Meditation Practice

Daily meditation helps train your mind to tune into inner peace. Find a quiet space, get comfortable and close your eyes. Focus on your inhales and exhales for 10 minutes - if your mind wanders, gently return focus to your breath. Picture yourself in a place that makes you feel happy and just rest in this place for a few minutes. You have the choose to make meditation as deep as you want or as simple as you want. With regular practice, meditation reduces anxiety and negative self-talk while boosting self-awareness and attention. Meditation connects you to an inner core of calm and serenity that you can access anytime.

In conclusion, by intentionally living in the present, finding deeper meaning in your activities, taking care of your health, cultivating an attitude of gratitude and meditating, you can unlock sustainable happiness and inner peace. The daily habits that nurture your spiritual, mental and physical well-being will allow you to weather life's ups and downs with optimism, joy and tranquility.

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.

Devine Intervention

Please leave your comments or contact me with any questions.

What is the Secret to Happiness? With Secret of Happiness Quotes - Rachel Devine

What is the secret to lasting happiness? Ancient wisdom and modern research point to inner peace and purpose above all else. Living in with gratitude is also part of living a happy life. Here are insights from influential figures on the art of living a joyful life. Let’s relish in, the secret to happiness quotes and some wise words of wisdom. The secret of happiness is freedom to live the life you imagined. The question remains, what is the secret to happiness.

The Secret to Happiness Quotes:

Here Lao Tzu suggests that happiness comes from a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. Instead of craving for more, appreciating what we already have allows us to feel an expansive sense of joy and belonging.

Lao Tzu was the founder of Taoism and his teachings encouraged simplicity, compassion, moderation, and humility as the pathways to wisdom and fulfillment. Reflecting on his inspirational quotes can provide guidance on achieving greater happiness and alignment. Finding happiness is easy when you have the tools you need.

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." Lao Tzu

"Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." Lao Tzu

"If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present." Lao Tzu

This important quote on happiness emphasizes the importance of living in the moment to find inner peace and contentment. Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future are obstacles to experiencing happiness.

More Happiness Quotes

The common theme across Dr. Wayne Dyer's wisdom is that letting go of judgment, embracing the present, following your purpose, and spreading love, all hold the true keys to unlocking lasting inner joy and peace. Focus on cultivating happiness where you are right now.

"The key is knowing that you will never be satisfied with how things could have been, should have been, or might have been, but only with things being exactly as they are in this moment." - Wayne Dyer

The secret of living is giving. Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present." - Wayne Dyer

"Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice." - Wayne Dyer

"Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life." - Wayne Dyer

The common theme across Dyer's wisdom is that letting go of judgment, embracing the present, following your purpose, and spreading love, which hold the true keys to unlocking lasting inner joy and peace. Focus on cultivating happiness where you are right now.

Lasting Fulfillment

Lasting fulfillment is not handed to you. It is cultivated through intentional practices and mindset shifts that foster peace, purpose and positivity. Happiness results from what you choose to focus on and how you respond to life's ups and downs.

Happiness is not simply a byproduct, but the whole point of our life's endeavor. When actions align with your true purpose, happiness arises naturally. Joy is the compass that guides you to your most authentic self.

What is the Secret to Happiness Quotes:

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer

“To fall in love with yourself is the first secret of happiness.” Robert Morley

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people.” Albert Einstein

“Happiness is an inside job.” William Arthur Ward

“You are as happy as you make up your mind to be.” Abraham Lincoln

Happiness fuels motivation, resilience and creativity better than external achievement. Doing what you love breed's optimism and drive. Inner joy is the cornerstone of having a purpose in life and living the life you dreamed of.

Ways to Experience Happiness

There are countless ways to experience the happiness within:

• Show compassion to all beings and look for ways, big or small, to help others.

• Spend time in nature and appreciate the beauty surrounding you.

• Immerse yourself fully in activities that ignite your passion.

• Share laughter, intimacy and vulnerability in your closest relationships.

• Express gratitude daily for all of life's many gifts, even basic comforts.

• Discover your purpose in life.

At the end of the day, the most important secret to happiness is love. "Happiness is love. Nothing more, nothing less," explained author Genevieve Gerard. Radiating love and joy to those around you not only spreads light - it fills your own heart to the brim.

So how will you uncover greater happiness starting today? Focus less on what's missing, and more on abundance, and simple acts of service, authentic human connections, immersed creativity, still moments of wonder, and conscious appreciation. Your purpose is right here, right now, waiting patiently to reveal the joy within. All you have to do is focus on it. Remember, you are as happy as you make up your mind to be.

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.

Devine Intervention

Unlocking the Secret to True Happiness Rachel Devine

The pursuit of happiness is a universal human endeavor. Philosophers, scientists, spiritual leaders, and psychologists have long studied the foundations of a happy, fulfilling life. Practices that foster positivity and peace of mind lead to benefits for physical, mental, and social wellbeing. The following questions seek answers and can benefit our life. What is the secret to happiness? How to find peace of mind and happiness? Can quotes about finding happiness again help us?

And most importantly, can we transform our life by being happy?

Let’s explore all of these questions:

Insights on Happiness from Ancient Philosophy

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle believed happiness results from aligning life with virtue and cultivating our best human qualities through reason. He taught that happiness depends on living “a certain kind of life...the life of virtue lived to the best of one's abilities.”

Plato also tied happiness to virtue and justice. He felt a balanced, moderate life avoiding excess or deficits represented the good life. Plato believed the soul's wisdom and uniqueness allowed one to find contentment.

The philosopher Socrates connected happiness to self-knowledge, writing “The unexamined life is not worth living.” He felt true fulfillment comes from within through honest reflection, cultivation of character, and realizing our human potential.

Of all three of these philosophies, I would say I like Socrates the best. Self-knowledge and knowing true fulfillment comes within, really resonates for me.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits

Modern research confirms that happy people enjoy measurable physical and psychological health advantages. A large Harvard study found the most cheerful individuals had a 50% lower risk of developing diabetes compared to their more unhappy peers.

Data from the famous Nun Study linked positive emotions to a significantly reduced risk of Alzheimer’s Disease later in life. Therapeutic techniques that improve mood have even shown promise helping treat chronic pain.

On the mental health front, multiple studies link higher happiness levels to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. MRIs reveal elevated activity in brain areas governing positive emotions like optimism and sociability when people describe happiness inducing experiences.

Spiritual Dimensions of Happiness

Most world religions integrate happiness and spiritual enlightenment, with practices like meditation, prayer, kindness, and gratitude, that is believed to align one with the Divine plan for life.

Buddhism teaches the path to true happiness requires taming negative mental states and attachments through spiritual disciplines. Yoga and Vedanta philosophies also connect lasting bliss to self-realization and transcendence of the limited egoic self.

In Christianity, Jesus encouraged generosity and charity towards others, especially the poor and outcast of society. Caring for one's neighbors and loving others were central to his messages about finding purpose and ultimately happiness.

The following are the philosophies of Jesus:

• Jesus stressed humility, honesty, and integrity over pride, status, or public reputation. Jesus believed living virtuously in accordance with divine truth led to inner peace.

• Christ emphasized faith in God and living in alignment with His will as essential for contentment. He describes himself as "the way, the truth, and the life" in John 14:6. A personal relationship with Jesus is considered the door to eternal happiness.

• Jesus also said, the Kingdom of God is within you, and about inner transformation has being more important than material and outward circumstances. Looking inward is where lasting joy begins.

Living in harmony with spiritual values provides a sense of meaning essential for enduring inner peace and joy. Seeking happiness only through material success or pleasure is viewed as limited compared to spiritual fulfillment.

Quotes and Affirmations

Reading inspirational quotes on the secret to happiness helps reframe perspectives on life's challenges. Uplifting statements can energize positive emotions and outlook.

Similarly, reciting affirmations centered on joy, confidence, gratitude, resilience, and purpose, stimulates the mind's innate powers to manifest the repeated thoughts over time.

Happiness depends greatly on mindset and intentional focus. Inspirational quotes and affirmations direct consciousness in ways that breed optimism and fulfillment.

The Secret of Finding Happiness

The ancient wisdom and mounting research reveals that happiness fundamentally arises from within. While circumstantial factors affect mood, true and lasting contentment results from intentionally cultivating virtues, practicing presence through spiritual disciplines, serving others, using affirmations, and choosing positivity in all situations. By living purposefully and authentically aligning thought and action with your highest values, you hold the key to unlocking the inner joy that surpasses circumstance.

In summary, the secret to happiness, is really an inside job. Abraham Lincoln said, “We are only as happy as we make up our mind to be.” And, Norman Vincent Peale said, “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” The pursuit of happiness is always searched from outside of ourselves, when all along happiness is within us as a spiritual realm, and just needs to be ignited by our thoughts and actions.

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.

Devine Intervention

Please leave your comments on what makes you happy in life or anything that is on your mind or if you have any questions.

The Power of Gratitude to Change your Life Rachel Devine

Gratitude is more than just saying thank you. Regularly cultivating and expressing gratitude has been shown in research to provide far-reaching physical, psychological, spiritual and social benefits. By focusing on blessings, rather than what is lacking, gratitude fosters optimism, strengthens relationships, improves health, and enhances overall happiness. The benefits of a gratitude practice is priceless. The power of gratitude is essential to happiness and living an optimistic life. A positive thought process will reap a positive life experience. Practicing daily gratitude will promote better health, well-being, relationships, spirituality, and so much more.

Let’s explore the benefits of practicing gratitude:

Physical Health Booster

Studies link gratitude practices with better biomarkers like improved sleep, lower blood pressure, and reduced inflammatory cytokines that contribute to heart health risks. Sincere appreciation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering stress hormones like cortisol that can damage health if chronically elevated.

In a pioneering UC Davis study, subjects who journaled on gratitude experiences for two weeks showed a significant increase in biomarkers associated with health in comparison to control groups. Keeping a gratitude journal emerges as an easy but potent habit of many benefits.

Mental Well-being

Gratitude changes perspective from scarcity to abundance by redirecting focus towards already present gifts rather than what is lacking in their life. This positive reorientation has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, elevate mood, and increase happiness by over 25%, according to research from Positive Psychology pioneer Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky.

Oprah Winfrey, a vocal proponent of gratitude practices, reflected “I know for sure that appreciating whatever shows up for you in life changes your entire experience of life.” Intentionally recognizing reasons for thankfulness, even during challenges, provides mental strength and resilience. And remember, gratitude and happiness quotes are also a fun way to keep gratitude growing.

Relationship Bonds

Expressing thankfulness fosters stronger social bonds by making others feel valued and appreciated. Gratitude helps diffuse conflicts and facilitates connection through authentic positive communication. Studies demonstrate that regularly voicing genuine appreciation to partners, friends, and family deepens bonds.

Bestselling author Brené Brown wisely noted that “Joy comes to us everyday as a gift. The longer we can hold onto it, the more we can take time to appreciate it, the more that joy expands.” The joy expands because of the principals of the law of attraction. Shared joyous moments are doubled when expressed with gratitude.

Life Purpose and Meaning

Gratitude helps uncover meaning in life’s mundane moments by focusing attention on the gift of simply being alive. Even basic needs like food, shelter, or nature’s beauty become profound when received gratefully. Practicing gratitude brings heightened awareness to purpose and blessings.

Holocaust survivor and renowned author Viktor Frankl highlighted the essential power of gratitude and meaning in his classic book, Man’s Search for Meaning: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances.” Gratitude provides freedom and can propel you to change your future course in life.

Doorway to Spirituality

For many spiritual traditions, gratitude sits at the heart of connection to the Divine. Expressing thankfulness for life's gifts cultivates humility and compassion. Regular gratitude meditations and prayers can facilitate a deeper relationship with God or existence itself.

Gratitude expressed in prayers in Islam, Catholicism, Christianity, Judaism and many more faiths, as a posture of humble appreciation, invokes peace and grace. Even non-religious individuals may experience transcendent moments of awe and grace through gratitude practices. Practicing daily gratitude is a form of graceful prayer and a blessing to all who cultivate gratitude in their life. Gratitude can help lead one to a life of humility and spirituality, when practicing gratitude daily.

Simple Habits

Gratitude is available to all through simple habits like beginning each day by listing a few things you are thankful for, saying grace before meals, keeping a gratitude journal, writing thank you notes, and meditating on moments of blessing. Consciously appreciating the people, experiences, and basic comforts that comprise your life opens the doorway to greater wholeness.

When you extend an act of kindness, endorphins are set off in the body, that have benefits of less pain and reduces stress and improves your sense of well-being. It not only benefits you with higher endorphins, but the person you are kind to and the person who is watching the act of kindness.

By changing your mindset from lack to abundance through gratitude, you gain a powerful perspective that research confirms provides tangible physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. The more good we notice, the more good grows. Centering in gratitude transforms life.

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.

Devine Intervention

Let me know in the comments what you are grateful for today.

How to Overcome Your Midlife Crisis: 7 Tips for Turning Your Life Around - Jennifer Scott

Turning 40 can feel like a milestone in our lives, a point where we pause and reflect on what we've accomplished and where we're headed. For some, this reflection can lead to feelings of anxiety and unhappiness. It's important to remember that these emotions are normal, and many people experience a midlife crisis. If you're feeling stuck, know that there are ways to turn your life around and start feeling fulfilled again. Below, Devine Intervention shares 7 tips for overcoming your midlife crisis and finding your path forward.

Invest in Online Courses

Sometimes, it's easy to ignore the root causes of our unhappiness and continue living in a state of complacency. To combat this, consider investing in online courses that encourage you to dig into what's making you unhappy. Many platforms offer courses on self-discovery, goal-setting, and mindfulness. These courses can help you get to the root of your problems and create a plan to address them.

Embrace a Healthier Lifestyle

Your physical and mental health are intertwined, and investing in healthy lifestyle habits can help you improve both. Exercise is a great way to release tension and endorphins, which can improve your mood. It's also important to eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and avoid unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking.

Try Something New and Daring

Sometimes, our daily routines can become stale and uneventful. Doing something adventurous can help break that monotony and give us a fresh perspective on life. Whether it's bungee jumping, skydiving, or traveling to a new country, challenge yourself to try something new and exciting.

Add Some Greenery to Your Space

Houseplants are great for bringing nature indoors and reaping the benefits of spending time in nature. Research shows that houseplants can improve air quality, reduce stress, and boost your mood. Even if you're not an experienced gardener, starting small with low-maintenance plants is a simple way to enhance your living space and enjoy the perks of nature.

Find the Humor Where You Can

Laughter truly is the best medicine, as it has been proven to have numerous physical and mental health benefits. Incorporating humor into your life can help you feel happier and more connected to others. Whether it's through enjoying stand-up comedy, watching funny movies, or spending time with friends who make you laugh, finding ways to incorporate laughter into your daily routine can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.

Self-Help Books Really Help

There's no shortage of books on the market that address midlife crises. Reading about the experiences of others, such as the tactics they employed to overcome their own challenges, can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. By adding some of these books to your reading list, you can not only gain valuable knowledge and strategies but also feel less alone during this difficult time.

Give Your Career a Boost

If you're feeling stuck in your career and unsure of what steps to take next, it may be time to take a look at your education options. Pursuing an online degree program in education can provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to shift your career in a new direction. With the flexibility of online learning, you can balance your job responsibilities while also working toward your educational goals, setting you up for success in your next career move. Take a look at this option today and start paving the way for a fulfilling future.

Remember, a midlife crisis is a normal part of the human experience. You don't have to feel stuck or unfulfilled for the rest of your life. By investing in healthy lifestyle habits, challenging yourself, exploring new opportunities, and more, you can overcome your midlife crisis and create a fulfilling life. Don't be afraid to seek support from friends and professionals along the way. It's never too late to make a change and create the life you deserve.

Jennifer Scott is a talented contributor to Devine Intervention Blogs

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Find Your Happy Place and Uncover Inner Joy -Rachel Devine

Life presents many external stresses and challenges that can negatively impact our sense of peace and wellbeing. Even our routine day becomes mundane and doesn’t give one much to be happy about. Finding your happy place is worth exploring. We have the power to cultivate a “happy place” within ourselves, no matter what is happening externally. Finding your happy place provides a source of calm, contentment, and respite that promotes better mental and physical health. Inner peace and happiness awaits you as we explore our happy place.

Let’s go to your happy place.

What is a Happy Place?

A happy place is an imagined realm inside your mind where you feel completely at ease, fully at peace, and enveloped in warmth. It is a place that you find joy and happiness. It is someplace special where you know you are safe. It is a sanctuary you can access through visualization and meditation. Some describe it as a serene garden, a favorite nature setting, or even an abstraction like a sea of light. Other’s find their happy place at the beach or a lake-house. And some might find their happy place in the mountains or in another country. It can be a place you visited before, or a place where you would like to visit and you imagine it in your mind in full detail. As an example, my happy place is lying under hundreds of cherry blossom trees. I actually had the opportunity to have a blissful experience at the Botanical Gardens and never forgot the immense feeling of peace under those beautiful pink trees. Your happy place is whatever brings you profound inner joy.

Your Happy Place Benefits

Accessing your inner temple has been shown to decrease stress, anxiety, blood pressure, and perceived pain. It also boosts mood, creativity, confidence, and emotional resilience. Neuroimaging confirms that envisioning your happy place activates brain areas linked to relaxation and positive emotions. Therefore, finding your happy place can reap health benefits.

Even a few minutes of escaping inward to your sanctuary during stressful times can quickly bring relief and renewal. Also a few minutes in your place of bliss, during a work break, can help you be more creative when you return to work. It will help you feel more refreshed and perhaps more energetic. Make visiting your happy place a daily practice and you may see notable improvements in overall wellbeing.

Finding Your Happy Place

There are no rules on what form your happy place should take. Experiment with different visualization techniques to discover what works best. Also try adding in soothing music or essential oil aromas. The key is genuinely feeling the tranquility and bliss of being there.

Author Dr. Sarah Bamford Seidelmann suggests asking yourself questions like "Where do you feel safest? Where are you surrounded by beauty? Where do you feel loved?" Famous meditation guru, Deepak Chopra, advises focusing on memories of joyful moments as inspiration. Dr. Wayne Dyer said, “Happiness is something that you are, and it comes from the way you think. The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of the state of your mind.” Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that going to your happy place on a regular basis will in turn bring happiness and joy into your life. Afterall, happines is a reflection of our state of mind.

Using Your Imagination

Life’s demands sometimes stress us out, but you can always return to stillness within. There is no better medicine than your own inner temple of peace and contentment. Using your imagination to find your happy place is the way to journey into joy. Become the architect of your ultimate happy place. When you need refuge, retreat inward to this portable sanctuary and feel tension dissolve. Your happy place is always accessible and getting in the habit of going there, will help you reap enormous benefits. Even sitting at a red light, can give you a minute to enter into your inner calm.

In conclusion, we can go anywhere in the world, in our imagination, and feel a deep sense of peace. Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” These are great words of wisdom. Regularly visiting your inner sanctum, through mindful meditation, allows you to return to a state of calm and happiness, empowering you to manage life’s ups and downs from a more stable foundation. Return to your inner sanctuary - your happy place awaits you.

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.

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How to be Happy when Depressed: 9 Ways to Boost Your Mood - Rachel Devine

When you're struggling with depression, happiness can feel elusive and unattainable. The emotional gloom of depression make it extremely challenging to find any joy. The question is, how to be happy when depressed? There are ways to incrementally improve your mood, even if overwhelmed by the darkness of depression. Implementing small positive changes and accessing support can help lift the fog of despondency bit by bit. Finding your own happiness, finding true happiness, can be achieved, even if you are feeling the blues.

Let’s look at 9 ways to feel happy again.

Start Small

When depressed, even basic tasks can seem monumental. Just to get out of the house can seem like climbing a mountain. When thinking about getting something accomplished, introduce it in your mind as small incremental steps. Try to break down goals into tiny steps and celebrate small successes. Simply getting out of bed, showering, or eating a snack are accomplishments during depressive episodes. Keep focused on positive thoughts, forgoing the thoughts of ruminating with the depression itself. Appreciate any positive step forward. Feed your mind positive happiness quotes, that can help ease some of the darkness.

Track Your Progress

Journaling about your moods, diet, sleep patterns, and activities can reveal insights on factors impacting your happiness. Keep a journal to track what is happening in your day-to-day life. When you notice improvements, even minuscule ones, review your journal to determine what is helping. Awareness of what brightens your darkness points will steer you in the right direction.

Get a Support System

Speaking honestly about your struggles with a compassionate friend, family member, or mental health professional provides emotional relief. Feeling heard and understood is uplifting. Getting feedback can also motivate you to keep implementing changes. Ask loved ones to regularly check in on you. Additionally, there are groups out there that act as a community to help those with depression, like Emotions Anonymous, which is a 12-step program. You can meet new friends who have similar depression issues and have a support system of people to talk to.

Try Natural Mood Boosters

Some natural boosters are, being out in sunshine, exercise, music, comedy, uplifting books, pets, nature walks, prayer, yoga, healthy eating, and other relaxing hobbies enhance well-being. While not cure-alls, implementing mood-boosting activities repeatedly inspires consistent small boosts of endorphins, the hormone that helps improve your mood.

Social Connection

Loneliness and isolation feed depression. While being social feels difficult when depressed, finding ways to regularly connect and laugh with others provides mood relief, even if via a short phone call or texting with a friend. Shared joy is doubled joy. And sometimes we need to push ourselves a little bit to socialize when feeling down. It is said that a day out with a friend can be extremely beneficial.

Diet & Emotional well-being

According to this Harvard Medical School article, entitled diet & depression, diet plays a role on our mental state. Fruit, vegetables, whole grain, fish, olive oil, low-fat dairy and antioxidants help lower the risk of depression. From my own experience, sugar and carbohydrates cause inflammation, which in turn can bring on depression and pain in the body. The ideal diet of choice is the Mediterranean diet, which is also a heart healthy diet.

Get Professional Help

It is always suggested to contact a mental health expert regarding counseling, medication options, holistic remedies and lifestyle changes tailored to your symptoms. While not an instant fix, getting the right professional support empowers your ability to progress through the darkness in the healthiest way.

Practice Gratitude

When depressed, we primarily fixate on negatives which reinforces despair. Making an effort to notice and reflect upon any blessings, comforts, or simple pleasures cultivates gratitude. Countering negative tunnel vision with thankfulness, however small, generates light. Additionally, finding some purpose in your life, something you love doing like art, writing or a slew of other things, can help get out of the doldrums. You can transform your life with purpose.

Take it One Day at a Time with Prayer

View your situation as temporary and take one day at a time. This brings the situation down to size. Viewing every challenge through the lens of depression distorts obstacles to seem insurmountable. Tackle one step at a time, and one day at a time. Additionally, prayer is such a soulful way to bring hope into your world. Prayer is like shinning light on the darkness. You might want to also meditate on being in your happy place. Just sit and imagine yourself in the most perfect setting that brings a smile to your face. And celebrate any success, no matter how small. Remember depression often skews perception - with support and patience, the path ahead will open up. As they say, “This too shall pass.”

In conclusion, while depression cannot be instantly cured, implementing small changes with regularity can ease the sadness, and even bring some happy moments to your life. Social support, tracking progress, finding relief in simple joys, professional help, gratitude, prayer, and focusing on what’s going right, all let light gradually infuse the darkness. Have hope in the fact that at a certain point - you will feel better.

Mental Health Support

Suicide Hotline Phone Number 988 & Website

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.

Please leave your comments below or contact me.

The Power of Positive Affirmations - Rachel Devine

I am_________________?

Positive thinking affirmations are simple statements declaring self-empowering beliefs that can profoundly impact your mind and life. Repeating uplifting affirmations over time can effectively undo limiting negative programming and create lasting positive change. Creating positive affirmations can literally transform your life by changing from a negative mindset to a positive mindset. If your thoughts are positive it will empower your life to go in a positive direction on all levels. This can ultimately evoke happiness in your life.

World-renowned spiritual leader Louise Hay popularized the practice of affirmations. As a survivor of childhood abuse, Hay discovered firsthand the incredible power of affirmations to alter self-image and life circumstances for the better.

As Louise Hay explains, “affirmations reprogram the subconscious mind and alter the software that affects how we experience the world.” She was a genius when it comes to positive affirmations, writing a book on affirmations called, “You Can Do It.” Bestselling author and speaker Tony Robbins also advocates affirmations as a tool to “invoke the principles and practices of affirmative thought in your life.” And this can ultimately transform your life with purpose.

Train The Subconscious Mind

The conscious mind can only hold a limited amount of information and focus. In contrast, the subconscious stores a vast reservoir of information, past experiences, associations, beliefs, and emotions that drive most behavior and life outcomes without our awareness. The subconscious mind is like a memory card that is in a computer, holding all the experiences you ever had in your life. Your life is driven by your subconscious mind by 97%. Therefore, it makes sense to feed it positive thoughts.

Unfortunately, many subconscious beliefs become negative and disempowering, often stemming from past traumas or cultural conditioning in our childhood. Affirmations work by consciously and repeatedly introducing new positive beliefs into the subconscious. Over time, the positive messaging overrides the negative to create lasting transformations.

Neuroscience shows that the brain struggles to differentiate between real and vividly imagined experiences. With consistency, the conscious repetition of positive affirmations is absorbed by the subconscious mind as its new reality. And this positivity can become your reality and create your future. Remember, your subconscious mind is in control of your life.

Overcoming Negative Thoughts

By filling your mind with positive self-talk through affirmations, you can overwrite old mental programs causing feelings of unworthiness, fear or limitation. It helps to offset the negative incessant thoughts that daily bombard our mind.

For example, some positive affirmations include statements like “I have infinite self-worth and value” or “I love myself.” Focusing daily on such uplifting mantras helps release old hurts and shift into self-acceptance.

As motivational speaker Zig Ziglar said, “Affirmations take the place of the junk that so often fills our minds; they lift our spirits and boost our energy.”

Aligning Goals

Affirmations work best when they align your mindset with your desired situation or goals. Affirming your abilities, creativity, positivity, financial success or loving relationships primes your subconscious to support manifestation of the reality you seek.

Comedic actor Jim Carrey famously outlined his future success via affirmation as a struggling young comic. By visualizing and affirming his fame and wealth daily even pre-stardom, Carrey created the mindset to realize superstar status once opportunities arose. Jim Carrey literally was able to create the life he imagined.

Uplifting Affirmations

To implement positive daily affirmations, use this practice of creating 5-10 positive “I am...” statements reflecting your hopes, goals and dreams as a visualization. Remember to resonate with the feelings of the affirmations as true. Over time, monitor how these intentional thoughts bloom into reality.

For example, here are some, “I am” affirmations:

I am loved

I am successful

I am financially secure

I am beautiful

I am worthy

I am healthy

Create your own list and say these affirmations often in your day. You can also write them out on sticky notes and put them in a place you can see them, as a reminder to say them out loud.

By filling your consciousness with positivity, confidence, health, prosperity and purpose via regular affirmations, you enable the mind to make them come into your reality. In the words of pioneering psychologist William James, “Our belief at the beginning of a doubtful undertaking is the one thing that ensures the successful outcome.” Let affirmations unlock your unlimited potential. Positive affirmations for work, success, financial security, relationships, friends, or anything you choose, will help you in all areas of your life.

Neville Goddard said in his book, Feeling is the Secret, “Every feeling makes a subconscious impression and, unless it is counteracted by a more powerful feeling of an opposite nature, it must be expressed.” In other words, the feeling of what you want to feed your subconscious mind is what activates the subconscious mind to bring it to reality. Therefore, as you fall asleep each night, resonate with the feelings of being financially secure, or healthy or successful or whatever you want to resonate with in order to manifest your dreams into reality. One thing is for sure, your subconscious mind is navigating 97% of your life daily. It makes sense to feed it positive affirmations in order to create a positive life.

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack. Please check out my new online audio step by step course on, “How to Manifest your Dreams.”

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Please let me know what positive affirmation resonates for you. If you have any questions, please let me know, and I will respond to you or you can contact me.

Finding Happiness Within Yourself - Rachel Devine

Finding Happiness Within Yourself

Finding happiness within yourself will be one of the most rewarding things you can do in life. At the end of the day, if you have a foundation of inner happiness, then the outer world cannot penetrate that happiness. The key is to get to a point where, no matter what happens in life, you will be steady in your inner world. You might ask yourself, how do I find happiness? You can’t look outside yourself, happiness is an inside job. Happiness is not outside you, it is inside you. Finding your own happiness is a thought away. What we think determines how happy we are. Our thoughts have power over us in all areas of our life. Being aware of this is crucial to finding happiness. Being present, in the moment, is also crucial to happiness. When we are in the moment, we are safe from past regrets and future worry. The moment is the main place where we find happiness. In this article, I will guide you to find your own happiness in life.

Let’s explore this further with the following suggestions for happiness:

Being Present

Being present and in the moment is crucial to happiness. When we are in the moment, we are safe from past regrets and future worry. The moment is where we find happiness and joy, because we are not bogged down by negative past or future thoughts. Also, the Spirit of God is in the present moment. We can only connect to God in the moment. When we pray or meditate we are brought to the present moment, which gives one a sense of peace and joy.

These are some ways to stay in the moment:

• Prayer - For many people, connecting to the devine or higher power provides happiness.

• Mindful breathing - Taking slow, deep breaths brings you into the present moment.

• Loving-kindness meditation - Wishing well for self and others generates goodwill and happiness.

• Visualization - Visualization brings one to the present moment.

• Walk in Nature - Walking in nature, in a mindful way that takes in the beauty of the earth, is a way to be in the moment.

Achieving Inner Peace

Achieving inner peace is a definite pathway to joy and happiness.

Here are some effective ways to achieve inner peace:

• Meditation - Quieting the mind through breathing exercises, mantras, and mindfulness helps calm anxiety.

• Yoga - Moving through poses and sequences creates body-mind awareness and reduces stress.

• Spending time in nature - Being outdoors surrounded by natural beauty promotes serenity.

• Journaling - Writing out thoughts, feelings, and intentions clarifies emotions.

• Forgiveness - Letting go of grudges, resentment, and anger frees you from negativity and brings serenity.

Living with Purpose

When you have a purpose in life your happiness is a guarantee. No matter what problems you have, a purpose in life brings meaning, passion and joy. Being able to do what you love doing, on a daily basis, will keep you in a happy place. You can transform your life with purpose. Your purpose is something you love doing that benefits humanity or the earth in some way.

Here are some of the key benefits associated with living a purposeful life:

• Improved health - Having a purpose lowers risk of diseases and increases longevity.

• Greater happiness - Purpose provides a sense of meaning and life satisfaction.

• More fulfillment - Aligning life with purpose creates a profound sense of fulfillment.

• Improved self-esteem - Contributing to something larger than yourself is empowering.

• More creativity - Purpose drives innovation as people find solutions.

• Leaving a legacy - Purpose creates something meaningful that outlasts a lifetime.

• Spiritual development - Finding your purpose can be part of a spiritual journey.

Living and working towards a sense of purpose has been shown in research to provide lasting benefits across many dimensions from physical to psychological wellbeing and of course it invokes self-fulfillment and happiness.

Practicing Gratitude

Gratitude is probably the single most important way of thinking, that invokes a sense of contentment and happiness. Simply stating each day, 5 to 10 things you are grateful for, can be life-changing. However, it takes time to see the benefits. It is suggested to do it at least 30 days.

Here are some key benefits of practicing gratitude for cultivating greater happiness:

• Boosts mood - Focusing on what you're thankful for releases dopamine which elevates your mood.

• Reduces stress - Gratitude helps regulate the nervous system by activating the parasympathetic response to calm anxiety.

• Improves sleep - Thoughts of gratitude before bed have been shown to help improve sleep quality.

• Increases optimism - A gratitude mindset makes you appreciate the positive in life rather than focusing on the negative.

• Increases empathy - Thanking those who have helped you cultivates compassion and concern for others' wellbeing.

• Enhances overall health - Studies link gratitude to improved heart health, lower blood pressure and reduced inflammation.

Cultivating gratitude through practices like journaling, meditation, reflection, and thanking others, can lead to lasting benefits for your happiness, health, and general wellbeing. It also generates abundance, since we are now focused on what we have and not what we don’t have. That positive energy comes back to you.

Spreading Joy

Spreading joy to others is such a natural expression of our own happiness. Just using a kind word, a compliment, or spending quality time with someone, has so many wonderful benefits. When we give out goodwill, it always comes back to us.

Here are some of the main benefits that can come from spreading joy to others:

• Improves emotional health - Spreading joy increases feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin to boost your mood.

• Provides meaning - Serving a greater purpose through spreading joy can be spiritually fulfilling.

• Boosts energy - Spreading joy and laughter releases endorphins that boost energy to the giver and the receiver.

• Improves health - Studies show altruistic behaviors like spreading joy may improve heart health.

• Creates positive ripples - The joy we spread can be passed on to touch many lives in a domino effect on our world.

The simple act of intentionally spreading more joy has the power to uplift others and come back and uplift ourselves in return through its myriad of benefits. Remember the law of attraction is clear, what we put out into the world comes back to us.

In conclusion, happiness is a state of mind. One can be happy in a warzone, and another can be miserable at a party. Our state of mind is the equalizer in each situation in life. There can be a person who cleans house, smiling and singing the whole day, and there could be a board member of a big corporation, in the perfect job, complaining all day long. Again, it is all about our state of mind. Abraham Lincoln said, “You are as happy as you make up your mind to be.” It’s that simple!

Rachel Devine is the author of, “The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.”

Also, check out,  Secret to Happiness Quotes, that are uplifting.

Devine Intervention website.

Life Coach available.

What brings you happiness in your life? Leave a comment below.

Finding your Purpose - Excerpt from, The Third Road - Rachel Devine

Transforming your life with purpose can be the most rewarding step you can take to having passion and intention in life. I wrote a book called, The Third Road, that takes one on a journey into their inner-self and helps people discover their purpose in life. Aristotle believed, the purpose and ultimate goal in life is to achieve eudaimonia ('happiness'). He believed that being happy was not just achieving pleasure in life, rather it was the heart of virtue. What a wonderful thought, that part of being happy is having purpose in life. It’s important that one find your purpose and passion in life. Finding your purpose is the most organic and natural process you could resonate with. It is imperative to find your passion in life, in order to leave a legacy of importance for others to discover. Your spiritual journey to creating your purpose starts today.

This is an excerpt from my book, The Third Road, Your Secret Journey Home, in a chapter called, Your Purpose:

Your Purpose

“God alone knows the secret plan of the things he will do for the world using my hand.” ~ Toyohiko Kagawa

We were all born with a specific purpose in life. Our purpose is never to be a victim, survivor, or someone whose only existence is to work, take care of the children, or to be a drifter. There is a reason why you were created. Just like there is a reason for everything that has been created. For instance, the sun heats the earth. The flowers decorate the world, and give us beauty and oxygen. The ocean reaps fish that we can eat, and the animal food chain is an amazing asset. You get the picture of how everything created has a reason for being here and they all fit into the big picture called nature.

In a sense, we are all part of a big picture called life, and our part is just as important as the part played by royalty, presidents, writers, and artists. The main thing is discover what your purpose in life is.

There was a study done a few years ago that addressed the question, “What are the components that make a person happy?”  The study concluded there are three main components to happiness.

One was that people who earned a little more than enough money to live on, having extra money for things they wanted were the happiest. Being rich or poor was not on the list. Furthermore, they also concluded that people who have a creative purpose, such as, dancing, writing, art, sculpting, gardening, music, or an array of other outlets, were also happier than those without one. And the last component to happiness was having a connection to God or our Higher Power in a spiritual or religious manner.

So, there you have it. The three components to happiness are, having more than enough money to survive, having a creative outlet or purpose in life, and having a connection to a spiritual or religious Higher Power. Discovering your hidden talents such as writing, art, dance, music, singing, gardening, sports, or something that makes you really happy, can help you find your purpose in life. Your purpose in life usually benefits others in a small or large fashion. For instance, your writing talents can be used perhaps for a creative website that helps others in some way. Or you might use your musical talents to entertain the elderly in nursing homes. Perhaps you are a talented artist and you can use that talent for a voluntary promotion on the dangers of drinking and driving. Or perhaps your dancing talents can be used to entertain terminally ill children in hospitals.

We all have hidden talents and finding our purpose is not hard. The key is awareness. Just sit and meditate on what you love doing and your purpose will surface.

A man name Bill W. found his purpose in life in a very profound and mystical manner. He pulled much good out of a hopeless desperate situation in his life. Any member of 12-step program knows who Bill W. is. He is one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, a spiritual 12-step program that helps millions of people arrest the disease of alcoholism. I am not a part of this fellowship, but I studied its traditions and steps, thereby, knowing enough about it to really appreciate the amazing spiritual aspects of its success. Bill W. started this fellowship with a man name Bob S., who was a surgeon. 

I personally think the success of Alcoholics Anonymous movement is because the program is designed to help reconnect one to their Higher Power. In reconnecting to God, healing is now possible and one views their situation in a more honest, loving manner. Even the most desperate person who has the disease of alcoholism can heal when he honestly works the 12-step program, that has a spiritual basis, not a religious one, and encourages people to discover the God of their understanding.

Bill W. had an amazing awakening one night when he had reached his bottom in life. At one time he was a hopeless alcoholic and was in the hospital seeking help once again. He was at the end of his rope. Alcoholism was consuming his life and he felt an extreme desperation on this fateful night. His story is a powerful testimony of climbing out of the dark pits of despair and into the light of hope; from darkness to light in an instant, or from ego to love. 

He describes his experience or conversion in this way:

“My depression deepened unbearably and finally it seemed to me as though I were at the very bottom of the pit. I still gagged badly at the notion of a Power greater than myself, but finally, just for the moment, the last vestige of my proud obstinacy was crushed. All at once I found myself crying out, “If there is a God, let Him show Himself! I am ready to do anything, anything!

Suddenly, the room lit up with a great white light. I was caught up into an ecstasy in which there were no words to describe. It seemed to me, in the mind’s eye, that I was on a mountain and that a wind not of air but of spirit was blowing. And then it burst upon me that I was a free man. Slowly the ecstasy subsided. I lay on the bed, but now for a time I was in another world a new world of consciousness. All about me and through me there was a wonderful feeling of Presence, and I thought to myself, so this is the God of the preachers! A great peace stole over me and I thought, “No matter how wrong things seem to be, they are still all right. Things are all right with God and His World.” (Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age): A Brief History of A.A., page 63.

What happened to Bill W. on this fateful night? What force appeared to him that gave him hope in an instant? What could give him a peace that contradicted all understanding? What was this great power that came over him? The answer is obvious. The power of God’s Spirit had come into that room with its light, its ecstasy, and its peace. God is peace and Bill W. said that, “a great peace stole over me and I thought, no matter how wrong things seem to be, they are still all right. Things are all right with God and His World.”

For a brief period, Bill stepped out of his dark world of despair and into God’s world of light and hope. In an instant, he was transformed from a man who “gagged badly at the notion of a Power greater than myself,” to a man who incredulously stated in the next instance, “so this is the God of the preachers.” His inner world was transcended from darkness to light or from great despair to hope, in an instant, but his outer world remained the same. 

He stepped out of the dark road and instantly onto, The Third Road, where he started his spiritual journey “home.” He was now in a world that was unseen, but very much felt. He felt the power of God’s Spirit bind him to peace and serenity. His outer circumstances did not change, (he was still in a hospital room recovering from alcoholism) but his inner world was transformed. He was finally set free from the chains that bound him to the disease of alcoholism.

The wall that keeps us from this world of God is our own self-doubt. Release the doubt and step into God’s world that is within you and everywhere else in the world. The path to God’s love, and this peaceful world is through nurturing the soul. Prayer, meditations, reading spiritual literature, peaceful music, and serene walks in nature, are all ways to reconnect to this omnipresent Spirit of our loving Higher Power, which I reverently call God. A spiritual awakening is an individual experience. You might have an awakening similar to Bill W. and you might not. Some awakenings are more subtle than others, and others come about gradually with time. It doesn’t matter how it happens, all that matters is that it does happen. An open trusting heart is imperative to connect to this omnipresence.

When Bill W. connected to his Higher power, he found strength to stop drinking and also become one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, a 12-step program that has literally changed the lives of millions of people, helping them find the same peace with sobriety in their lives. In turn, this helped their families find peace and the domino effect of God’s presence on that fateful night flourished and still lives on today. God, with all His mercy and divine love, touched the life of Bill W., and in turn touched the lives of literally millions of souls in the world who suffer from the ill effects of a debilitating disease called alcoholism. The 12-step fellowship has branched out into numerous self-help groups such as Al-Anon, Nicotine, Emotions, and Overeaters Anonymous, just to name a few.

The only way to find your purpose is to put emphasis on who you are, what you want, and how you will go about doing that. In order to find your purpose in life you must put some time and focus on yourself. My writing took creative shape because I pursued what I love doing and kept my focus on my goals. It was easy, because I was doing something I love with a deep passion, which has given me so much joy. Writing is my passion in life, what is your passion or purpose in life?

End of excerpt.

 Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.

Take the, What is my Purpose in Life Quiz?

Life coach available.

Online courses, events and books on Devine Intervention.

Please let me know in the comments what your purpose is in life. Or just leave a comment letting me know about what steps you might take to achieve some goals.

What is My Purpose in Life? Take the Quiz! Rachel Devine

FInding your purpose in life can often feel like a daunting, if not seemingly impossible, task. Amid the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, the question, "Why am I here?" may frequently go unanswered. Yet, the benefits of having a well-defined purpose are too vast to ignore. An innovative and highly effective approach to unravel this life-defining mystery is taking a quiz focused on helping you discover your purpose in lifeHere. It helps to answer some questions like, what is my talent and what is my purpose alignment evaluation. Furthermore, it will give you a purpose driven life summary of what you are suited for, in order to leave your legacy on this earth. Additionally, keeping a purpose driven life journal can help unleash what talents are hidden under all the noise off this world, which often drowns out our meaning to life.

Here are some Benefits of taking a quiz called, "What is My Purpose in Life Quiz?"

Self-Discovery

These quizzes are designed to promote introspection, encouraging individuals to delve deeper into their thoughts, emotions, and desires. They ask pertinent questions that urge participants to reflect on their values, passions, skills, and goals. The process helps to unearth latent aspirations or reinforce existing ones, paving the way for genuine self-discovery. What is my purpose in life quiz is designed to help you focus on answering this very question.

Personal Passion

By illuminating our underlying passions and talents, these quizzes offer a sense of clarity about our purpose in life. They help to demystify life goals, presenting a clearer vision for the future. With a specific purpose, we have a roadmap that provides direction, making it easier to make decisions and set priorities in life.

Increased Motivation

Understanding your life's purpose generates motivation, the driving force propelling you towards your goals. When you comprehend your 'why', it fuels your 'how'. It becomes easier to overcome hurdles, face challenges, and persist because you know what you're striving for and why it matters to you. Finding your purpose in life is a way to transform your life with purpose and add more meaning.

Following are some benefits to having a purpose in life.

Health Benefits

Research indicates that having a purpose in life can enhance both mental and physical health. It serves as a buffer against stress and negative life events, fostering resilience. It's also linked to lower risks of depression, anxiety, and mental health disorders. Physically, it's associated with improved sleep, lower risk of disease, and even longevity.

Finding your Path can Boost Confidence

A clear purpose boosts self-esteem and confidence as you have a reason to believe in yourself and your abilities. It acts as an internal compass that validates your decisions and actions, making you feel confident about your path. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment in life, which is beneficial to our well-being.

A Sense of Direction Improves Quality of Life

A strong sense of purpose contributes to a higher quality of life. It fosters a sense of satisfaction, fulfillment, and happiness. It makes you feel involved, connected, and valued, cultivating positive emotions and enhancing overall life satisfaction. And a purpose in life can leave a legacy behind for many years to come. This legacy will be left for your family and perhaps the next generation will follow in your footsteps.

"What is my purpose in Life Quiz?" are more than a passing trend or a momentary diversion. They are powerful tools designed to assist you in your quest for a fulfilling and purposeful life. These quizzes provide the opportunity to reflect, reveal hidden passions, bring clarity, and serve as a catalyst for personal growth. Having a defined purpose in life, in turn, brings forth myriad benefits – from bolstered mental and physical health to improved self-esteem, and a superior quality of life. Additionally, having a purpose brings about passion and ultimately happiness into your life. So why wait? Take that quiz, uncover your purpose, and step onto the path of a more fulfilling existence.

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.

Devine Intervention webite, has online courses, events and books as a resource for finding purpose and more.

Coaching is also available.

My question to you is, do you know your purpose in life? If not, take the test, and let me know what you come up with.

Transform your Life with Purpose Rachel Devine

Research shows that living your life with purpose is linked to living longer. Researchers surveyed nearly 7,000 older adults on the correlation between mortality rate and finding your purpose. Participants who did not have a sense of meaning in their lives were more than twice as likely to die prematurely as those who were living out their purpose in life. Having a sense of purpose also reduced the incidence of cardiovascular incidents like heart attack and stroke. Having a purpose is also essential for fulfillment in life and brings happiness. People are genuinely happy when they are living life on purpose. Making an impact on your world, and the world around you, is one of the most rewarding things you can do in life. Contributing to society, even on a small level, is a way of leaving a legacy behind.

Sense of Direction

Everything in life has a purpose. There is a rhythm to earth that has a sense of direction. As far back as the fourth century BC, Aristotle was pondering life’s purpose and developing his theory of teleology, which is the idea that everything in life has purpose. In today’s fast-paced world, where we are being pulled in many directions simultaneously, finding your purpose in life seems more important now than ever before. And yet, because of our busy lifestyle our reason for being created eludes many of us. I will show you how to find your purpose and passion in life. Most of us are searching for meaning in life. Finding your path, having a personal mission in life, and having a sense of direction, is a positive way to go through this spiritual journey. Remember we are just passing through and we want are existence to have some meaning.

This is one of my favorite quotes:

“Our souls are hungry for meaning, for the sense that we have figured out how to live so that our lives matter, so that the world will be at least a little bit different for our having passed through it.” Harold Kushner

Finding your Calling

However, finding your calling may be easy for some and hard for others. Transforming your life to one of purpose might be elusive to some people. And the reason can simply be you have not put any focused effort on it, because of the fast-pace of your life. And it doesn’t matter how old you are, purpose can come early in life or later on. Louise Hay didn’t start her successful publishing company until she was in her late 50’s. And Betty White was living out her purpose of being an actress, well into her 90’s. The most important thing is that purpose is revealed to you and this is usually, in God’s time. Finding your calling, at any age, is beneficial in so many ways.

Transform your Life

To make it easier for you, I created an online course called, Transform your Life with Purpose. This is a step-by-step guide on how you can discover a purpose that is taylor-made just for you. This course is designed to help awaken your inner drive and help you transform your life. When you shift to living a purpose-driven life, your life will never be the same. You will be living from a place of intention and passion. It really doesn’t matter if your purpose is big or small, all that matters is that you recognize it and you start to incorporate this, passion purpose, into your life. You may want to take the, What’s my purpose in life quiz. This short quiz is designed to help bring focus and awareness on your life, in order to contemplate your calling.

Whatever avenue you take to discover why God created you, remember self-discovery and living intentionally, is more valuable than all the diamonds in the world. And living out a purpose-driven life has a benefit to your physical and emotional well-being.

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.

Please leave your comments below. I will respond to each one. And my question to you is, “What is your purpose in life?”

Finding Your Purpose and Meaning in Life

Are you searching for meaning in life? You are not alone. The unheard cry for meaning is very real. Many people grapple with how to find their true purpose and live life with passion. Embarking on the journey of discovering purpose in life can steer you towards a course filled with passion and fulfillment. Without purpose and meaning, we float through our days in mundane routine. If you feel like you are just going through the motions living each day, please know that you can discover your unique reason for being created. Uncovering what makes you have purpose can answer that age-old question, “Why did God create me?”

Here are some examples of what you can do to discover the reason you were created:

Take a “Discover your Purpose” online course

A, Discover your Purpose, online course guides you through structured exercises to reflect on your talents, passions, and vision. Interactive courses provide the most important value of bringing awareness and knowledge in discovering your purpose in life.

Identify Your Core Values

Your core values are key to your sense of purpose. This self-reflection exercise has you rank principles like growth, compassion, integrity, and community. Aligning your purpose to your highest values provides meaning. This will take some quite contemplation and I suggest you write about it to really get a sense of your values.

Go on a Spiritual Journey to Purpose

Spiritual retreats centered around finding purpose take you on an inner journey. Activities like nature immersion, meditation, yoga, and mentoring allow for purpose discovery through spiritual awakening. Go deep within and connect with the Spirit of God that dwells within you and listen for your calling to surface.

Finding your Purpose Book

There are a ton of books on finding your purpose in life. My book, The Third Road, guides you on a journey into yourself and helps you discover the glorious reason you were created.

How to Find my Purpose in Life Quiz

Taking a test on how to find my purpose in life and discover a wealth of information on your inner-self. Also, look at some motivational quotes to get some ideas on your purpose.

How to Find your Purpose and Passion in Life

Finally, ask yourself this simple question. What do I love doing? Whatever you love doing, therein lies your purpose in life. However, it has to also serve humanity in some way. For example, I love writing and I use my writing to help people with various social issues. My books, online courses, and retreats have all served humanity in a positive way. Meditate on what you love doing and anything that comes out of your meditation that is positive is usually from our guide within, or the Spirit of God.

Finding Fulfillment Starts with Self-Discovery

You must first understand your authentic self before identifying your external purpose. Learning how to unlock your hidden talents and realizing your true potential enables you to make the most meaningful impact. Start going within to manifest purpose outwardly. Going within through meditation will help you discover your purpose in life.

By taking purpose-focused courses, reflecting on values, taking quizzes, going on spiritual retreats, and doing inner work, you open yourself to finding meaning. Defining how you can best contribute gives life direction and significance. Discover your purpose and transform each moment. It will give you a reason to wake up to a fresh new day of meaning in your life and the life of others.

Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.

Devine Intervention website has online courses and books to motivate you to find your purpose in life.

Have you already discovered your purpose in life? If so leave a comment below. Or if you have a question. Or if you are still searching for your purpose, tell me what you love doing. Whatever you love doing, that serves humanity, therein lies your purpose in life.