[Audio blog] Good morning, Port Jeff...

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...And slowly something awakens within us. Something intangible, but so very real. We yawn and shake off our slumber. And our eyes open wide to take in the new dawn and day. We are alive. Yes. Very much alive. 

Though there were so many creatures around, time and space felt quiet and still. People were walking their dogs and the dogs had smiles. Some were laughing after taking a swim, others just walked along politely. As an older woman said "hello," chills ran up my spine and through my arms and legs and I felt an inner peace and connectivity that words just cannot describe.  There were many boats on the water but the water was quiet and wrapped them with love and care. A blanket of morning  dew covered the flowers as they soaked up their drink of the sun. The trees stood tall and proud. I walked along in silent observation and realized how natural this was and how much beauty abounds and I had a gratitude-filled heart. My precious baby girl opened her eyes and silently observed, as well. She smiled and took it all in. After a few really hard weeks and relearning the incredible power of our mind, I was brought back to the every day miracles and cycles of life. There was no anger, no tension, just stillness and peace and calm and beauty. This feeling I shall remember and hold onto to keep me going. 

And I encourage you to find that in your every day moments and hold onto that as you move through this tremendous journey we call life. 

Allow yourself the priceless gift of presence. 

"Excuse me, ma'am, but I just must tell you..."

"Excuse me, ma'am, but I just must tell you..."

"Love is the vital core of the soul. And of all you see, only love is infinite." - Rumi

Those were the words I heard as my eldest daughter and I unpacked the cart to place on line at Whole Foods last night. The man paused a second.  He was an elderly man. He shook his head and finished, "God has really blessed you. He has really blessed you." He looked away and carried on with his order. He did not speak another word or glance over, again.

My heart swelled.  This was not the first time I heard this exact statement while being out with my girls (or the oh-so-common, "Wow, you've got your hands full").  At the supermarket.  And it was not the first time that same day I was sent a clear, divine message.  

My day was sprinkled with spiritual alignment and peppered with human junk. But let's not sugarcoat; I was having a difficult afternoon.  I decided to take the girls out to break up the day of being inside.  Yes, all 3. And I don't do that often, by myself. Usually it's just too much work and hectic packing and grabbing things and grabbing kids and rushing and forgetting something, to justify a quick trip out.  But, this time, I thought it would be nice. And I felt it was needed.

First, we went to Petco. One of the employees stopped us as we walked in the doorway to ask me if I needed any help. I told her we were just looking.  She told my eldest daugther she loved her dress.  As she walked away, my middle daugther said, "Do you love mine?"  The woman came back, laughing, and commented on her dress and her jewelry (she was adorned with the usual: multiple bracelets and a necklace). We smiled at eachother and the woman walked away.  A moment later, she appeared, again. She told me my children were so polite, so good. She said that every parent wonders if they're doing a good job. She told me I had done a great job so far, that it was evident in the way they spoke and acted. She may not realize, but those words, those two minutes she expressed something she witnessed as true and real for her, turned my entire day and night around. I felt really humbled. I felt appreciative. And I felt happy.  After she walked away, I smiled to myself and sighed, knowing she was a divine conduit, passing a message to me when I needed it. I felt the weights of the human junk, and the day, lift away and absolve into the illusions of time and space. 

Our time at the pet store was an absolutely incredible experience.  I allowed myself to be fully present, experiencing the animals with the kids.  It was so exciting.  The colorful beta fish, the geckos lying together slung in a tree branch, a chameleon hanging upside down from the top of the tank, the snake that followed our fingers along the glass, the ferrets curled up in balls snuggling, the hamsters and mice, the birds, the cats and the aisle of different fish.  Watching the girls as their eyes grew in wonder and awe instilled a sense of belonging, appreciation, adventure and love into my heart and filled my soul with a joy I cannot describe in words. Time seemed to melt away and absorb into a space that filled with realness and connectivity and good feelings. 

We left Petco and went to Whole Foods.  We grabbed a few random items and something to eat for dinner, and that's when we were met with the man on line ahead of us.  We ate there, stopped at a local garden center, picked out some sunflowers and a canna plant, and headed home. It was a quick trip out but it had a lasting impression on me.  

I was renewed, rebirthed and reinvigorated. It was then that I realized that things that seem like obstacles or challenges in our mundane daily lives are actually blessings and something to be grateful for.  Sure, it's hard raising 3 kids and all the sacrifices it takes. Having no personal time. Making difficult choices. Not sleeping (for years). It's physically and emotionally and mentally demanding and exhausting. This reminded me of the exercise I like to call, "What would you be without...?"  If I look at my day, and see it as challenging and something negative, I ask myself, what would I be without those things that make it hard? Well, without my kids? Life would be empty. I couldnt - and wouldn't want to - imagine life without them.  I would never trade my life with anyone else's.  Even tho it's unconventional, chaotic at times, and really hard a lot of days. But in moments of struggle, it's easy to "forget" the Truth. For ego to shadow out purity and love and alignment or connection to our Source.  We may lose sight of the blessings and the joy and the abundance we have been gifted with.  These 3 kids are my life, I am so honored and privileged to parent them. They're beautiful souls. And if I can remember that... remember how blessed I am... during the hard times, the hard times become transformed into beautiful ones.  Memories to cherish.  Moments of clarity. And I can gain the ability to see them for who they are as individuals. And guess what? As I opened to seeing them, they flourished. They literally blossomed before my eyes. They were happy. Receptive. Open. Playful. Caring. All of their amazing qualities came out, effortlessly, and we all shared a really pleasant time together. It was easy to appreciate them for all they are (and aren't). And to feel good.  As I became lighter, so did they.  It's so true that our children are often a mirror to our inner world. 

Yesterday's experience was a very important reminder to me, and I was touched by divine light and love, with "strangers" passing on angelic messages for me.  "See? We are here with you. Open your eyes. Keep going, Camille. It's all right. Everything is perfect. Do you see? Here is your validation. Your efforts are not in vain. Your hard work is paying off. Look at these beautiful children. So blessed, you are. There are people that would give up their life to have children, to experience this miraculous bond. We are here with you. We are here for you. You are never alone. You are always wrapped in love and safety and light. Remember to rise above, and See with eyes that are clear. Shed the physical, remain light. Remember Who You Really Are. You were created and infused with the same energy that created Worlds. Be present. Let your inner child play. Enjoy these moments. Enjoy every day.  Live full today... love full today... and everyday."

My God, I am so blessed. [shaking my head in wonder] And the "things" (or people or situations) that make life challenging are what make life sweet and worth living and experiencing. All we have to do in any given moment is shift our focus and our perception back onto the positives. I am beyond grateful for all the divine intervention that had a hand in making my yesterday a day to shake me from my slumber, undress me from my Human, and open my eyes, again, to the beauty of Spirit. And Love. To help me move past the growing pains I was experiencing and stuck in lately - stranded on a deserted and lonely plateau - to expand and emerge more excited and in-touch than ever before. 

Thank you to the folks that touched my heart and whispered to my soul on a random, ole' Tuesday on Long Island. I am certainly blessed. By all that surrounds me. 

*Namaste. 

[Audio Blog] It doesn't have to hurt to do the job...

It doesn't have to hurt to do the job....

CLICK HERE to listen to the Audio Blog (Please be patient with me through the first few minutes of the story!) 

Audio blog on FREEDOM (from yourself!)

Please click here to listen to an audio blog about Freedom.

Freedom is being authentically you, unapologetically. It's having the choice to be whatever you want as you want it. This includes choosing happiness over discontentment.

Remember, you will always go in the direction you are facing. What are your eyes focused on? Gratitude? Challenges? Whatever you see, defined your experience. Perception is selective and solely based on what's inside. We see things and people as we are. Not as they are. And as such, this is how we experience life and feelings. Our thoughts determine our realities.

What thoughts do you choose to believe?

Point yourself towards something that feels good. And start moving that way.

Have an awesome holiday. Xo

Gimme a sign: It's all about Confession

Photo Courtesy of Form and Funktion

I was sitting in the office of a local church, anxiously participating in my interview so I am able to baptize my daughter next month.  I was born into the Catholic faith, but over the years I have walked away from religion and towards love and spirituality.  Still, my other two girls are baptized, it means a lot to the family, and I do find value in the sacrament and tradition on several levels. 

In my jerky, nervous manner, I threw my hand up and one of the golden spinner rings on my most-favorite pinky ring went flying through the air.  I heard it hit the shelf behind me. The gold ring wraps around the larger silver ring that houses it, and is really very, very small. I knew it would be hard to find but once the interviewer stopped speaking, I got up to look for it.  After a few moments, much to my surprise, I found it.

I paused. "Let's see where it landed," I said to the woman.  (shaking my head) I laughed. The pamphlet it landed on was about the importance of confession. "Ah, confession," I said to her. She laughed and said, "must be a sign," after learning some basics about me and my very non-traditional life during the interview. I happened to agree with her on this one.

I'm all about taking and receiving signs and messages from the unseen. And this was no different.  Even though I don't believe in religious institutions anymore as a general rule, I can still receive messages anywhere I go.  It just so happens this pinky ring is very special to me.  The woman that handcrafts the jewelry is an absolute doll, someone I admire and love. Her jewelry carries with it the intention she infuses inside, for the wearer to feel empowered and unique.  Her Etsy Shop slogan is, jewelry that reflects the genuine you. And I have to admit, I feel differently when I put on my rings she has made (I have a few! I love them!). I feel much better than when I am not wearing them.  My point? This jewelry is special to me, and lately I have noticed more and more how much it means to me and how it makes me feel. So losing the gold spinner ring just felt like I should take note as to why. 

Seeing as I assumed I didn't believe in "confession" in the way that the church does, I decided to google the word. I found a few definitions that stated confession was about admitting one's guilt of wrong doing or crime, shame or embarrassment.  Shame is one of the lowest level frequencies we can experience, it's like poison for our bodies and souls.  While I dont agree with admitting our "wrong-doings" in the sense that we are admitting we are "bad," I do agree we need to release ourselves from the guilt and shame we carry within us.  And this happens to be a message I have been receiving from multiple sources lately.  Forgiveness.  Absolution.  Confession is defined as a formal admission of one's sins with repentance and desire of absolution.

Well isn't that beautiful. 

In order to move forward in our lives, we need to free ourselves from the past and the heavy weight we carry around in the form of pain, guilt, shame and judgment. Let's finally face ourselves; give ourselves the opportunity to admit our feelings, to acknowledge them, feel them out and let them go (absolve them).  It's about acceptance and forgiveness.  We accept what has been, forgive ourselves, and move into what is right now in a whole, loving way.

This was yet another confirmation of the power of forgiveness and our choice in every moment to choose our thoughts and shape our lives.  

Perhaps we can all make it a regular "tradition" to Confess.  A sacred act of acceptance and forgiveness.  Just the kind of self-love we need to detox from the poisons we feed ourselves  to start fresh and light and free.  

Yes, little gold ring.  I may not be "religious," but I now see the importance of Confession in my own life and in my own way. And that's all it's ever about, finding ways to live authentically, navigating life on your terms and feeling good.  Finding love and light and freedom amid the "jungle" of human life. 

*Keep your eyes and ears open. Signs and messages fall upon us all the time.  Important messages will show up in a variety of ways and several times in a row, validating you are hearing something worth taking the time to reflect on.  

Words From the Heart

Monday morning.

There is a quiet breeze. The air is cool, but the sun sends down a warm blanket to wrap us in. I feel grateful and quiet and humble and I feel so much love. Yes, my life is absolutely crazy and messy. But  I am having coffee, eating a vegan brownie and writing.  What is better than that??? For me, not much aside from 3 things:

1. Today is the 16th. My middle daughter is 23 months today and my sweet little baby is 6 months old today (let’s not leave out that my eldest is going to be 7 which is just so beyond crazy to imagine, though she was not born on the 16th like the two other critters). I cannot believe how fast time seems to pass, especially once you have kids over a year old.  It just blows by, it’s like you cannot seem to grab it fast enough to savor each day or memory. It slips right past you.  But, regardless of how fast or slow time seems to be moving, I am just so grateful to those little (and not so little) babies.  I never imagined I would have 3 girls.  I thought I would have one child in my lifetime.  Now I am blessed with 3 of my own, and 1 son I cherish as my own.  Watching them, sharing in their lives, is indescribable.  If it were not for them, I would not be who I am today. They bring me so much joy, grounding and unconditional love that words cannot even begin to express it all. That sounds so generic, and so overplayed by so many people, but its really true. And that’s why its overplayed!  I have had to outgrow my own shit to become something better for them.  And as a result of who I have become, I can appreciate all that they are and this incredible privilege of watching them grow into all that they are (and aren’t). I just love them with all of me.  Happy 23 months Arya Vesta and Happy 6 months Alessia Veda.  You 4 kids are the light of my life, and the love in my heart. I just adore each and every one of you and your unique spirits.  Thank you for blessing me and allowing me to be who I am to you and your journey through this crazy thing called Life. 

2. This brings me to another reason I am so humbled and grateful.  Today, my free Kindle book downloads hit 100.  Wow.  From 0 to 100 in 24 hours. I am beyond appreciative of whoever downloaded the book and I am in hopes that its messages reach you at the time you need them most, and deliver wisdom for your soul or healing or reflection that resonates with you at this time in your life. What you need, when you need it, how you need it! I hope my book reaches all those it is intended to, and that I can be used as a conduit for transformation and expansion into joy and fulfillment for those that read it.  I hope it touches you, as the journey (so personal and raw) touched me. It moved me. Transformed me. I wrote the book in early 2015, as an extension of (and aftermath of) a journal log I kept about my feelings and exploration of Self while entering a new relationship.  I chose to use obstacles and fear to catapult me into expansion, facing my deepest issues. If it was not for the great love I had for one special man, I wouldn’t be here today.  I would not have my beautiful baby Alessia, but I would also not have ME.  I would not be this version of myself that I have become. His presence in my life granted me the space I needed to safely explore myself, my fears, patterns, conditioning etc. and to push through to a whole new world of freedom and love and authenticity.  I am ever grateful to you, Harry (errr, Charlie H.), for holding that space for me. For being all that you are (and aren’t).  For being you.  And being here for me.  I love you more than words. 

3. Piggybacking on #2, I am so grateful for my family and friends, all the support I have received in my life. To all my readers, thank you!  I hope my story inspires you to create your own! To find love for yourself, to find joy and fulfillment and reach for your wildest dreams. For all the people that have come and gone, shaping my world to become what it is today. Thank you to all of you.  I love all of you. There’s more on this, and the rest in the book… today is the last day it’s FREE on Kindle.  Grab your copy and read more at www.CamilleLucy.com.  

#soblessed #somuchlove #sohumbled #thankyou #lovemylife

7 Reminders to Bring You Back to Soul Space

(As shared on InspireMeToday.com)

So often, we get carried away in the human-ness of our lives. We forget kindness, love, patience, understanding and forgiveness. We forget our interconnectivity. We forget to trust, to have faith. We forget to stop, be mindful and appreciate. Absorbed in dramas, negativity or stress, for example, we spiral into and get trapped in the ego's lair. 

Sometimes we need a reminder of why we are here, and some simple guidance to bring us back to our Soul, our Self. 

1. We are here to experience life in the physical world. We chose our physicality, what we would be born into, and perhaps what we came here to learn or overcome. We chose a body that would be advantageous in our adventures here, and one that would perfectly suit us and our individual needs in this lifetime. Our physical bodies, no matter how we perceive them to look or feel, are perfect; they are miraculous and self-healing and are incredible vehicles for us to explore life here on Earth. Our bodies deserve some credit... And appreciation. )
2. We are here to learn Soul lessons and evolve. Challenges are always an opportunity for growth and shifts in perception. There is no such thing as a "bad" situation. All situations are ultimately for our highest good. And each time we face an obstacle, we get the chance to learn about ourselves, about life and others. We are gifted the possibility of seeing things differently so we can reach for true happiness and peace. There is always a lesson to be learned. 
3. Most of what we "see" is an illusion. Our thoughts are based on past experiences. We never understand a thing as it actually is. We see the world as we are. Our ego translates what we see into stories, patterns and predicts or judges and defines life. Knowing this, we can more easily remain neutral and ask ourselves if what we feel we see is real or just an illusionary story. In this way, we remain unattached and able to hold true vision. 
4. Our ego is always working to "protect" us. Be mindful and conscious of this. While it thinks it's protecting us from pain, the ego is in fact selfish, self serving and fear-based. It is incredibly limited and disguises itself so we don't notice the tactics it's employing.  The ego is calculating and judgmental. When your Soul speaks, it feels good or natural. There is no resistance or fear. Your ego is full of negative thoughts and feelings and is driven by fear. Your Soul is driven by love. Be aware of changes in your body to decipher your ego from your Self and follow your innate intuition and guidance. 
5. We are always safe and protected. You've got a divine team supporting you, guiding you and looking out for you at all times. Not only are we all connected, and never alone, but help is only a whisper away. As most of what we fear is illusionary, there are no real threats. We are eternal beings. We are here to learn and grow and experience life; this is not our permanent home. 
6. We create our experience(s). We are creators. We manifest our realities, like it or not. We are magnets for the energy we put out into the world, and the quality of what we allow in our lives. We attract what we vibrationally match.  Pay close attention to the words you use, the thoughts you repeat, the treatment you accept from others (and how you treat and view yourself). Reflect on your beliefs and thoughts and release those that do not serve you. Make space for better things that do serve you to enter. 
7. Everything is a choice. You get to choose. We are not victims. A tough pill to swallow, we are not victims to life. We create life and we get to choose our experiences here. Our external world is a reflection of our past actions and our vibrational frequency. It's a mirror of the "company" we keep. We can choose to accept what is, and change what we can... Or not. It's all up to us. The quality of our experiences is simply determined by our mind. We can appreciate all that is (and isn't)... Or not. Again, our happiness is dictated by our very own willingness to receive it and feel it. Our actions or inactions create our lives. We have the power to shape our experience here. We are our own authors, writing our story. With each breath we take, we have the opportunity to begin a new chapter and change the course.  What a blessing. 

Life is happening. Nothing stays the same. Energy is always moving and morphing. Evolution is constant. We are here to participate in this beautiful unfolding, to co-create with the divine and explore ourselves. Ultimately, happiness and peace are always available and it is our choice if we accept and invite good feelings into our lives. 

There is so much to be grateful for. And with each moment of appreciation, we energetically call forth more feel-good stuff to be grateful for.  With a simple reminder that all is perfect, that each moment is a chance to begin anew or modify our path, we are able to bring ourselves back to Soul space. Life is beautiful; play more, loosen up, explore, and take each opportunity you get to evolve.