This has been a busy summer, and with so many things on my mind, I was finding it pretty challenging to sit down and decide what to write about today. It wasn’t that I didn’t have anything to share – actually, the opposite was true. I wanted to talk about how important it is to listen to your heart and not be overly concerned with the judgement of others. I also thought it was a good time to remind you about the power of meditation, mindfulness, and self-care. Finally, I wanted to talk about love; loving yourself, and allowing that abundant love to spill over onto others.

Then I saw the story about the young gymnast on team USA who decided to prioritize her own mental health over winning a gold medal. As I learned more, I realized that her experience encapsulates so many of the lessons I wanted to share! Considered the best gymnast in the world, Simone Biles pulled out of competition in the middle of the team gymnastics event on Wednesday and so far, has also decided not to compete in the individual events. I’m not an Olympic commentator – so forgive me if I don’t get the facts exactly right, but I’ll say this; As a spiritual teacher, I love that this young woman had the strength to do what she knew was right for herself. By having the awareness and courage to step down from a situation that could potentially jeopardize her physical and mental well-being, she set an example that others can benefit from.

We don’t know exactly what was going on in Simone’s mind, and of course there are some people who will criticize her choice (that’s inevitable). But as I watched the situation unfold, I noticed some parallels that support my own teachings. Here are a few insights to help you live your best life – on your own terms.

• “What other people think of you is none of your business.” Stop me if you’ve heard me say that before! I say it a lot because it is so true. Only you know what’s right for you and trying to live up to someone’s idea of what you SHOULD be or do is NOT the path to happiness. In Simone’s case, trying too hard to please others or live up to their expectations could have caused her injury or harm.
• If things don’t feel right, don’t fight through it. Tune in and be open to a change in course. You might think you’re on the right path, and then things may change. Listen to your heart and be on the lookout for signs telling you to rest, take a detour, or try a new approach. You’ll know you’re on the right path when doors open, synchronicities show up, and things feel almost effortless. On the other hand, if you’re hitting roadblocks right and left or you feel uneasy or uncomfortable, it’s a sign that something is out of sync.
• Changing course can open unexpected doors. When Simone Biles made the decision to not compete in all of her scheduled Olympic events, she may have momentarily disappointed some people in her life. But there was a powerful upside. Her choice shed a light on the importance of putting your well-being first. By doing that, she gave people all around the world permission to make the same choices for themselves. With so many people suffering from stress, depression, addiction and disease that come from pushing too hard, Simone’s example has the potential to be life-changing, even life-saving, for millions.
• Live in the moment. Most of the things that cause us pain are traumas and disappointments that happened in the past or worries about what MIGHT happen in the future. You are incapable of changing the past, and you really can’t predict what will happen in the future – so don’t live there! When you’re fully present in the moment, you can enjoy the sunshine, a beautiful piece of music, or the sense of accomplishment that comes from dedicating yourself to your work or hobbies without distractions.
• Become a vessel of love, and let that love spill out over others. A friend described her vision of herself as a soul-centered being like this. “I am a vessel of love, and my life is about filling that vessel, so it overflows and fills the world with love.” I could not agree more! At the end of the day, medals, applause, and accolades don’t matter. What matters is the love you experience and the love

Are you ready to be a vessel overflowing with love? This passage from The Power of Love will show you how to use the law of attraction to fill yourself up, so you can share your light and love-energy with the world.  

Start by being still. This allows you to detach from any sense of striving and struggling and move from your headspace to your heart space. Drop into this quiet, mindful state as often as you can throughout the day, for a few minutes each time. Doing so sets the stage for your true self to come through in its natural state of unconditional love.

What you send out into the world is what you attract. 

Once you’ve tapped into your natural state, you will be ready to start “broadcasting in the frequency of love” Treat friends, family – everyone your encounter – with compassion and kindness, and you will not only make the world a better place, but you will find that your words and deeds effortlessly come back to you.

As a spiritual medium, I know one thing for sure. We are all souls having a human experience on earth Living life as a soul-based being is simple when you tune into the deep wisdom inside, look for the lessons and signs the universe sends your way, and trust that there is a force making sure everything happens exactly as it should.