September 1, 2008


HAPPY TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO EMOTIONAL MONEY!

Thank you so much to my readers, investors, customers and friends. I must send out a special thank you to Curtis for our wonderful weekly teleconference calls that helps to keep the vision specific and clear, Terry for the many monetary contributions and support, Rebecca and Julia for being such dear friends, Richard for being a devout reader and contributor, my many new perfect customers who have been so courageous in committing to living their lives inspired, fulfilled and free, and of course to my mommy for always, always, always BEING and allowing me to be me. Thank you Peter for arriving right on time to celebrate with this perfect anniversary gift.


INTERVIEW: PETER GALES, THE PRACTICE OF YOUR LIFE

Peter: Everybody wants a magic bullet. Win the lottery, read the book, attend a seminar, meet that man or woman and get married and ride out into the sunset, and live happily ever after. Life just doesn't work this way. It's like saying I'll go to the gym for one week and I'll have a great body for the rest of my life. To be really committed to anything it has to be the point of your lifestyle forever.

(Peter is originally from Trinidad. He studied in Toronto, Canada and New York, and has lived in the United States, Netherlands, and London. He's half Dutch and 3/8 Chinese, and 1/8th African. At a recent comedy show he was hit on as "the Asian guy," which was interesting for him as he never looked Asian growing up. A lover of Zouk music and an excellent dancer, he is an expert on the different Caribbean styles of music, educating my friends and I at a party we attended on the origins of where each song that played was from. He could tell songs from from Barbados, Trinidad, the French Antilles or Africa. Whether Zouk versus ZoukLove, Salsa or Soca. His diverse experiences with different countries, ethnicities, religions, and cultures has led him to develop The Practice of Your Life. (www.thepracticeofyourlife.com)

Peter: The medical profession studies breakdowns in the body . Law studies the breakdowns in relationships. A practice has a focus and an intent. The promise of the practice of medicine is to heal your body, and the promise of law is to protect you from broken commitments. The study of a practice occurs through the use of a network of people, developing technologies and a use of standard practices or processes. The main requirement of the concept of a practice is that it is clear what you want it to be about. That is clear to us when we think about medicine or law but in life most people don't think about what they want their life to be about until there is a breakdown. In the area of health, your body, some people have to only have minor breakdowns while others have to almost die, befor they start to take care. In any practice you invent for taking care of your body for example, you must go to the gym, or exercise, and you must do that as part of a routine that you develop and keep at it throughout your life. Over time as your body gets used to it, you then have to adjust and reinvent the practice, change/update the routine. The same is true for the other areas of our lives, like mind, spirituality, wealth or relationships. Every few years and for some more often than that our needs and desires evolve and change. Like working out our bodies, we must update the routines and practices of our lives. And that’s a never ending process.

Samarra: Why do you think we resist updating the routine?

Peter: I believe that what has kept us unaware of the need to bring intention to our lives is that our expectations are that there are only supposed to be highs without lows. But we can't have highs without lows. We're also taught that when we fail that it's bad. If a person has a set-back they bring all these stories that their failure means something about them. The failure becomes a life sentence. We resist changing the routine because we are focused on our fear of failing instead of understanding that failure is a teacher. Anyone successful, when you learn their story, it's not that they never failed it's only that they never gave up. They learned from their mistakes and eventually they succeeded. When you fail or make a mistake, there is nothing wrong with you.

Samarra: So how do you define what you call the practice of life?

Peter: Consciously engaging with the pursuit of what you say you want out of life. Bringing constant attention to what it is you say you want. I still don't know how exactly this is all going to turn out. I've put everything at risk but I feel strongly at peace. I feel like my soul is calling and I'm walking my own talk. I'm still at "sea", I haven't landed yet.

Samarra: You seem quite calm at sea. It usually makes people very uncomfortable to not have the answers all figured out, how are you able to be at such peace?

Peter: (He chuckles) That is a good question. I have a sense deep inside that I've finally discovered what I'm supposed to be doing. I've had a great life, great parents. I had it easy. I went along with cultural convention. I was a good student. I found it easy to pass exams. To my detriment, I never learned for education, I learned to pass exams. I could retain the information for an exam but I had no idea or training on how to apply it to life.

Samarra: Interesting. And now you do. What was the transition that caused you to want to help others be able to apply what they learn to their lives.

Peter: For many years, I was very much a part of the corporate world. I worked for a good company but I always felt, there's something else. The company that I worked for was based in Stanford, Connecticut. I was offered the opportunity to transfer to the Netherlands. I didn't have a family so it was pretty easy for me to do and I felt that it was important for my growth. At that time it was the worst professional experience of my life. It was a black period that lasted for 2 years. It was a time of anguish and suffering. It was my greatest time of self doubt.

Samarra: What happened?

Peter: My mother always taught me at a very young age to take responsibility. I was able to look at where I was not up to the task. Many years after this dark time, and for completely unrelated reasons I left the company. My first instinct was to jump back in to the corporate structure that I knew, but once I got in, I knew it wasn’t for me, Now with no structure around me I was forced to think about ideas and things that I could do. I realized that within a group, corporate or not, I was like the grease in the engine. People would always come to me. I was always good at speaking, all Trini's like to entertain and be in front of people, (we laugh) but I never cultivated it. I'm only doing now what I've always done without the parts that made me suffer. I plan on developing my ideas around The Practice of Your Life through speaking, writing and using technology to connect people worldwide in The Practice Of Your Life. As Adre Gide says, "one does not discover new lands without committing to lose sight of the shore for a very long time." Now it doesn't mean that I never get scared or afraid, for instance of my funds running out, but I also know that being afraid is just apart of the game.

Samarra: From your travel experiences which country and/or experience has greatly impacted your views regarding life.

Peter: If the Netherlands weren't so wet and gray I could have lived there. The Dutch philosophy is really live and let live. There were many people of different colors and it was a sense of everybody was everybody. There is a listening of "the other side" but they don't live from it like we do here in the US. Even if they don't like it they allow it. The only thing they don't tolerate is intolerance. They could teach the world a lot. In regards to religion I went from being a Roman Catholic to being an atheist. Then I realized that it was as arrogant for me to say that there is not as it is to say that there is. Then I became agnostic, and now I’m very spiritual. I've come to a certain peace with the unknown.

Samarra: Quite an incredible journey.

Peter: My ultimate goal would be fulfilled if I can make a difference in having people see and seek the value in different perspectives, religions and difficult cultures. If I can make a difference there I could say that I did a lot.

Samarra: And to balance the seriousness of your mission and work in life, what do you do for fun?

Peter: Liming. (Trinidian partying) Although, I can't say that I've reached the level of the professional limer yet. We trini's take our liming quite seriously.

Samarra: (Laughing) Thank you so much. I look forward to the release of your book The Practice of Your Life in June of 2009. Any last words for the Emotional Money readers on this two year anniversary of exploring our emotions, our money, relationships and our lives.

Peter: Listen and observe from here (he touches his stomach). That's how you find out where you are!


Thank you Peter. Happy Labor Day Everyone. Thank you for sharing this 2 year journey. Here’s to many more years of laughter, insights, truth’s and to the release of our sadness and tears.

God Bless those affected by Hurricane Gustav.



SAMARRA AM MANAGEMENT EVENT
Live interview on www.GbnTalkRadio.com on Tuesday, September 16th from 8:30pm-9:30pm entitled “Bringing Your Family Back To The Table” featuring me and Lisa Patterson in Atlanta from Creative Menus. Be sure to tune in.



UPCOMING EVENTS:
Turn On To Life with Curtis G. Schmitt
Integrity Days:
September 2, 2008 (Tuesday), 12 PM (noon) ET
September 5, 2008 (Friday), 9 AM ET

To register for one of them (and get on the schedule announcement list):

http://www.turnontolife.com/integrity.html#register

Teleclass:

Productive Planning--From Stress to Success
Learn a 6-step planning process that will make you an expert at completing your top priorities...no matter what else is thrown at you during your day. Visit http://www.turnontolife.com/teleclass/



Enlightennext
Every Thursday 7pm-10pm at 243 30th Street, 11th Floor
Meditation, vegetarian meal & a world wide conference call
www.enlightennext.org



________________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com. Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues please post and join in the conversation. To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line "unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra Am Management."

Copyright 2008

August 25, 2008


"If It Is To Be..It Is Up To Me"
Unknown


Having just watched Michelle Obama and Teddy Kennedy tonight, if there is any time to take on ourselves and overcome our uninspiring habits now would be a good time. Regardless of who you vote for, now is a time of great courage, will, hope and change. We're not alone.

It is as simple and as complex as this. Are the actions that you are taking in alignment with your core? Do they lead to your smile? Do they lead to your greatness? Or do they lead to your misery, complaints and familiar territory? Moment to moment to moment...we get to choose. Don't just keep talking about what you say you want, actually take actions that will lead you towards it.

To go along with this theme, I have also found that when I make a request for people to report on their positive moves I don't get any reply. But if I make a request for people to name their problems or mistakes they flood in. I regret that I won't be able to run any this week but there are many of you out there. I can tell your story but it's much more interesting when you tell your own. You can of course be listed as anonymous. I think that we also tend to forget how far we've come and focus instead on how far we are away from where we want to be. So since I say I want to build a community dedicated to living inspired, fulfilled and free I will be implementing a regular bi monthly conference call chat to give us the opportunity to connect verbally and share our victories. I'll announce the dates on Labor Day, the 2 year anniversary of Emotional Money. Please join in! And send me your victories please at emotionalmoney@gmail.com. I'd love to run a few next week!

I am excited to announce that I will be running an interview with Peter Gales next week. He is the author of The Practice of Life which is due out in June of 2009. Catch an interview with this Trini who has lived in the US, Netherlands, Canada and France. I found his philosophy and ability to explain the hills and valleys in our journey of life extremely...comforting and clear. The perfect anniversary treat.




Credit Card Warning from an Emotional Money Reader - Thank You!!!
Today Sunday 8/10/08 there is an interestng article in Parade Magazine (a suppliment in today's NY Post) entitled "Don't Get Clobbered by Credit Cards".
If you don't get the Post I will be glad to send it to you if you give me a mailing address. I would be interested in hearing what you think of it.
Ironicly I received a credit card offer in the mail yesterday which I promptly threw in the trash. But before trashing the offer I read the "fine print".
In addition to the annual fee of $72 for which you would be billed monthly @! $6 there was a processing fee of over $100! So before you would charge your first item you would be in debt to the card for over $100.
What a deal!!!!




SAMARRA AM MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
INSPIRING AND EMPOWERING YOUR FINANCIAL GODDESS - Saturday, November 8, 2008.
A day long seminar for women addressing the emotional, spirtual and practical pieces of your financial life. Joining me will be Carol Buchman (an accountant/financial planner for 19 years) and DeAnna Radaj, Feng Shui expert from Bante Design LLC -
Start your holiday season aligned!



UPCOMING EVENTS:
Turn On To Life with Curtis G. Schmitt
Integrity Days:
August 28, 2008 (Thursday), 9 AM ET
August 29, 2008 (Friday), 11 AM ET
September 2, 2008 (Tuesday), 12 PM (noon) ET
September 5, 2008 (Friday), 9 AM ET

To register for one of them (and get on the schedule announcement list):

http://www.turnontolife.com/integrity.html#register

Teleclass:

Productive Planning--From Stress to Success
Learn a 6-step planning process that will make you an expert at completing your top priorities...no matter what else is thrown at you during your day. Visit http://www.turnontolife.com/teleclass/



Enlightennext
Every Thursday 7pm-10pm at 243 30th Street, 11th Floor
Meditation, vegetarian meal & a world wide conference call
www.enlightennext.org




ANNOUNCEMENT:
Share - Sublet (8/15-11/15)

Available 8/15, 1bedroom share in a 2 bedroom apt for 1 month then I will be
leaving town for 2 months and the apt will become a sublet. The rent will be $1250
each of the 3 months. $600 deposit required.
Located in the 140's in Harlem. Top floor, sunny, great view, elevator, laundry
in building. Five minute walk to A,B,C,D and 3 trains. 10 minute ride to mid-town.
Path Mark and New York Sports Club less than a block away.
Cable and heat included. Pay 1/2 Con Ed for 1st month then entire bill the
remaining 2 months.
No smokers or pets please.

Call 646- 232- 7817 or e-mail wiley24@earthlink.net.


________________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com. Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues please post and join in the conversation. To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line "unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra Am Management."

Copyright 2008

August 18, 2008


IF ONLY THERE WAS A PILL


"...Self, a depth that reveals a mystery so awe-inspiring that it simply cannot be imagined. But more often than not, we're unwilling...to face the profoundly liberating implications of our own potential because we're simply not prepared to accept that which our mind cannot comprehend. Always living in denial of our darkness and ever fearful of the overwhelming brightness of our own unexplored heights, the inevitable result can only be mediocrity."
"11 Days at the Edge: One man's spirtual journey into evolutionary enlightenment" by Michael Wombacher


Many of you have heard me say, "I wish I had a pill that I could give you to make this process easier". But I don't. Transforming our habits of the past into actions that are always stemming from our core is a constant work, a constant process. Until we have the courage to face our pains of the past, until we make the decision that the misery we keep placing ourselves in is no longer acceptable and decide to take the leap into the world of our own unknown, we just spin and spin and spin in our own "mediocrity." We choose to spin because at least that is a pain that we know and are familiar with. How many times have you left a job and ended up in a new job with the exact same dynamics? How many times have you left one relationship and ended up with another person that was exactly like the one you thought you had just left? (Imagine my shock when I left my husband and four years later ended up with someone that wasn't only the same person but actually said the EXACT same very painful (and untrue) sentence to me. It was mind boggling. Clearly whatever work I thought I had done, I had more work to do. Instead of doing the work though, I chose to move in with the person. And of course all that could occur was the exact same result of having to leave again. Spin. Spin. Spin.) I don't know what event has to occur that causes us each to make the decision to face our pains, but eventually it usually does occur. How many more jobs, how many more relationships, how much more time? That is up to you. Yes, it is scary to look back at our pains and heal and find closure. Because now what? Who are we without those familiar complaints, familiar stresses and strains? Who are we without our same friends? Who are we to define ourselves versus simply following what and who our families, friends and communities told us we should be? Our days are not promised. I wish I could invent a pill. But like a diet pill it would only be a temporary fix.

Those of you that have worked with me remember the resistance to take actions based on your core. You remember the transformations that occurred when you took the leap. Please email me and share your experiences and/or post them on the blog. The pain for many is seemingly overwhelming and resistance to the leap is occurring increasingly this month. But until the leap is taken you can't know the benefits of standing in the unknown. Many of you took the leap, I'm inviting you to please share your before and after to help someone else make the leap. I'll post them next week.

When you decide that YOU are the most important thing, you make decisions, set up systems, spend time with people, and draw to you, that which is in alignment with your soul. The unknown and not knowing isn't the big bad wolf that we're taught it is in school. The unknown is the key to going beyond the limits of our small, small minds and accessing the energies and limitless abundance of the universe!
Face your pain and live your life "awe-inspired" daily!




SAMARRA AM MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
We had a wonderful time on Saturday listening to Alode perform and participating in a drum circle of over 25 people. The intent was to be in the coutry where being able to see the abundance of stars is amazing. However, the universe covered the stars and amazed us with a spectacular glowing full moon. I hope you can join me on the next escapade a bit closer to the sky and mother nature.


Two Upcoming Seminars:
Stay tuned for details:
INSPIRING AND EMPOWERING YOUR FINANICIAL GODDESS
a day long seminar - Saturday November 8th to get your holiday season started off right.
FUN WITH FINANCIALS an evening in October.



Additional Services - Organizing, Gathering, Sorting and Filing. I happen to love putting things in order. If you just haven't been able to face it, give me a call. Believe me, what is in there, is not what you think.
Fee based on individual circumstances and projects.
Call today for inspiration and aid,
718-350-6095
emotionalmoney@gmail.com
Dedicated to building communities living inspired, fulfilled and free!



EVENTS:
Enlightennext
Every Thursday 7pm-10pm at 243 30th Street, 11th Floor
Meditation, vegetarian meal & a world wide conference call
www.enlightennext.org




ANNOUNCEMENT:
Share - Sublet (8/15-11/15)

Available 8/15, 1bedroom share in a 2 bedroom apt for 1 month then I will be
leaving town for 2 months and the apt will become a sublet. The rent will be $1250
each of the 3 months. $600 deposit required.
Located in the 140's in Harlem. Top floor, sunny, great view, elevator, laundry
in building. Five minute walk to A,B,C,D and 3 trains. 10 minute ride to mid-town.
Path Mark and New York Sports Club less than a block away.
Cable and heat included. Pay 1/2 Con Ed for 1st month then entire bill the
remaining 2 months.
No smokers or pets please.

Call 646- 232- 7817 or e-mail wiley24@earthlink.net.


________________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com. Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues please post and join in the conversation. To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line "unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra Am Management."

Copyright 2008

August 11, 2008

AUTOMATIC PAYMENTS

How many of you have your bills set up on automatic payment?
I understand how the banks and companies benefit - either way they are guaranteed to get paid. I understand technically how you as the customer can also benefit - you save yourself time. However I have noticed a dangerous trend. The customers that are using it are usually using it because they don't like doing their bills, they were missing their payments and/or they just wanted to avoid their finances and this allowed them not to have to think about it. If you have no aspirations to get your finances in order or build wealth then I guess this is a viable plan. But if you are truly striving to get your finances in order, or simply rise to the next financial level, please don't use or stop using this automatic payment option.

In this age of microwave mentality, we often pay attention to what is going to get us to our destination the fastest versus what will allow us to fully arrive. If you don't like dealing with your finances, automatic payments are not going to suddenly take care of your issues around your finances. All the automatic payment system does is allow you to pretend that you have everything under control. A system is a system - how you're using it is coming from the same source. If the process from the beginning is broken then the process in a different system will still be broken. You may as well, take the time now, to look at your system. How much are your bills per month? When are your bills due? When do you earn income? Will there be enough in your account when the bills are due? We have to be involved and conscious to our financial life.

If you have plenty of extra income in relation to your expenses and you feel as if you don't need to worry about it, consider your future. If you know how much you owe, and how much you earn, and are just blindly letting the banks and computers handle your finances, what potential savings/investing opportunities might you be missing out on? What if your phone company has beed double charging you? I can not tell you how many times that I have heard people say, once we look at their statements, that they have no idea who a certain company is that has been taking money out of their account on a monthly basis. We have to be involved and conscious to our financial life.

As in most cases with technology, it does help us tremondously in our every day lives but please don't make the mistake of using them as substitutes for being involved in your own life. There is no substitute. Systems are there to help us but never take yourself out of the equation. If you use the automatic payment set up but you don't have a clue about what is being taken out or when, please start this month to make a list of the companies, the amount owed and when they are taken out. Start there. If your expenses are a lot more than your income and many months you get hit with overdraft fees take off the automatic payments. (No, the overdraft protection isn't really aiding you either.) Don't keep giving the banks more of your money. Turn and face your finances head on!

PLAN OF ACTION:
If you have automatic billing, learn the company, amount and date due for your bills.
Track it monthly. Please share your thrills from last week and any surprises you encountered from looking at your statements this week at emotionalmoney@gmail.com.




SAMARRA AM MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

There is only room for one more (female only) for my 3 hour day trip to Upstate New York this Saturday, August 16th. Big Tent Cultural Center in Whitney Point, NY will have the Women's African Drumming Group, Alode at 4pm for only $7.00 After the performance we'll all get to participate in a Drumming Circle. It will be wonderful fun. You can email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com or call me at 718-350-6095 for the details.

Additional Services - Organizing, Gathering, Sorting and Filing. I happen to love putting things in order. If you just haven't been able to face it, give me a call. Examples such as:
If you can write your amounts down daily I'll organize it for you and every month you'll have a record of how much you made and how much you spent.
If you have a trunk or a bag filled with papers you just can't face - give me a call. Believe me, what is in there is not what you think.
Fee based on individual circumstances and projects.
Call today for an estimate and some inspiration!
718-350-6095
emotionalmoney@gmail.com
Dedicated to building communities living inspired, fulfilled and free!



EVENTS:
Grassroots Business Network, LLC
Networking Event This Thursday
http://www.gbnllc.com/
Be sure to visit their website. Their events are unique and fun!

Enlightennext
Every Thursday 7pm-10pm at 243 30th Street, 11th Floor
Meditation, vegetarian meal & a world wide conference call
www.enlightennext.org




ANNOUNCEMENT
Share - Sublet (8/15-11/15)

Available 8/15, 1bedroom share in a 2 bedroom apt for 1 month then I will be
leaving town for 2 months and the apt will become a sublet. The rent will be $1250
each of the 3 months. $600 deposit required.
Located in the 140's in Harlem. Top floor, sunny, great view, elevator, laundry
in building. Five minute walk to A,B,C,D and 3 trains. 10 minute ride to mid-town.
Path Mark and New York Sports Club less than a block away.
Cable and heat included. Pay 1/2 Con Ed for 1st month then entire bill the
remaining 2 months.
No smokers or pets please.

Call 646- 232- 7817 or e-mail wiley24@earthlink.net.


________________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com. Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues please post and join in the conversation. To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line "unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra Am Management."

Copyright 2008

August 4, 2008



THE THRILL OF MAKING LIFE HAPPEN!


Riding in the car with my mom one day many years ago, I looked at the sky. I had never seen so many stars in all of my life. We were out in the country and I loved looking at the sky, but this was like no sky I had ever seen before or since. I understood for the first time in my life what was meant when we were taught in school that there are billions and billions of stars. I remember asking my mom, what was wrong with my eyes or the reflection? My mind couldn't grasp the idea that I was looking at stars. I kept staring and it wasn't going away. Once I realized that the sky was literally covered in stars, I remember sinking down in my seat. I was excited - it was so beautiful, but I was also scared. Scared partly because how was it possible that I had never seen them before? How could I have not seen what was already there? The lights of the city are blocking so much more than I could have ever imagined.


When we are confronted with the beauty and possiblities of what can be created in our lives, we are terrified. We think "oh my goodness, could this really be true?" "Can I do this?" "Can I cause this to happen?" "Have I always been able to cause this?" Isn't it funny that the feeling of terror isn't really there when we don't accomplish something or when we don't go beyond our expectation? After all, that is a habit that we know all about. We expect and understand that.

The billions of stars are always there illuminating the sky even if we can't see them. The light of our souls are always there, even when we don't choose to express it. But each of us, at least once, had a circumstance where we just had to let it shine and we accomplished, said and/or did exactly what we had set out to do. Afterwards we were surprised, in shock and/or terrified. But we've never forgotten what we were capable of doing. We've never forgotten the thrill of making our lives happen.


The habits bring us the same debts, the same frustrations, the same daily grind. What if our habit became living life from the awe and terror of making our lives happen, clearing the clouds and the glare of artificial lighting?

Venture out into the darkness of the country and behold the beauty of making your life happen!


PLAN OF ACTION:
Identify what you did in the past that thrilled you.
Break down what and how you did it.
Identify a thrill that you could see accomplishing in the next 5 days.
Lay out a plan.
LEAP!
Share your thrill at emotionalmoney@gmail.com.

I'm planning on taking a 3 hour trip Upstate for the day on Saturday, August 16th to listen and participate afterwards in a drum circle. If you'd like to view the stars with me, I have room for 2 or 3 others. You can email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com or call me at 718-350-6095 for the details.





EVENTS:
Enlightennext
Every Thursday 7pm-10pm at 243 30th Street, 11th Floor
Meditation, vegetarian meal & a world wide conference call
www.enlightennext.org

Peaceful Productivity for Busy Professionals
Learn the 5 Master Keys to time management and planning in a teleclass that people are calling a "life-saver," "powerful," and "inspirational"! Visit http://www.TurnOnToLife.com/teleclass.html


ANNOUNCEMENT
Share - Sublet (8/15-11/15)

Available 8/15, 1bedroom share in a 2 bedroom apt for 1 month then I will be
leaving town for 2 months and the apt will become a sublet. The rent will be $1250
each of the 3 months. $600 deposit required.
Located in the 140's in Harlem. Top floor, sunny, great view, elevator, laundry
in building. Five minute walk to A,B,C,D and 3 trains. 10 minute ride to mid-town.
Path Mark and New York Sports Club less than a block away.
Cable and heat included. Pay 1/2 Con Ed for 1st month then entire bill the
remaining 2 months.
No smokers or pets please.

Call 646- 232- 7817 or e-mail wiley24@earthlink.net.









________________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com. Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues please post and join in the conversation. To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line "unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra Am Management."

Copyright 2008

July 28, 2008


LOOKING BACK

As I return from Washington, DC. having celebrated the 20th anniversary of the theatre where my acting career began, having spoken to my ex husband to confirm the last stages of finalizing our divorce, seeing a friend I haven't seen in over 10 years and seeing my beloved highschool drama teacher, there was confirmation of the many broken habits that have my life being unrecognizable now. Sometimes going back is the the best way to see and be reminded how far you've come as you prepare to embark on new steps forward.

Breaking Patterns
by Mark Nepo

We go into change rehearsing the history that brought us to this
point.
-Parker Palmer

Often we have to rehearse the truth, until we find the courage to live
it. In this, repetition is not failure, but the heart’s way to learn
how to be in the world. Yet like everything else of significance, this
process has an attractive yet false counterpart waiting nearby to
distract us. We can describe the repeating that is unnecessary as the
reliving of scripts, or unconscious repeating, and the repeating that is
necessary as the rehearsing of truth, or conscious repeating. And we
could say that the near enemy of rehearsing the truth is being trapped
in reliving scripts. Though the difference between these is hard to keep
in view-especially when in the throes of either.

Nevertheless, the way an actress rehearses the situations she is given
until her character is one with the character she is playing, the drama
of life demands that we put in the effort to consciously work with what
we’re given until we practice our way into honest living. Without such
effort, we lapse into unconscious entanglements, like a dog that
incessantly tangles itself in its leash. And as such a dog will push its
ball out of reach and whine and pout, we can nudge the truth of who we
are beyond the reach of our self-created limitations and whine and pout
and grow sad. In this way, when we repeat our reactions to living and
not our attempts to live, we find ourselves trapped.

In contrast, Paula Underwood Spencer wisely states,“If you want to be
truly understood, you need to say everything three times. Once for each
ear, and once for the heart.” The implication is that things that are
worth experiencing and communicating have to be repeated in order to
grasp and share the fullness of their meaning. We must enter them more
than once, receive them more than once, articulate them more than once,
and listen more than once. This brings us back to rehearsing the truth.
So when something is working you and you’ve only barely spoken of it,
don’t limit your growth because you have no one else to talk to. Find
a willing stranger and make a new friend. The growth of our soul demands
that we break all hesitation.

When feeling the press of the patterns that govern our lives, these
distinctions are muddy. Often, it is a slow and unclear process to move
from unconscious repeating to conscious rehearsing. But this slow
clarifying is part of self-transformation. The process is powerfully
distilled by Portia Nelson in her poem, “Autobiography in Five Short
Chapters”:

I walk, down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in
I am lost . . . I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place.
But, it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in . . . it's a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

I walk down another street.


So breaking patterns involves repeating. There is no getting around it,
though we are always pressed to discern whether we are reliving what
doesn’t work or peeling away of what is false. In addition to this, we
are frequently swimming like salmon against the current of a disposable
society that discourages us from looking at anything more than once. It
reminds me of the lonely woman and the second flower.In early spring,
she is stopped by a burst of sun on a peony on the north side of the
city. A few days later, she sees another peony in her friend’s yard.
But she thinks, “I’ve seen this flower before.” And so she
doesn’t pay attention.But it is the second flower that holds a
secret for her.Pretty soon, she thinks life is repeating, when all that
is repeating is her want for a flower she’s never seen.
*****************************************
These reflections are excerpts from several books, including a new book
of poems, Surviving Has Made Me Crazy, CavanKerry Press, and a new book
of spiritual non-fiction, Facing the Lion, Being the Lion: Inner Courage
and Where It Lives, Red Wheel/Conari Press. For more info, please visit
www.MarkNepo.com.


THANK YOU MARK.

PLAN OF ACTION:
Take a moment to look back and see how far you've come. How many holes have you've gotten yourself out of, how many have you avoided?



ANNOUNCEMENT
Share - Sublet (8/15-11/15)

Available 8/15, 1bedroom share in a 2 bedroom apt for 1 month then I will be
leaving town for 2 months and the apt will become a sublet. The rent will be $1250
each of the 3 months. $600 deposit required.
Located in the 140's in Harlem. Top floor, sunny, great view, elevator, laundry
in building. Five minute walk to A,B,C,D and 3 trains. 10 minute ride to mid-town.
Path Mark and New York Sports Club less than a block away.
Cable and heat included. Pay 1/2 Con Ed for 1st month then entire bill the
remaining 2 months.
No smokers or pets please.

Call 646- 232- 7817 or e-mail wiley24@earthlink.net.


EVENTS:
Peaceful Productivity for Busy Professionals
Learn the 5 Master Keys to time management and planning in a teleclass that people are calling a "life-saver," "powerful," and "inspirational"! Visit http://www.TurnOnToLife.com/teleclass.html

Enlightennext
Every Thursday 7pm-10pm at 243 30th Street, 11th Floor
Meditation, vegetarian meal & a world wide conference call
www.enlightennext.org




If you're not on the Emotional Money mailing list, sign up today to receive a special attachment that they received this week. Please send your email address to emotionalmoney@gmail.com and I'll forward you the attachment.

________________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com. Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues please post and join in the conversation. To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line "unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra Am Management."

Copyright 2008

July 21, 2008

RED LIGHTS AND GREEN

I was riding on the very first car of the Path train last week. I was fascinated by the overlapping and crisscrossing of the tracks at certain points throughout the journey. Each track leading to its own separate and singular destination. The only way to know if you’re on the right track is to have the skills and knowledge as the train driver does because he has traveled the tracks many times. Or if less knowledgeable, simply pick a track and see if the track ends in a place that you'd like to be. In life sometimes, when it doesn’t end where we thought, we have the option to get back on the train and try again. Sometimes the damage done leaves us meandering so we get off and on the train at every stop, versus simply going back to place where the tracks crisscrossed in the first place.

I was also struck by the fact that the light signals stayed red right up until we got to the light. Once we were on it then it would turn green. If the train just stopped then the light would simply stay red. Sometimes we have to keep moving forward in the direction toward a big red light in order to get it to turn green. It would be easier if we just had a long line of green lights to lead us on our way. Many times it's simply our trust and faith in ourselves, like the driver that didn't alter his speed, to keep the same momentum despite what our eyes see that will CAUSE the light to turn green.

The most fascinating moment was when there was a tall red signal that looked just like the signals we had before but to the left there was also a smaller green signal. I assumed since the red light looked like the others that that was our signal and we'd have to stop. But instead of taking in my surroundings anew; noticing that we were at a different point in the journey, outside with many more tracks, I didn’t realize that the familiar red light was no longer for us. Ours was now a small signal to the left. That new light was green. How many times when faced with a choice between red and green, even when your surroundings are brand new have you chosen what was familiar and kept looking at the red, ignoring the green?



PLAN OF ACTION:
When it comes time to open your mail, pay a bill and track your daily spending, we often see big red lights. There's a pile on your desk or hidden in a file drawer somewhere. If you want to see green around your finances, YOU must move forward first for the light to turn from red to green. Open your mail, make payment arrangements, and track your spending.
If you've tried time and time again. Read the attachment and give me a call to get back to the place where the tracks crisscrossed in the first place.





EVENTS:
Peaceful Productivity for Busy Professionals
Learn the 5 Master Keys to time management and planning in a teleclass that people are calling a "life-saver," "powerful," and "inspirational"! Visit http://www.TurnOnToLife.com/teleclass.html

Enlightennext
Every Thursday 7pm-10pm at 243 30th Street, 11th Floor
Meditation, vegetarian meal & a world wide conference call
www.enlightennext.org

Thank you so much to the many of you that welcomed me back and were inspired by last week's blog. It's beautiful to hear from you!!!


If you're not on the Emotional Money mailing list, sign up today to receive a special attachment that they received this week. Please send your email address to emotionalmoney@gmail.com and I'll forward you the attachment.

________________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com. Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues please post and join in the conversation. To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line "unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra Am Management."

Copyright 2008

July 14, 2008


I'M BACK & ALIGNED


My last entry was on May 30, 2008. I apologize for disappearing. I have missed you. I was missing me. I couldn't write any longer about having the courage to follow your core and holding yourself responsible and accountable for your life when I wasn't.

As many of you know I have been in a battle around trying to get rid of my debt, I have been working in a job that pays weekly but that was mind numbing, I gained 30 pounds, and my relationships have been learning experiences that have ended.

I've been doing the same thing and I've been getting the same results. However after losing my grandmother, I could no longer believe that I have all the time in the world or that my life and what I choose to do with it and in it doesn't matter. I became very aware of how small I play, hiding behind my fears and plain ole "I don't wanna" 2 year old behaviors. But I didn't take any actions around this realization except to continue to hide. But then allowing myself to be in a different relationship meant I had to take action if I wanted different results. I am with someone now that knows who he is and is mature and doesn't react to my 2 old tantrums. When there is someone in your life that knows who they are and knows and respects your highest self, the lack of drama is...new, scary and very different. I couldn't just think that I was mature and grown, I had to actually practice BEING that. It's very challenging but also very freeing. Conversation, communication, accountability and responsibility practiced by both adults leaves little room for drama, misunderstandings and uncontrollable fears. Of course, once I chose to take on the challenge of this lens, I was also able to clearly see how my choices around my business, my eating habits and staying at my job were also products of my 2 year old behaviors. To each of these very important areas of my life, I could give as much or as little as I felt like on my own terms. If I had to do something a little more challenging outside of my comfort zone I could resort to "I don't wanna" and I wouldn't. My life has greatly improved but the freedom, abundance, and impact I dream of, I am not even close. Taking on the challenge has been worth it in my relationship, and each day I have to chose to take on the challenge and quiet the habit of “I don’t wanna.”

I decided to rejoin weight watchers. I had to admit to myself that I need the support to help me continuously be accountable to work out, plan my meals and eat healthily. I can't afford to pretend that food isn't my drug of choice. For my lifetime I will need to stay with a supportive structure around my relationship to food. It doesn't mean that it won't get easier but it does mean that I'll need to stay within a structure to be able to maintain and sustain my goal weight. I have 3 pounds to go!

My job provided me with a nice security blanket. The cost was that I was bored out of my mind. And it allowed me to not have to give my all to my business. First, I tried to change my hours at my job. That made me happy for about a week. But the drain of a job that I really hated, made me so tired everyday that I didn't have the energy to do my business. Whatever the benefits, they no longer mattered, I was miserable and truly dreaded Mondays. We moved floors where I was now going to be relegated to a 6 foot cubicle, little light and no window. That was it. I quit and amazingly have been busy with new customers and contacts ever since. I'm wide awake and fully energized. I sat down to write my blog and this time my fingers kept moving.

My debt; well all I can say is that is where my attention was focused and it would go down almost to nothing and bam something else would occur. Since my focus has usually been on lack - then no matter what I've done that is where I've ended. I worked that job to take care of my debt and it's still there. So... how about I try something I've never ever dared try before. Holding myself accountable and responsible for my actions, desires and wishes. When things stop going my way, I'll keep going anyway. I will be debt free. But in the mean time I will be focusing my attention on abundance and being free. I've seen it with my customers so I know it's true - when we focus on our core and take action from there, everything else falls in place. Those things, actions, people and debts that are not in alignment with our core, fall away.

I feel a security and confidence that I have never felt before. The only constant in life is change. And I would be naive to say that I won't have some rough patches or periods of doubt but my underlying foundation is to faith, maturity, responsibilty and abundance.

Emotional Money will be posted and sent every Monday.
Stay tuned for my upcoming regular free seminar series and new product announcements. Originally when I envisioned this blog I envisioned it as a dialog among me and the readers. As we enter into our third year together - I really invite you to share your story, your questions, issues and concerns. When we remain alone - we really see and attract to us that which we already know. It's been a month and a half and my life is...unrecognizable in every area. I thank you for being a part of Emotional Money. September 4th will be its 3 year anniversary! I hope it has been as helpful and inspirational to you as it has been for me. Another major clue to myself that I wasn't completely in alignment was that I was writing my blog later and later each week until I just couldn't write it at all. I'm Back and Aligned.


I'm looking forward to continued growth. May we all grow in abundance, peace, and inspiration TOGETHER one moment, one minute, one hour, one day, one month, one year at a time. Life is a gift. LET'S LIVE FREE, FULFILLED and INSPIRED!


PLAN OF ACTION:
Please share your thoughts, suggestions and/or questions at emotionalmoney@gmail.com
What have you been up to for yourself and your life since May 30th?

_______________________________________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com. Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues please post and join in the conversation. To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line "unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra Am Management."

Copyright 2008

May 30, 2008

IDENTIFY


I want to share excerpts from the readers that responded as a perfect illustration of where most of us focus our attention.
(If you haven't, PLEASE READ last week's blog "NOW WHAT?" at www.emotionalmoney.blogspot.com.)before reading further.

READER #1
"I do several things when I'm out of alignment.
Anger and sarcasm and blame flare up "out of nowhere."
For the past year : a big ball of stress sits in my stomach, creating a big balloon making me look 6 months pregnant. Is it a food allergy, or is it stress? Perhaps both...I spend and then avoid. I avoid and take a nap."


EMOTIONAL MONEY #1. If you haven't already..identify your Habitual Coping Mechanism.

READER #2 I avoid the central problem and my emotions around it by
a) workaholism: focusing all my attention on work (the next show/performance), b) "gambling-like" behavior: betting my emotional wellbeing on how many CDs I sell,
c) over-thinking, disconnecting from heart/feeling,
d) emotional eating, reaching for sugar to placate,
e) relationship addiction: clinging to my romantic relationship for a sense of value and worth.

EMOTIONAL MONEY #2. Identify the specific cause for your core to be out of alignment.

READER #2 Low Self-Esteem. Feeling unworthy of having what I need and want. It has me engaging in so much internal self-criticism, comparison to others, self-sabotage, keeping what I need at bay....


What is identified in both of these examples are the RESULTS or the MANIFESTATIONS of what occurs for them when they are not IN alignment. Our attention remains on the results versus the specific cause. "Low-Self Esteem, feeling unworthy.." SO then we take action based on that result. But what we really want to do is to identify the root cause for being out of alignment. For example, in these cases IDENTIFY the cause for the "low self esteem", "feeling unworthy", "anger and sarcasm and blame." Acknowledging the anger, sarcasm and blame is one layer. And it's excellent and necessary to acknowledge this first layer. Now, in order to alter our habitual coping mechanisms we need to dig a little deeper and IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE.

For example, I mentioned before that I gained the 70 pounds and at my first layer the issue was food and the action I took was to join Weight Watchers. That was one layer. I was losing weight but I was still deeply depressed and unhappy. I avoided the next layer for a long time but finally I had to admit that my issue wasn't food, it was my relationship with my husband. Once I was willing to identify that, then I took action. But once I left him I was still "unsatisfied". I had to explore another layer. My relationship to myself. I never truly felt at peace so I would get in a relationship, stay busy and/or eat to distract myself from how I was feeling about myself. Weight Watchers addressed only one aspect. The root I discovered was that I felt that there was something wrong with me. I believe this was as a result of not growing up with my father. I was told that he loved me but I, as a child, never understood why he didn't come and get me. What was wrong with me, why didn't he want me? (I always said this same line in my head in every relationship. I would take something that the person did or didn't do as a sign that they didn't really want me). As my regular readers know, my mother is my best friend, and I pretended forever that she was all I needed. But over time I had to admit to myself that I was hurt that I didn't have my father in my life. I was looking at my boyfriend's, husbands, male friends to fulfill my father's place. "Prove to me that I'm wanted." Of course nothing they did could ever be enough. No one could fulfill this, except my father. I had to get to the root of what was going on for me. The sheer act and courage of admitting how painful it was to not have my father caused a brand new opening for me and my life. It caused me to reach for my father instead of a relationship, another way to stay busy and/or food. It caused me to discover that his actions had nothing to do with me. It caused me to allow the little girl to mourn what can never be replaced. AND by finally admitting it, it allowed me to move forward anew and discover my identity as myself separate from my parents, my past and my root belief that I was not worthy of being wanted.

My habitual coping pattern: eating, getting and staying in unhealthy relationships, and staying busy, busy, busy.

I can pay attention to the habitual coping patterns and put on band aids that address them (the trend of our culture)OR I can Identify the Root.

The clue that you are paying attention to the band aids is when you experience your life, money, relationships and decisions as the "same."
If you're exploring the root, you may feel scared but the release will outweigh the fears and frustrations. The choices you make from there will address all aspects of your habits. And a clearing will be created for new and empowering...choices.

PLAN OF ACTION
IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE FOR HABITUAL COPING MECHANISMS
(Please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com with your habitual coping mechanism and the identified root cause and/or questions. It is helping me clarify my journey and for those that have shared and that are reading, I hope it will help identify your root).



EVENTS
TOMORROW
Changing the World from the Inside Out
A special 6-hour continuous internet broadcast
Featuring Ken Wilber, Deepak Chopra, Andrew Cohen and more...

(You can come to the center at 243 30th Street (1 block from Penn station)and listen in on any section that interests you. I'll be there all day. I hope to see you there!

Saturday May 31 , 2008
11:00am - 5:00pm
Note: To participate in this special event you must register as an Evolutionary. http://www.andrewcohen.org/events/schedule.asp

May 31 marks the beginning of the inaugural launch of the Evolutionary Enlightenment Practitioner program. Practitioners are already making dynamic and innovative change using the teachings of Evolutionary Enlightenment in diverse settings. From prisons to third grade school classes, the mayor’s office in a city in Australia to the film set of NBC’s Law & Order, these powerful teachings about coming together beyond ego and taking responsibility for the future are having a significant impact.


Program
11am - 12pm
Featured Guests: Carter Phipps and Elizabeth Debold, Executive and Senior Editors of What Is Enlightenment? magazine
Topic: A Brief History of Cultural Change

12pm - 1pm
Host Jeff Carreira
Topic and Guests to be announced


1pm - 2pm
Featured Guests: Ken Wilber, integral philosopher, and founder of Integral Institute in dialogue with Andrew Cohen
Topic: Live Guru and Pandit Dialogue on Changing the World from the Inside Out

2pm - 4pm
Host Jeff Carreira
Topic and Guests to be announced


4pm - 5pm
Featured Guest: Deepak Chopra, spiritual teacher, author and founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing in dialogue with Andrew Cohen
Topic: How to Inject New Ideas into Main Stream Culture


__________________________________________

Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or
events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com.

Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues
please post and join in the conversation.

To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line
"unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding
Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra
Am Management."



Copyright 2008

May 23, 2008

ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY WEEKEND!



Thank you to those that responded to "Now What?" It will greatly help all of the readers. Look for the next stage of this series and hear what some readers shared in "Identify" next week. If you haven't read the last two issues, please check them out at www.emotionalmoney.blogspot.com.

We'll get back to work next week.


I apologize for missing in action this week. I had to rush my Princess (yes, my cat) to the emergency room - she couldn't breath. It appears that she has asthma. Did you know they have oxygen tanks for cats? For those that have followed my journey with the kitties or that know me well - you understand that that wiped me out for the week. I definetely honor all the parents out there. How do you do it with actual children in human form?

Have a beautiful holiday weekend!





EVENTS
Changing the World from the Inside Out
A special 6-hour continuous internet broadcast
Featuring Ken Wilber, Deepak Chopra, Andrew Cohen and more...
Saturday May 31 , 2008
11:00am - 5:00pm
Note: To participate in this special event you must register as an Evolutionary.
It's easy and free. It will be an incredible conversation.
http://www.enlightennext.org/webcast/


___________________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or
events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com.

Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues
please post and join in the conversation.

To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line
"unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding
Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra
Am Management."



Copyright 2008

May 13, 2008


NOW WHAT?

If you haven't already, please read last weeks blog, Habitual Coping Mechanism's before proceeding.

Here are some other Habitual Coping Mechanism that were shared by "Emotional Money readers. Do you recognize yourself in any of these?

"Food, relationships, spending, workoholism"

"...saying sarcastic ("funny") remarks..."

"...using my credit card & smoking cigarettes.."

Excellent. Now that we recognize the external signs that indicate that we aren't in alignment with our core, now what?

After gaining 70 pounds, once I became conscious, I started working out and decided that I would eat right. But after a week of stressful arguments at home, once again I found comfort in food. I had to admit to myself that if I didn't want gain more weight, I would have to seek assistance outside of myself. I joined Weight Watchers. Having a community of people to share my challenges and successes with gave me the motivation I needed to help me to remember to make choices that would serve me.
GET SUPPORT

As I was feeling better about myself, I had to admit, despite my love for my husband, I was mostly unhappy when I was with him and vice versa. Although we'd tried everything, in the end, we couldn't deny that despite our love for eachother what each of us needed the other couldn't provide. This was true before we married, but we weren't willing to be honest. I made the decision to leave my husband.
BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF

Once I knew it was over emotionally, the circumstances financially, logistically, etc. caused us to keep living together for 3 more months. In spite of having support and making the decision, in the end I had to actually pack boxes, rent a truck and move.
TAKE ACTION


Of course, I am simplifying a very, very difficult time in my life. I will save the details of this journey that has forever altered the course of my life for my memoirs. However, I hope that by sharing my story it may allow you to begin to take stock of your core being, sooner rather than later. The blessings and course of my life has turned out so much more beautiful as a result of that pain. Now I know the joy on the other side of the pain. The sooner I recognize when I'm out of alignment, the sooner I get support, the sooner I am willing to be honest with myself, the sooner I take action. I, YOU, WE ARE WORTH IT.


PLAN OF ACTION
1. If you haven't already..identitify your Habitual Coping Mechanism.
2. Identify the specific cause for your core to be out of alignment.
3. Get Help - supportive friend, family member, seminar...(books are fantastic - but
in this case a supportive human being is necessary.)
4. Be Honest with Yourself
5. Take Action

Please let me know the 5 steps that you have done or will be doing in order to clear space for your joy. Email them to emotionalmoney@gmail.com. You sharing will help others!



___________________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or
events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com.

Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues
please post and join in the conversation.

To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line
"unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding
Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra
Am Management."



Copyright 2008

May 6, 2008

HABITUAL COPING MECHANISM


Do you know some of the external signs that indicate that you aren't feeling aligned? The sign for me is that I start to eat, and eat and eat. I'm not hungry, sometimes, I'm even full but - I eat. When I was married, I looked up one day and I was suddenly 70 pounds heavier. I'm not exaggerating. I swear I don't remember ever "realizing" that I was gaining weight until one day I was going to work and I couldn't wear ANY of my clothes. I lost the weight but since then, in any relationship after that, if I found myself needing to reach for food, I paid attention and began to examine my situation before the weight gaining began. I also began to notice that this behavior was true if my finances, my job, or anything was out of alignment. I would always reach for food. This dynamic became a great indicator to me "that something missing" or "out of alignment." I grew to trust that indicator even if I had consciously told myself that "everything was fine". By paying attention to this external habitual coping mechanism, I am now able to stop, pay attention and get out of situations that are not in alignment with my core in a much shorter amount of time. Looking back, I realized that using food to cope was something that I had always done. I can't always trust my mind, or even my heart but an ingrained habitual coping mechanism gives me all the information I need to take stock of what I'm settling for and/or avoiding.


ACTION PLAN:
What do you do to cope when you are out of alignment with your core?
Do you stay busy, busy, busy, start new projects, seek a relationship,...spend money. You'll know you've selected the right one when you can trace the pattern throughout your life.

Please send me your habitual coping mechanisms to emotionalmoney@gmail.com. By sharing it, it may help someone notice what they couldn't see for themselves.



REVLON RUN/WALK
Thank you so much to those of you that contributed to the Revlon Run/Walk Fight Against Women's Cancer. I raised $690 and our team raised $2500. THANK YOU for helping to fight women's cancers! It was a magical walk through Central Park. at the end of the walk, as the survivors spoke, on a chilly gray morning, one of the last survivors shared that she had lost two grandmothers, her mother, and eight cousins before they reached 30 and she herself had beat cancer four times. As we applauded the courage of each of these women, the sun came out.
May we soon find a cure.
Donations are accepted until June 1st.
https://www.revlonrunwalk.com/ny/secure/MyWebPage.cfm?pID=437982&CFID=681049&CFToken=300d605e04ddd30e-C7DD37FD-ECB4-E269-81E0D847DC44B5D9





___________________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or
events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com.

Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues
please post and join in the conversation.

To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line
"unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding
Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra
Am Management."



Copyright 2008

April 29, 2008

I DON"T KNOW!!!!!

The election campaign, the verdict in the trial...

There is so much to say that there is nothing to say.

So...


I DON"T KNOW!!!

When you think of your finances - embrace them. 2 + 2 always equals 4.
Don't avoid , unlike politics and trials there can be no spin. If you have less or more than you think, be accountable for your actions. Write down what you earn and what you spend. Pull out the calculator and by the end of the month KNOW. In these days and times embrace the numbers.

PLAN OF ACTION:
Grab your pencils and calculators and start being accountable for your financial life.


UPCOMING EVENTS
Make a Difference in the Fight Against Cancer!
This Saturday, May 3rd, I will be participating in the 11th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women. You can join me in the fight against women's cancers by making a pledge or donation on my behalf. Your pledge will help fund important research into the cause and cure of women's cancers, prevention, education and support service programs. Every pledge will help bring us one step closer to a cure.

You can go to my website below and make a donation. I'm thrilled to say that I surpassed my $500.00 goal and am now hoping to raise $1000.00. Any amount that you can contribute will make a difference in the lives and families of those in the battle against cancer.

Thank you so much to those that have contributed!

https://www.revlonrunwalk.com/ny/secure/MyWebPage.cfm?pID=437982&CFID=681049&CFToken=300d605e04ddd30e-C7DD37FD-ECB4-E269-81E0D847DC44B5D9

If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at 718-350-6095.




___________________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or
events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com.

Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues
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Copyright 2008

April 22, 2008

MYSELF FIRST

"An old man once said when I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I realized that the world would not change. Then I decided to shorten my sights somewhat and change my country, but it to seemed immovable. As I entered my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt I sought to change only my family and only those closest to me. But alas, they would have none of it. And now I lie here on my death bed and I realize perhaps for the very first time, that if I had only changed myself first, then by example, I may have influenced my family. And with their encouragement and support, I may have bettered my country. And who knows, I may have even changed the world."
Excerpt from Ladies Can We Talk - Candid Conversations -
by Lisa Nichols & Sanyika Calloway Boyce


Do you find yourself often thinking that your financial situation would be much better if "he" would just stop buying...? Do you spend a lot of time imagining if "she" would just listen to you and stop needing....? How much time do you spend going to an event and thinking you've already heard this before...you know this already...What if you were so powerful that the person affecting your finances was you? Don't wait until you are on your death bed. Try just for one day taking responsibility for the role you play in your finances, your relationships, your life!

PLAN OF ACTION:
Notice how often you focus without.
Stop, breath. breath. Focus within.

Notice how often you talk. Notice how often you listen.

We can control no one except ourselves.




UPCOMING EVENTS
Make a Difference in the Fight Against Cancer!
On Saturday, May 3rd, I will be participating in the 11th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women. You can join me in the fight against women's cancers by making a pledge or donation on my behalf. Your pledge will help fund important research into the cause and cure of women's cancers, prevention, education and support service programs. Every pledge will help bring us one step closer to a cure.

You can go to my website and make a donation. My goal is to raise $500.00. Any amount that you can contribute will make a difference. I have talked about wanting to do this for years. I have supported others doing this but my journey within caused me to not be able to go another year and hear of yet another lost battle to cancer.

https://www.revlonrunwalk.com/ny/secure/MyWebPage.cfm?pID=437982&CFID=681049&CFToken=300d605e04ddd30e-C7DD37FD-ECB4-E269-81E0D847DC44B5D9

If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at 718-350-6095.



SPECIAL EVENT THIS SATURDAY!
Saturday, April 26, 10:30am-6pm
Affinia Manhattan Hotel, Ballroom
371 Seventh Avenue, between 30th and 31st streets

The Emergence of the "Higher We"
For more details: http://www.andrewcohen.org/ny/
Andrew Cohen in New York for One Day Only!
"I believe that the only way to our higher development lies in a shared experience of consciousness beyond ego. In this experience, a momentous leap occurs. It is a leap from I to We - from extreme individuation to a higher We consciousness, in which everyone simultaneously experiences individual and collective transparency while remaining fully and completely themselves."

A day that will aid in understanding the possibilities of going within.


___________________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or
events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com.

Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues
please post and join in the conversation.

To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line
"unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding
Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra
Am Management."

Copyright 2008

April 15, 2008

EXPLOSION OF AWARENESS


BUT THERE SOMETIMES COMES A MOMENT, A SMALL SILENT WHITE EXPLOSION OF AWARENESS, THAT SIGNALS THE ENDING OF ONE OF THOSE LONG, SWEET, SUSPENDED TIMES AS SURELY AS THE BOATING OF A GREAT SHIP AS IT NEARS THE HARBOR, AND THOSE CAUGHT BY THE AWARENESS FEEL THE GREAT COLD BREATH OF ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS ON THE BACKS OF THEIR NECKS AND PRICKLE WITH A PORTENT THEY CANNOT NAME. ONLY THEN DO THEY LOOK AROUND THEM AND SEE BEYOND THE FAMILIAR INNER LANDSCAPE THE SHADOW OF COMING CHANGE, FEEL THE WIND OF ITS WINGS. THESE ARE FRIGHTENING MOMENTS. NOBODY EMBRACES THEM. WHEN THEY HAVE PASSED, MOST PEOPLE WILL PUT GREAT ENERGY INTO PRETENDING THEY DID NOT OCCUR. BUT YOU CANNOT UNKNOW THE FUTURE ONCE YOU HAVE SENSED IT. AND SO FOREVER AFTER YOU WILL MARK THOSE EPOCHAL PASSAGES BY THE FIRST MOMENT YOU FELT THEIR SHAPES AHEAD OF YOU.
Author Unknown



Many of us try to unknow what we already "know" in our core. As we push past the explosion and pretend to suck the energy back in, after it's already exploded, conflict, hardship and pain occur over and over again. Until we are willing to let go and be in the unknown of the exploded debris, we delay allowing our cores to be free. As I continuously see through my customers, who are reflections of me; the sheer terror to let go of doing what we've always done in order to have what we've always said we wanted. If we do not open the bills, if we do not make more than we spend, if we charge in order to look good, if we keep ourselves isolated, if we do not hold ourselves accountable for our actions, if we do not step off the cliffs and dare the unknown then...then...then...let's stop pretending, stop breaking contracts, stop hiding, sink into the fear, be accountable and together let's attain that which we keep saying we desire.



Thank you Uncle Tim for sharing this quote with me.
Happy Birthday R.P. and A.M.!

Thank you very much for your happy birthday wishes!


PLAN OF ACTION:
You tell me.
Hint: What are you afraid to do, think or say?
DO IT, THINK IT, SAY IT!



___________________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or
events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com.

Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues
please post and join in the conversation.

To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line
"unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding
Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra
Am Management."

Copyright 2008

April 8, 2008

SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE





"Having traveled the road of recovery from compulsive indebtedness for more than seven years now, I can say that what looked like a journey from debt to solvency was indeed that, but it was much, much more. This road proved to be a spiritual pilgrimage that was convened by money but was much larger and deeper than money per se."

Release from Debtor's Prison: Achieving Financial Freedom: A Proven Formula For Changing The Attitudes & Habits That Keep You In Debt by
Margaret St. John


On Monday, April 14th I will turn 35 years old. What a journey it has been.
I'm looking forward to truly forging a new path. How? I don't know.

I spent the weekend in a meditation retreat. My journey with my finances as definitely led me on a "spiritual pilgrimage". How I am with my finances has been impatient and unsatisfied. That is certainly how I have been in my life. Impatient and unsatisfied. After 5 hours of meditation on the second day, I swear I was so fed up, I wanted to stand up, scream, throw a temper tantrum, never to return to anything that even smelled of meditation ever again. But there were others around so there I sat. But my reaction was very accurate to how I am in life. Fed up with strong urges to get the heck out. (Last year, I spent my birthday at Mars 2112 - yes, urges even to get off the planet) I was satisfied with this in my life, my relationships, my careers etc. but over time I wasn't satisfied with this behavioral pattern with my money. I could plainly see that there was no way that with this pattern I would ever really be able to BUILD something.


I kept speaking that I wanted to build my finances, my wealth, abundance, and peace but my actions of getting out, starting over, getting out and starting over worked against what I spoke. It was only in alignment with what I knew...with what I had always done. Find a hobby, relationship, career, etc. where my interest is sparked and I pour everything into it. Then when it doesn't happen as fast as I want or I can't control everything about it then I get out and start something else and the cycle continues over again.

The difference this time is that...well...I know abundance is right here...I know the only thing in my way is and has always been myself and old familiar habits. The only way to break them or at least be aware of them so I can see before I walk out are that I have partnerships and coaches and communities surrounding me to remind me when I forget that I am on a "spiritual pilgrimage" that will put me in alignment consistently with what I say I want. So I sat through the meditation and I'll force myself to go every Thursday and practice letting go, patience and allowing in. I will practice allowing my actions to be in alignment with my words.

When I started focusing on needing and wanting to get out of debt, I had no idea where it was going to lead. Ironically, meditation, I've always avoided. Give me tae bo, aerobics and talking any day. For once in my life seven years, from now I can't even pretend that I know where or how or what I will be doing but I can say who I will always aspire to BE.


PLAN OF ACTION:
What are some of your behavioral patterns around your money?
Can you see the same behaviors reflected in your life?
What tools can aid you in getting you closer to who you have always wanted to BE?


Come celebrate my 35th with me!

Enlightennext
Thurday 10th 7pm-10pm
FREE Meditation, vegetarian meal and conference call.
www.enlightennext.com

Friday 11th
Universoul Circus in Brooklyn at Prospect Park.
http://www.universoulcircus.com/about.htm


Saturday 12th
Dancing at Diva Lounge http://www.divalounge.com/
Yes, it's in NJ but I'm only 3 stops from NY Penn station.

Give me a ring at 718-350-6095 if you can join me for one or all these outings.


Happy Birthday to all the Aries out there!!!
I would love to start Birthday shout outs this year.
Let me know when your day is and your mission for the year!


______________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or
events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com.

Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues
please post and join in the conversation.

To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line
"unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding
Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra
Am Management."

Copyright 2008

IF YOU BELIEVE IT, IT IS TRUE
Edited by Andrea Reese

“The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.”
If you grew up as I did, you watched your loved ones work almost 12 to 16 hours a day, take no vacations and still live paycheck to paycheck. Everything I observed convinced me that the wealth I dreamed of was unattainable and that this phrase was in fact the truth. But what if this wasn’t true? What if it was only a formula that we were taught? What if it only seemed true because it was what we observed in everyone around us who were taught the exact same formula? Is this age old formula the truth? Or is it simply that we are all doing the same things, ending up with the same results and then calling the results the “truth”?

We just celebrated Black History month, which highlighted many of the past reasons, conspiracies and agendas connected with our beliefs about wealth, so instead of focusing on the history of those beliefs, I will focus on how to move forward into a new way of thinking. The time has come for us to understand the difference between the truth and deeply ingrained habits. Many times when we want to improve our financial goals we work from the outside in. We focus on budgeting and making declarations regarding purchases. Then we wonder why months and years later our financial situation remains the same. Let’s instead take a step back to understand the belief system that is operating deeply within us, that one that causes us to manifest in our actions what we believe based on what we’ve learned and observed within our community.

I grew up middle class but was very aware at a young age that money was the enemy. The lack of money was the reason I couldn’t do many of the things that I wanted to do. But somewhere deep inside me I believed that I knew, understood and deserved wealth. However, no matter how much or how little I made, my emotions connected with money remained the same…lack, fear and powerlessness. I realized that this was true not only for me but for most of the people I met. I could no longer pretend that my issues were “money’s” fault, but instead I had to start exploring within myself for answers. I had to examine the core of my belief system and look at the habits that resulted from those beliefs. I had to work from the inside out. I might have made outwardly positive statements about my beliefs about money, but at my core something else was operating. There were three habits that I noticed were common among those who shared my belief system. The first step in attaining financial abundance requires breaking those 3 ingrained habits: blaming, valuing doing over being and secrecy.



Habit #1-Blaming.

When you get together with your friends do you spend the majority of your time focusing on what others haven’t done regarding money, and how any issues you might be having around money are someone else’s fault? Or do you spend time talking about yourself and what you are going to do to improve your situation? Acquiring financial abundance requires taking responsibility for your finances. The why’s and wherefores are a legitimate discussion, but that conversation often only leaves you feeling powerless. If you are continuously feeling powerless inside, then all of your actions will reflect those feelings of powerlessness. Financial abundance is not about “the man” or “the system”, or any other outward reason you might find. It is about being willing to take a journey within and cease blaming without. We can point the finger anytime. For this month, I invite you to let your finger rest, quiet your mouth, close your eyes and ask yourself what is in YOUR power that you can do right now. We often lash out and blame because we’ve been hurt and we’re angry and venting feels good. For a few minutes it feels like we’re accomplishing something. We are accomplishing a connection with those that feel the same, but because blaming automatically leaves the person speaking out of the equation, what you are left with is a reminder of your powerlessness. This is a habit I invite you to break.


Habit #2-Doing, doing, doing

Is the meter you use to judge your progress based on what you are doing? As long as you’re busy and constantly doing things, everything feels alright. Work, work, work and do, do, do. This can cause exhaustion, fatigue and eventually physical sickness. Doing, doing, doing can leave you feeling powerless. How you’re feeling and who you’re being while you’re doing is what is most important. Focus first on who are you being. Tired, frustrated, and exhausted or peaceful, empowered and free? What you are doing will be in alignment with who you are being, so it’s important to assess how what you are doing affects how you are being. If who you are being is fatigued, exhausted and frustrated then you’re feeling powerless. This is a habit I invite you to break.


Habit #3-Secrecy

Whether you don’t have enough money to feed your children or you’ve just purchased a Mercedes Benz, the untruths that are operating beneath your behavior will be passed down from generation to generation to generation. When financial issues are kept secret, valuable information and knowledge ends up not being shared. With nothing regarding money being taught in our schools or talked about in most families, the main emotions learned in connection with money are shame and secrecy. Shame because not only do you not know the truths about money, but you are not even able to ask questions. Shame perpetuates being alone. Being alone means you are left feeling powerless. This is a habit I invite you to break.

The key to attaining financial abundance is understanding that we are not powerless. Old habits die hard and we learn our habits from what we’ve observed, we keep our habits based on what we hear and we practice the habits by implementing the same actions of those we’ve watched and listened to for years and years. Then we pass that untruthful information on to our friends, family, children and communities generation after generation. If you believe that the poor stay poor then why would you choose any actions that are going to prove your theories wrong?

Our finances are the root of what makes this world tick, right or wrong. The green is a power in all circles, and in each and every one of our lives. In so many cases, we are living out the unhealthy financial patterns of our parents, families and communities. Donald Trump most likely received excellent training about abundance, but that is unusual, and our financial lack, fears and powerlessness often control our emotions instead of confidence and empowerment.

The key to financial abundance is understanding that it isn’t about what we are DOING but about how we are FEELING within. If you believe that the rich get rich and the poor stay poor then your outside actions are going to prove this to be true.

What if rich and poor were not predetermined? Would you be willing to break old habits and explore within?

“The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.” It’s time to stop passing on what is NOT true.


Plan of Action
1. In your conversation with friends use “I” instead of “they.” The only person we have control over is ourselves.
2. In the next job, goal or action you decide to do assess how it makes you feel. Do you spend most of the time feeling frustrated and unhappy? Sit down with yourself and explore what it is that makes you smile. When you think of it, you can’t help but to show your teeth. Start doing an action around what makes you smile and you’ll notice that you’ll have limitless energy and will attract abundance to you.
3. Shed the shame. Share, ask questions, get information and read.


_____________________________________________________
Any affirmations, suggestions, requests, job notices, teleseminars or
events please email me at emotionalmoney@gmail.com.

Any comments regarding any of the weekly "Emotional Money" issues
please post and join in the conversation.

To unsubscribe to "Emotional Money" weekly ezine type in subject line
"unsubscribe Emotional Money." To unsubscribe to all notices regarding
Samarra Am Management events type in subject line "unsubscribe Samarra
Am Management."

Copyright 2008