Many of us have unconsciously erected barriers to protect ourselves from failing or succeeding. We may think we're protecting ourselves by denying our creative impulses, but all we're doing is burying our authentic selves alive.

Make peace with the knowledge that you can't have everything you want. Why? Because it's more important for us to get everything we need.

Begin today. Declare out loud to the universe that you are willing to let go of struggle and eager to learn through joy.

Often writers cast their words out prophetically, as a sorceress might cast a spell, and many times when the words return to you, enclosed between covers, your phantom is so fully fleshed out in its own persona, you don't recognize your own creation.

One of the most important milestones we'll all hit along the way is the moment when we finally own our unique point of view and realize how priceless it is.

We can then offer the universe the gift of our grateful hearts.

When we appreciate how much we have, we feel the urge to pare down, get back to basics, and learn what is essential for our happiness. We long to realize what's really important.