Ha ha Jan! Yes, would that money were not a necessary thing. But talk about a tool for spiritual growth, or spiritual stunting of growth!

Yes, for my dollar's worth of lotto ticket, I fantasize for hours about winning $100 million dollars, putting back about $10 million for me, my family and treating friends to a few things, THEN setting up a foundation and hiring someone to teach me to be a sagacious philanthropist!

How fun would THAT be?!

Hi Jan,

I just received Iyanla Vanzant's "Living Through the Meantime" CD and workbook today. I love the process of it, it's like the work she did on the "Starting Over" TV show. I think I need to clean my house, both literally and figuratively, and do some healing to make room for my spiritual growth. It doesn't help that I was starting to feel better about losing my dad almost 3 years ago, and I had to put a dog I've had for 12 years to sleep. She's been through so much with me, and she was always there for me. Tonight I asked the cat, who grew up with her, if she missed her, and she meowed really loud. I do have another dog who is wonderful, healthy, and should be with me for a long time. I hate coming home to an empty house.

Thanks again and blessings,
Gayle

Gayle,

Ugh, I am so sorry. I'm a dog lover and have been through that a number of times. It is so hard to lose them. When people ask me who my role models are, I always mention my pooch. Talk about simplicity...dogs often seem to best exemplify faith, love, loyalty and being in the present moment.

Also, I seriously downsized a couple of years ago, rented out my house and moved into a houseshare situation. Had to get used to not having quite as much privacy, but only having the bare minimum with me has been unbelievably freeing. Somehow clearing out the physical space, really cleans out the mental and emotional space too.

Allison

Very fun! Knowing how you and I love to support women's journeys, I am sure we could come up with some stellar ideas for philanthropy. Do you have any favorite charities/organizations that support women, Allison?

I appreciate what you say here about believing that the surest way to get good answers is by thinking, thinking. I hope more and more of us while find value in combining head with heart wisdom, and stay tuned to body (gut) wisdom. Put them all together, and you've got a tried and true inner guidance system!

Gayle,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. This must indeed seem like a time of transition for you. I hope you will allow yourself time and space to mourn properly--and celebrate the many years you had with this lovely soul. You are very wise to notice that the loss of your beloved dog uncovers/brings up old grieve. Tis true. We have layers and layers of grief within us and we shouldn't be surprised when another layer surfaces, ready to be peeled back.

Iyanla's books are great. I love them all. If you are indeed "In the Meantine," actually doing the process with her as your guide will be most powerful. Good for you! Let me know how this goes.