Once you get started, you can never turn back.

I’ll never forget Milda’s words. Her warning tone sounded ominous. What might lie ahead?

Was I up for the challenge? This client was warning me about taking a spiritual journey. I wanted to know, “Why am I here?” “Where was I before this life?” “What do I need to learn now?”

I couldn’t resist learning more. In fact, exploring the world of spirituality has been and continues to be compelling, fascinating and ongoing.  I’d like to share a few lessons I’ve learned.

Lesson #1: We’re All Connected

(A precious snapshot of my dear senior friend, Bobbi and our dog, Henrietta)

If you’re reading these words right now, you’re probably meant to be here. Our words, thoughts and attitudes attract those of similar energy. Like attracts like. That’s why when we connect with others who share our interests, we feel an immediate rapport. We’re actually sharing a similar energy frequency.

If everyone recognized the Divine connection between us, think about how we could change the world! No more wars, fighting or violence. We’d naturally seek peace across all races, religions, cultures and countries. We’d be like the branches on the same tree. Growing on our own, and yet respectful of each other’s soul growth. That’s why it’s important to share our positive thoughts into the world. More people need to hear loving words. Those words can heal our collective soul.

Lesson #2: LISTEN To Your Own Inner Guidance

I believe we each have a Higher source, as well as spirit guides and angels to guide us.

It’s just up to us to listen.  If we need help, we just need to ask for guidance.  Guidance happens at any time. You could have been given just the right words to write in your book.  Or, you may literally take “the road less traveled by” and discover it was a life-saver.  Or, you find yourself led to someone who makes a significant impact in your life.

Different situations have happened to me which reinforce my belief in the spiritual world. When I write, I often ask for guidance and can feel the words flow through me. This summer, after making a resolute decision to get a long-awaited children’s book finished, I finally published “Dancing With Tex: The Remarkable Friendship To Save The Whooping Cranes.”

Here’s another example. One night, my husband Joel felt guided to take a side road instead of the highway. That decision to take the slower route home saved us from an accident that happened at the same time.  And lately, I’ve been aware of how the right people come into my life, so we can build our impact together.

LESSON #3:  Tap Into Your Passion 

What’s your passion? What do you love to do more than anything else? You’d even do it for free, because you love it so much. I love both writing and music.

My first book, “Social Justice: How You Can Make A Difference” was a work for hire. Capstone Press hired me to write this book as part of a series on justice. Even though I’d receive no royalties, I went ahead with the project. My passion for writing about this topic gave me joy, satisfaction and fulfillment.

Your inner guidance system is like a personal GPS, your soul’s radar. If you pay attention to what your soul advises you to do, you’ll make the right decisions. If not, you can suffer consequences. During your soul’s journey, it’s inevitable you’ll face challenges. The challenges can drain your energy. What can you do?

When Joel needs a spiritual boost, he searches for uplifting YouTube videos or music. As a fan of Irish cullture, he recently found a great video of Irish flash mob dancers at the Dublin airport.  Another favorite is tuning in to the best auditions on America’s Got Talent. He loves re-watching Susan Boyle’s first audition. This scene has many millions of views for a reason. People feel great from this positive energy on the screen!

Lesson #4: Be Kind To Yourself!

(Photo from our family’s healthcare mission to Ecuador. I got exhilarated while spending all day in the hot sun, teaching songs and playing games with children in need.)

We’re here to learn lessons on Earth. Our soul grows from all our experiences, whether we call them bad or good. Not everyone will be on the same path as we are. But when we give to others who appreciate us, we’ll receive much more back in return. When the going gets tough, here are a few tips to uplift your soul.

1.     Put A White Light Around Yourself. When you face a challenge, imagine a spotlight of white light surrounding you. The white light represents pure, loving energy and can serve as a protective shield.

2.     Feel The Oneness With Nature. Walk outside and breathe deeply. Feel the beauty of the earth, the plants and animals. You may want to get close to a tree and even give it a hug!

3.     “Carpe Diem” (Latin for “Seize the Moment.”) Take a moment to step away from the computer,  phone, or people.  Put a “Please do not disturb” sign on your door. Sit quietly in a comfortable chair, close your eyes, and allow yourself to meditate. Or take time to read a good book.

4.     Treat Yourself. What makes YOU happy? Do something just for you. Before we can truly love others, we need to love ourselves.

We’re here for a reason. A reason we may not even be aware of at this time.  As we each move along our journey, remember you are not alone. You have loving spirits, angels and guides around you. Even your friends serve as your angels on earth. Allow yourself to open up to the possibilities of the spiritual dimension.

Once you embark on a spiritual path of self-reflection and growth, it’s true that you’ll never go back to the way you were. Instead, your life becomes filled with more exciting possibilities. Here’s to you!