I divorced my husband after 17 years of marriage and became a single mother of three children under 8. My mother died the following year after a long battle with Alzheimers. Three years later my father died, within days of being diagnosed with cancer.
My father's death was the impervial straw that broke the camel's back and I fell apart. I felt lost, scared and so very alone in the world. In my heart and mind I felt LOVE had left me.
However, through the help of an amazing therapist and coach, through my own prayer and meditation and through my journey through the grief, I was able to slowly unwrap the gift of loss:
Love is always loving you.
-H.W.L. Poonja
I never lost love. Love was always and will always be inside of myself just as it is inside of you. The love my ex husband and I shared will never go away. It simply changed form. The love my parents have for me will never go away either. In fact, somedays I feel their love for me more than when they were on earth.
Nothing outside of ourselves can never change the truth. We are all love. Love is loving you and me right now regardless of any outside force.
Need some help tapping into your own radiant love. I would be honored to help. virginiamccormack05@gmail.com
Blessings,
Virginia
Appreciating The Weather
The weather sighs in gloominess. The rain the ice and the wind are all pummeling the landscape out of my office window. I want to join in the gloominess of it all and close the curtains. Yet if it weren't for days like today, Monday's landscape wouldn't have been so glorious.
Like most of us living in New England, I am craving the sunshine and looking forward to warmer days ahead. Yet I also want to love the rain because she makes this possible:
It won't be a long wait. Winter always becomes Spring.
I would be honored to guide you in the road of transformation. Contact me virginiamccormack05@gmail.com or (207)361-7453
Blessings,
Virginia
It won't be a long wait. Winter always becomes Spring.
I would be honored to guide you in the road of transformation. Contact me virginiamccormack05@gmail.com or (207)361-7453
Blessings,
Virginia
The Little Things
As is true in all of life, the little things make the biggest difference. I have found that the seemingly small actions I commit to on a daily basis have a direct effect on my happiness. My day goes more smoothly. I appreciate more. I serve better. I love more.
When I make excuses not to do these simple tasks, life seems hard. I get rough on the edges and I feel struggle.
Committing to daily rituals lays the foundation for joy.
My foundation:
1. Daily writing freely 1500 words. I used to do three pages in my hand written journal but typing on a computer made it more 'work like' and uber important.
2. Moving my body in a fun way. I love running but toss in other fun ways to move so weather is never an issue.
3. Doing something extra loving for myself. I am a single mom raising three kiddos solo. Being loving to me makes me more loving to them; my number one priority.
4. Meditating and prayer.Morning and night. I use the Course of Miracles for my morning meditation and a gratitude journal before I go to bed.
5. Keeping the kitchen counters and sink clean.
6. Making my bed.
Life is good.
When I make excuses not to do these simple tasks, life seems hard. I get rough on the edges and I feel struggle.
Committing to daily rituals lays the foundation for joy.
My foundation:
1. Daily writing freely 1500 words. I used to do three pages in my hand written journal but typing on a computer made it more 'work like' and uber important.
2. Moving my body in a fun way. I love running but toss in other fun ways to move so weather is never an issue.
3. Doing something extra loving for myself. I am a single mom raising three kiddos solo. Being loving to me makes me more loving to them; my number one priority.
4. Meditating and prayer.Morning and night. I use the Course of Miracles for my morning meditation and a gratitude journal before I go to bed.
5. Keeping the kitchen counters and sink clean.
6. Making my bed.
Life is good.
Back to the Basics
I have learned much in these past 11 years raising three children on my own.
One of the best self learned lessons is how to respond when a child is on my radar. We have all been in the zone when we know 'somethin' just aint right' with one child or another. Our momma radar becomes on high alert. The hunch kind of makes sleep difficult. With no other parent available, the monkey mind goes on a picnic feeding us with every worst possible scenario. Panic sets in. Guilt follows. Tears may come when nobody is looking. Then we feel very very small and question our ability to parent.
I have been there over and over again. Somewhere in the feelings of small and incompetent I attempt prayer, meditation and taking care of me. Then I remember: Back to the Basics.
Back to the basics:
1. Food
2. Sleep
3. Fresh air/exercise
These three basics have worked from ages 2-17.
Back to the Basics brings back the equilibrium, ends the drama and the solution presents itself.
Next time you, single momma or married momma feel your child is off, go back to the basics. Take an honest look at your food intake and your child's food intake. Go to bed earlier and make sure your child does too. Go outside and move with your child. Do something special for YOU.
Then and only then the solution presents itself.
And once again you are back to feeling big and competent.
Blessings,
Virginia
One of the best self learned lessons is how to respond when a child is on my radar. We have all been in the zone when we know 'somethin' just aint right' with one child or another. Our momma radar becomes on high alert. The hunch kind of makes sleep difficult. With no other parent available, the monkey mind goes on a picnic feeding us with every worst possible scenario. Panic sets in. Guilt follows. Tears may come when nobody is looking. Then we feel very very small and question our ability to parent.
I have been there over and over again. Somewhere in the feelings of small and incompetent I attempt prayer, meditation and taking care of me. Then I remember: Back to the Basics.
Back to the basics:
1. Food
2. Sleep
3. Fresh air/exercise
These three basics have worked from ages 2-17.
Back to the Basics brings back the equilibrium, ends the drama and the solution presents itself.
Next time you, single momma or married momma feel your child is off, go back to the basics. Take an honest look at your food intake and your child's food intake. Go to bed earlier and make sure your child does too. Go outside and move with your child. Do something special for YOU.
Then and only then the solution presents itself.
And once again you are back to feeling big and competent.
Blessings,
Virginia
The Family Meal
One of the most important family rituals I committed to years ago, is sharing a daily meal together.
Did you know research indicates that children who share five meals a week with their family are less likely to do drugs, do better in school and confide in their parents more?
Having a daily meal together as a family isn't all that difficult when you shift your definition of a family meal. My children are extremely active in sports and other activities. Sitting down together at 6p.m each night is simply no longer an option. We still, however, gather each and everyday to share a meal. Sometimes we gather at breakfast. Sometimes we gather after school before the rush of evening activities. Once or twice we have eaten in the car between practices. The location, the time and the food itself don't matter as much as the daily connection.
The daily ritual that means family; nourishment, nurturing. laughter and love.
Did you know research indicates that children who share five meals a week with their family are less likely to do drugs, do better in school and confide in their parents more?
Having a daily meal together as a family isn't all that difficult when you shift your definition of a family meal. My children are extremely active in sports and other activities. Sitting down together at 6p.m each night is simply no longer an option. We still, however, gather each and everyday to share a meal. Sometimes we gather at breakfast. Sometimes we gather after school before the rush of evening activities. Once or twice we have eaten in the car between practices. The location, the time and the food itself don't matter as much as the daily connection.
The daily ritual that means family; nourishment, nurturing. laughter and love.
Not sure how I do it. But I do know how to save $$
I cannot even count the number of times people ask,"How do you do it?"
The how meaning raising three kids alone for the past 11 years. The amazement is that my kids look no different than any other kid and I am at all of their games and school functions. (My kids are also quite amazing people..just saying)
Honestly I have no answer to the question," How do you do it?" I usually just smile.
All of us do what we can, with what we have at any given moment.
That being said, I do know how I do it financially.
My ten best ten ways to save a dollar or two:
1. Cancel cable.
Nobody will die I promise. I got netflix after cancelling cable. Eight bucks a month is sure sweeter than 60.
2. Cancel your landline.
That saved me $40 per month. A cell phone is plenty for keeping in touch.
3. Color your own hair.
When I was married I spent $100 on a stylist every six weeks. I tried forking out that bill once single but then I found haircolor in a box for $9. I use coupons so now it is usually around $4.
4. Bake instead of buy.
Make your own cookies, rolls and bread. Kids love to bake. Make it a fun ritual.
5. Lose the dryer.
In my case, wait to fix the dryer until next week when you get paid. Then realize how easy it is to live without a dryer. Then see the money you saved on your electricity bill. BTW: my dryer broke four years ago.
6. Meals out are a luxury.
I eat out very rarely. When we do it is a giant celebration!
7. Examine your grocery bill closely.
The average amount a family of four receives on food stamps is $100 per week. Try to do that for your family for one month. That exercise taught me so much about food shopping, couponing and creative dinner making. So much so I am able to stay in that range give or take $25-$75 per month.
8. Start a vegetable garden.
Start saving now for the investment in soil treatment, seeds and plants. You will reap the rewards. I barely spend anything on produce in the summer. I am still learning and hopefully will have more canned and frozen next year at this time. Saves money and it simply feels good!
9. Never buy at full price.
Shop at thrift shops. Get clothing when the season is ending. Always hit the sales. Just tonight I spent $20 on :jeans for my youngest, three bras, a shirt for my daughter, a shirt for me, and a shirt for my oldest. All were on winter clearance.
10. Count your blessings.
Take a moment each and every day to appreciate all that you have!
Blessings,
Virginia
The how meaning raising three kids alone for the past 11 years. The amazement is that my kids look no different than any other kid and I am at all of their games and school functions. (My kids are also quite amazing people..just saying)
Honestly I have no answer to the question," How do you do it?" I usually just smile.
All of us do what we can, with what we have at any given moment.
That being said, I do know how I do it financially.
My ten best ten ways to save a dollar or two:
1. Cancel cable.
Nobody will die I promise. I got netflix after cancelling cable. Eight bucks a month is sure sweeter than 60.
2. Cancel your landline.
That saved me $40 per month. A cell phone is plenty for keeping in touch.
3. Color your own hair.
When I was married I spent $100 on a stylist every six weeks. I tried forking out that bill once single but then I found haircolor in a box for $9. I use coupons so now it is usually around $4.
4. Bake instead of buy.
Make your own cookies, rolls and bread. Kids love to bake. Make it a fun ritual.
5. Lose the dryer.
In my case, wait to fix the dryer until next week when you get paid. Then realize how easy it is to live without a dryer. Then see the money you saved on your electricity bill. BTW: my dryer broke four years ago.
6. Meals out are a luxury.
I eat out very rarely. When we do it is a giant celebration!
7. Examine your grocery bill closely.
The average amount a family of four receives on food stamps is $100 per week. Try to do that for your family for one month. That exercise taught me so much about food shopping, couponing and creative dinner making. So much so I am able to stay in that range give or take $25-$75 per month.
8. Start a vegetable garden.
Start saving now for the investment in soil treatment, seeds and plants. You will reap the rewards. I barely spend anything on produce in the summer. I am still learning and hopefully will have more canned and frozen next year at this time. Saves money and it simply feels good!
9. Never buy at full price.
Shop at thrift shops. Get clothing when the season is ending. Always hit the sales. Just tonight I spent $20 on :jeans for my youngest, three bras, a shirt for my daughter, a shirt for me, and a shirt for my oldest. All were on winter clearance.
10. Count your blessings.
Take a moment each and every day to appreciate all that you have!
Blessings,
Virginia
Feeling warm in gratitude.
As the complaints of the bitter cold circulate. I can only feel gratitude.
The furnace is working overtime. Yet it is working and there is ample oil in the tank.
The drafty windows feel a bit draftier. Yet a space heater keeps me company in my office.
There were complaints this morning about wearing jackets. Yet my children all have warm jackets that fit.
My van is 13 years old. Yet it started and took me safely to where I needed to go.
I skipped the drive through coffee. Yet enjoyed a steaming cup of tea that warmed my hands while I sat on the couch and watched the birds.
Soon the house will be bustling with teenaged energy. Yet we will share the warmth of a family meal.
The warmth of home. Gratitude.
The furnace is working overtime. Yet it is working and there is ample oil in the tank.
The drafty windows feel a bit draftier. Yet a space heater keeps me company in my office.
There were complaints this morning about wearing jackets. Yet my children all have warm jackets that fit.
My van is 13 years old. Yet it started and took me safely to where I needed to go.
I skipped the drive through coffee. Yet enjoyed a steaming cup of tea that warmed my hands while I sat on the couch and watched the birds.
Soon the house will be bustling with teenaged energy. Yet we will share the warmth of a family meal.
The warmth of home. Gratitude.
Grateful for the many gifts
I am no Scrooge and I am not suffering from the Holiday blues. Rather I am basking in the many gifts I already have and am receiving and giving in each moment.
I would prefer to spend my evenings sitting by the tree with my children talking and laughing as opposed to hitting any store. I am relishing in my early mornings sipping my coffee in the quiet by the lit up Christma tree. That certainly trumps online shopping.
I am astounded by the gifts that come to me just by noticing them. They are all priceless and cannot fit into a box. So before I shop for any presents I am going to bask in the gifts of being present.
Joy to You,
Virginia
I would be honored to guide you along your journey back to the Present of YOU. Contact me @virginiamccormack05@gmail.com
Feng Shui & Abundance
One of my many joys is teaching others how to utilize the principles of Feng Shui in their home. The beauty of Feng Shui is that it doesn't matter where you live. You can enhance the energy of a studio apartment in the same manner as you would a mansion.
The major principle of Feng Shui is to only surround yourself with things you love. That means getting rid of clutter. Any time you clean out a cabinet, drawer or even closet you are enhancing the energy of your home. Remember, if you want wonderful things to show up in your life you have to make room for them.
If you are intending to increase your abundance, the first step is to clean out.
The space in your home that is associated to abundance is the farthest left corner of your home from your main entryway. Go to this place in your home and try the following FengShui Tips for Abundance:
*Clear out all clutter.
*Clean till it shines
*Hang pictures of anything that symblizes abundance for you.
*Make sure there is nothing broken in the area and that there is nothing that reminds you of bad times.
Enjoy
Blessings,
Virginia
In my coaching practice, I help my clients use the principles of Feng Shui in their personal journeys. i would be honored to help you as well. Cantact me at virginiamccormack05@gmail.com
The major principle of Feng Shui is to only surround yourself with things you love. That means getting rid of clutter. Any time you clean out a cabinet, drawer or even closet you are enhancing the energy of your home. Remember, if you want wonderful things to show up in your life you have to make room for them.
If you are intending to increase your abundance, the first step is to clean out.
The space in your home that is associated to abundance is the farthest left corner of your home from your main entryway. Go to this place in your home and try the following FengShui Tips for Abundance:
*Clear out all clutter.
*Clean till it shines
*Hang pictures of anything that symblizes abundance for you.
*Make sure there is nothing broken in the area and that there is nothing that reminds you of bad times.
Enjoy
Blessings,
Virginia
In my coaching practice, I help my clients use the principles of Feng Shui in their personal journeys. i would be honored to help you as well. Cantact me at virginiamccormack05@gmail.com
Voting for LOVE
I will be voting today and I sincerely hope you will be too. I am honored to live in a country where I am allowed to vote. I'm honored to live in a country where it is okay for you and I to be voting differently.
This is the seventh Pesidential election that I have had the honor of casting my vote. This time, however, my vote feels more powerful and more poignant. The difference isn't due to the popular stance of picking one side and hating the other. I haven't taken that route. This vote is so poignant and powerful because I am voting with love in my heart. Love for those who choose to vote as I do as well as love to those who chose to vote differently than me.
In the big picture of life who you choose to vote for and who I choose to vote for doesn't change the one fundamental truth:You and I are both children of God as are all of the candidates.
GOD IS LOVE AND LOVE EMBRACES ALL POLITICAL PARTIES
Blessings,
Virginia
This is the seventh Pesidential election that I have had the honor of casting my vote. This time, however, my vote feels more powerful and more poignant. The difference isn't due to the popular stance of picking one side and hating the other. I haven't taken that route. This vote is so poignant and powerful because I am voting with love in my heart. Love for those who choose to vote as I do as well as love to those who chose to vote differently than me.
In the big picture of life who you choose to vote for and who I choose to vote for doesn't change the one fundamental truth:You and I are both children of God as are all of the candidates.
GOD IS LOVE AND LOVE EMBRACES ALL POLITICAL PARTIES
Blessings,
Virginia
A Daily Spiritual Practice
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Many of the great spiritual leaders suggest that everyone commit to a daily spiritual practice.
The term itself creates images of sitting in yoga poses for hours on end. The good news is, it is not that. A daily spiritual practice is something you do everyday to quiet your mind.
Personally, I like having two daily practices. One in the evening and one at night. I call them the book ends of my day.
In the morning, I drink my coffee outside. I also read from A Course In Miracles, write and pray.
Before I go to bed I write a short note of gratitude. If there is something on my mind I ask God to take it so I can sleep.
In total, this is less than one hour out of the 24 hours I have each day.
However, it is the most well spent hour of the day. It puts me in a peaceful place. When I feel peace and joy I am more able to share those gifts with everyone I meet.
I encourage you to try something to do each day that will quiet your mind. Even five minutes in nature everyday has the power to change the world.
Blessings,
Virginia
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Gratitude
The Holidays have yet to rev up the atmosphere and before they do I invite you to humble yourself into gratitude.
I have found that a spirit of gratitude changes lives. In many ways it has changed mine. Times when I am nervous about paying bills, I am grateful for the bills I can pay and and all of the other ways I am abundant. Times when I am scared I remember all of the times I overcame obstacles and am grateful. Being outdoors and being grateful for the air on your face, the color of the trees the brightness of the sun can lighten any mood.
Live today saying thank you for every thing, and every person that shows up.
Blessings in gratitude,
Virginia
The Most Important Time Of Day
The way you spend your first moments of waking up sets the framework of your day. Do you wake up to a loud beeping or soft music?
Do you say to yourself,"UGH! Morning already?" And then begin to think of all of the million things you have to get done.
OR:
Do you say to yourself, "I'm so excited. Today is going to be a great day." And then lay in bed for a few minutes feeling grateful.
It is a simple shift of attitude and it will shape your entire day for the better.
September Resolutions
I don't make New Year's Resolutions. I really believe they are a formula for failure. However in September when the first of the sunflowers arrive in my garden, I begin feel a change within myself and an eagerness to create something new. These are always the resolutions I keep.
It seems to me January resolutions are about will; Septemer resolutions are about authentic wants. The beauty of autumnal resolutions is that no one else knows we're making them. Autumnal resolutions don't require horns, confetti or champagne. September resolutions as only that we be open to change.....Sarah Ban Breathnach
It seems to me January resolutions are about will; Septemer resolutions are about authentic wants. The beauty of autumnal resolutions is that no one else knows we're making them. Autumnal resolutions don't require horns, confetti or champagne. September resolutions as only that we be open to change.....Sarah Ban Breathnach
A New Day
New Beginnings
When the first 'back to school' items started showing up in stores, I averted my eyes and let my flip flops slap the floor a bit louder than usual as I headed to the sunscreen aisle.
Back to school? No way! We are still hitting the beach.
When the back to school advertisements started permeating every media outlet, I just mosied out to the pool in my bikini determined to make summer linger for as long as possible.
This morning however, there was no hiding from it. I needed a sweatshirt for my early morning run. My toes were cold as I walked barefoot in the kitchen. There are red and gold leaves floating in the pool.
A child of mine confessed his boredom.
Summer is fading.
Although I will savor every last bit of her beautiful gifts, there lies inside of me a giddy bubble. The giddy bubble that only September brings, New Beginnings
Back to school? No way! We are still hitting the beach.
When the back to school advertisements started permeating every media outlet, I just mosied out to the pool in my bikini determined to make summer linger for as long as possible.
This morning however, there was no hiding from it. I needed a sweatshirt for my early morning run. My toes were cold as I walked barefoot in the kitchen. There are red and gold leaves floating in the pool.
A child of mine confessed his boredom.
Summer is fading.
Although I will savor every last bit of her beautiful gifts, there lies inside of me a giddy bubble. The giddy bubble that only September brings, New Beginnings
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