I answer this with a resounding YES! I am a walking, taking, living, breathing example of the choice to be happy. For many years I was an unhappy, miserable, depressed woman who chose to blame the outside world for everything. I was a victim to everything and everyone. It started with this one simple phrase "life is good"... It wasn't a mantra, or a ritual - but at some point during the day I would think "life is good" or say it out loud. That was the beginning of my transformation. When I realized how one simple phrase could unveil all the beauty that had always been around me - I was convinced that my happiness was my choice.

Before I would answer, I would invite the child to share what they believe God to be in their own heart. And whatever response they gave would be honored and respected. The conversation would be a pure exchange of ideas. After our exchange of all the cool possibilities, I would then give my own idea of God being the essence that connects us to everything, everyone, every moment, every lesson. After that, it's hard to say. I would most likely to encourage them to be open to all possibilities as they grow up, and follow what feels right and good in their heart. All I know is that we all have our own personal quest for truth... and it looks different to everyone.

Feelings. Shit. I feel a lot of things. Humanity was given a wake up call that day. I recently posted a blog on another site that I want to share today: This is what I know to be true in my own heart. Take what you need.... leave the rest :-)) The search for what is right; and good; and true; is not as difficult as I originally thought. It simply starts with asking for the best of the best -whatever that means. And not getting too bogged down in the details of *whatever that means* MEANS. [knowwhatimean?] The opportunity lies in asking for the clearest, shortest path to knowing/feeling complete bliss. And then remembering how worthy we are of receiving bliss. And what about saving the world? Is it possible that we [humanity] spend WAY too much time and energy thinking our world is totally screwed? There are a LOT of things to fight for in this world. Global warming, incest, the rainforest, cruelty to animals, racism, rape, abuse, addiction, female genital mutilation, healthcare in america, sustainable energy, dafur, the war in iraq, gay and lesbian rights.... The list could probably stretch around the world and back. If it's true that "we move towards what we think about", and "present thoughts determine our future", then wouldn't be better for us all to ONLY think about people waking up from their desensitized trance? What if the ONE COLLECTIVE THOUGHT was LOVE, and the BELIEF THAT ALL OF HUMANITY IS WAKING UP AT AN UNPRECEDENTED RATE. People coming together to save the world. I embrace that idea. I see it. I feel it. I believe it. I am it. Would love to hear your thoughts. :-))

Leggo my Ego..... I've noticed my tendency to respond to those glaring in-the-face zaadz questions that can sometimes leave me a little vulnerable. This is definitely one of those times. My ego is part of the entire package -- so I welcome what it brings to the table. I try to keep it in check, however, it has a will of it's own. It is strongest when I am "indignant" or "defensive" about something. Actually, I've teamed up with my ego over the last few months. I've come to believe that when I am overly offended or indignant it almost ALWAYS means I have I've something inside of me that I'm not dealing with in a healthy way. The ego brings that to light very quickly. By the way -- if you take the "GG" out of LEGGO, and you get LEO!!! Enough said --- don't you think???? GG Riggenbach :-))

Baha'i Faith - Independent Investigation of Truth. One of the faith's primary principle. To search for what is right and true in your own heart. I am not a 'member' of any religious organization - and that makes me very happy. I consider myself belonging to NO religion and ALL religion at the same time. The "take what you need" philosophy has helped me take the best of the best all religious principles. I do, however, live my life closest to the Baha'i principles: Baha'is Believe In: the oneness of humanity the equality of men and women the elimination of prejudice the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty the independent investigation of truth universal education religious tolerance the harmony of science and religion a world commonwealth of nations a universal auxiliary language

Whoa. Excellent question and reflection today. I thought about it two ways: I see "me" in others daily. Especially when I find myself annoyed or agitated by another. I often learn my annoyance is most often something I struggle with inside of myself. But to really live with another "Galynne" - that would be pretty intense and off balance. And in the end, it would be very unhealthy. My husband and I offer each other a beautiful balance. Areas Mark accels in, I tend to be lacking. And vice-versa. To remember that, is humbling. Thanks for today's reflection. Galynne

I try to put all my thoughts and energy in believing our world is rapidly evolving. And even tho' it appears like things are getting worse - that appearance is the reason people are finally awakening from their years of desensitization. I spend very little of my day remembering all the things I hate abou this world. Present thoughts determine my future. My energy is better spent thinking about all of us who are waking up and coming together as one collective conscious. Love to all of you!!!!!! Galynne

We move towards what we think about. Present thoughts determine our future. If our thoughts are focused on how bad the world is, we get more of the same. Collective consciousness and visualization of a world with no war is a damn good start. Seeing God in everyone - EVERYONE. If love is the answer, then love, Love, LOVE!!!

What... is this 'vulnerability week' at Zaadz? :-)) :-)) Currenly my greatest challenge is taking care of my physical self. Eating right. Putting only the best of the best in my body. Exercising regulary. Part two of the question: What could you do to help ease this struggle a bit. Honoring my whole self would be a great start. If my philosophy is to take what I need to live a happy, healthy life and leave the rest (which it certainly is), then I apply it to all aspects of my life. So, I"m going to take: -- more water, more water, more water -- waking up and walking -- exercise to get my heart pumping -- planning healthy meals -- celebrating my healthy lifestyle accomplishments And I'm going to leave: -- the old 'mental tapes' behind -- sluggishness -- apathy towards my physical self -- unhealthy foods This starts today!

Ouch! Today's QaR is screaming for me to respond. It's not easy for me to share my fears with people, but here goes: If I had one fear I could abandon forever, it would be the fear of calling friends, family, loved ones that I have been out of contact with. I don't know why, but when I fall out of touch with someone I love or care about, I have a hard time getting back in touch. This one is deep seeded and I've struggled with it ALL of my life (since I was a pre-teen). To be honest, I am not sure what the REAL fear is that is attached to this one. Fear of rejection? Fear of dealing with someone being disappointed? Fear of not living up to what I or others "think" I should be doing? I sincerely don't know the basis of this fear, but I'd like to face it, deal wth it, and get over it. There may be a part two to this question in a couple of days.