This week’s winners are: Judy Coates and Ann Diener. Congratulations! A brand new go-round is underway as of now, so be sure to comment if you want to be entered for next Monday’s prize.
Now for the blog I actually wrote on Friday, and didn’t get to post until today, due to technical difficulties. 
I met a goal today. Can you guess what it is?
I blogged every day this week! (Well, last week.) YES!
Since New Year’s Day, I’ve been using Danielle LaPorte’s “Desire Map Day Planner”—you can see it at DanielleLaPorte.com. As you may recall from earlier blogs, Danielle is the author of “The Desire Map”, a book I liked so much that I gave away copies on the blog. (I will be doing similar giveaways in the future.) Danielle’s technique focuses on feeling, the theory being that it isn’t the car/job/lover/lottery win, etc. that we really want when we set a goal, it’s the feeling we believe we’ll have when our wish comes true. Therefore, it makes sense to figure out how we want to feel and try to head in that direction. I’m loving this particular experience.
Since we’re on the topic of Things That Work for Linda—obviously, my hope is that some or all of them will work for you as well—here are a few more:
THE COURSE IN MIRACLES. I’ve been studying this book most mornings since July, and I have been blessed in SO many ways. Since the Course has a reputation for being New Agey and ‘channeled’, and I was raised in the church, I was wary of it for years. Well, as my Southern cousin Doris would say, butter my butt and call me a biscuit. This book is GREAT, life-changing, even, and there’s nothing—I repeat, nothing–in it to conflict with my Christian beliefs. The Course teaches peace, love, forgiveness and how to enjoy a genuine relationship with God. I thought this was bad because—?
Because I didn’t know what I was talking about, that’s why. I had truly judged a book by its cover.
EXERCISE. I’d been in Weight Watchers for months before I started riding my exercise bike 5 days a week. In the beginning, it was hard, because I thought I hated exercise. J I had to force myself to do it, actually—and now, a few short months later, I would have to force myself not to do it. If it helps me lose more weight, I’ll be thrilled, but this time around, that’s not the main reason for my commitment to the process. 45 minutes on my bike energizes me, helps me keep my spirits up, and does wonderful things for my health.
CENTERING PRAYER/MEDITATION. I’ve been meditating for a short time, but I’ve already noticed the benefits, and I plan to keep it up. Listening to a very short audiobook, “Father Keating on Prayer”, inspired me to switch to silent prayer instead—and I was blown away by the sense of peace and well-being I discovered the very first time I tried. And I’ll never forget one thing Father Keating said in the book—and I’m paraphrasing—“God is closer to you than you are to yourself.” WOW.
There are other things that work for me, so I’ll tell you more when I blog on Monday (make that Tuesday). Have a good weekend, be kind to yourself as well as others, and know that I think of you often.
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I am so grateful for your interpretation of A Course In Miracles. I would not be here today had it not been for the course, which I first began studying in 1984. Life changing ???? You betcha!!!
It too is one of those wonderful studies you can just let fall open and read exactly what you need for the day!
Bless you always Linda in all ways.
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Congrats to Judy and Ann. Also to Linda for achieving her goal.It’s an aa
Amazing feeling of success and strength.I enjoyed the post today. Thank you.
Carol L
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Congrats to Judy and Ann !! Well today is a raining day in the northeast. I guess you can say it is better than snow. It is suppose to get very cold tomorrow then warm up later this week. I hope all have a wonderful week.
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Congrats to the winners. I made it back on my bike today. I haven’t been riding it because I have been sick and my lungs couldn’t take. I need to get built back now after this sickness, it took a lot out of me. I think everyone has been sick this year.
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You are just full of energy!! I love that!!
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YOU ARE CARRYING WAY TOOOOOOOOO MUCH GUILT LINDA. AS A MATTER OF FACT, GUILT IS A MANUFACTURED THING TO KEEP FOLKS ENSLAVED. U WILL LEARN FROM THE COURSE IN MIRACLES THAT FACT. RELIGION IS BIG BIZ…FEAR AND GUILT ARE THEIR TOOLS. GIVE IT BACK TO THEM AND REJOICE AND PLAY IN ALL THAT IS GOOD; THAT WAS JC’s MESSAGE, THAT GOT LOST IN THE TRANSLATIONS. U R A BEAUTIFUL SOUL THAT HAS AND CONTINUES TO GIVE FORTH IN ABUNDANCE. TIME TO GET OFF THE TREAD MILL AND RELAX IN SIMPLY BEING. U DO NOT HAVE 2 DO 2 B IN FAVOR W/ GOD. SLOW DOWN AND SMELL THE ROSES GIRLFRIEND. U R MUCH LOVED.
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Congratulations Linda for meeting your goal ! Awesome job . Also Congrats to the winners . Enjoy ! ☺
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I own A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles and love it. Not sure if it’s the same Course in Miracles by Marianne Williamson but I love her books. I find them very peaceful. I want to start meditating. I keep hearing in the news and online about its benefits. I would love to hear more on what you could recommend to get started on meditating. Have a wonderful week!
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Your an inspiring person, now I want to read that book.
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Congratulations to the winners, one of these Mondays I’m going to see my name
:-), enjoy the rest of your day Linda
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Congratulations on sticking to your path on the way to your goals.
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Wow, Linda,
This must be the year to get more intuitive with your mind body and soul. Nothing wrong with that!
Exercise is so good for you in so any ways.
Glad you’re on a positive path in your life…….
Keep the positive vibes and insites coming!
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I have a miracle! My beloved dog, Queenie, has been sick. For a year. Took her to the vet in October because I was sure she had diabetes. Test (if they were hers) were normal. Still she drank a bucket of water a day, and tinkled that much as well. She was lethargic, never moved, was nearly blind (can see shadows) and was rapidly deteriorating. I was afraid she was in pain and planned to put her down on Saturday. My coworker, a nurse, told me to take Queenie to her (friends) vet. I did. Her sugar was 600. (norm 75-120). We started her on Insulin on Friday, and by Saturday moring, my baby wanted to play, she was chasing her brother and running around. THATs the power of prayer AND getting a 2nd opinion.
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HALLELUJAH AND AMEN!
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Have a great week! Still cold in Michigan!
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Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful “things” you are doing that has become such blessings to you. I am inspired to try at least one, but not sure which to try first. You are such an inspiration to many of us.
Have a great week.
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Congrats to the winners!!Congrats to you Linda also for meeting your goals. Awesome job!!I just love cousin Doris, just butter my butt and call me biscuit !! Lol
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Thanks for the inspiration. You really help me with each of your blogs!
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Congrats to the winners. Linda, you never fail to inspire. Blessings.
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You go girl!!
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Congratulations to Judy Coates and Ann Diener!
You tell cousin Doris to keep up those Southern sayings. My brother and I say that to each other all the time. Usually I’ll say the first part and he’ll finish it.
I am proud of you for all you’ve accomplished in the two years, plus, that I’ve been a reader of your Blog. I still can’t even get to my exercise bike and it is sitting 3 feet from me. That is really bad. As I commented in the last Blog, I need to do more than just read.
Keep it up, Linda. “Ya dun good!”
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I’m so interested in the meditation and centering you do. I’m planning on trying this out. I missed several posts a while back. It was when you were trying out a pyramid during meditation. How well did it work? I’m very curious.
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How interesting that once again we seem to be exploring some of the same spiritual books. I too read the daily lesson in ACIM and find it inspiring. I found out about it after an Oprah interview of Marianne Williamson who wrote A Return to Love, Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles. Interesting also how often it comes up in conversation once I “found” it, lots say it feels like ACIM finds them when they most need it. I checked out the book from the library but get an email daily that is very convenient and free.
Oh and I started meditation over a year ago now and the benefits have been amazing.
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Make a plan to reach the goal
do not get to goal
change the plan and try again
Congratulations on making a goal
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Congratulations to Judy and Ann. Congratulations Linda for meeting your goals. You are a real inspiration. Going to look into the book. Thank you have a wonderful week !
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I LOVE prizes! Linda, I have a library in my home (finally commandeered my oldest son’s bedroom) and one entire bookcase is made up of your books! (I only have 2 other authors that I can say that about). They are definitely books to keep and re-read.
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Thanks for the info. I’m currently revisiting my books about The Laws of Attraction. Very interesting. Have a great day.
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Great job on writing everyday. I also ride my bike everyday because I love the way I feel. The hardest part is starting after you have been doing it consistently you realize how much better you feel.
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Congrats to the winners :). That quote from Father Keating reminds me of of the passage in the Bible that says, “closer is He than breathing, nearer than hands & feet.”
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Blessings to you Linda. You inspire me.
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Sounds like you got the plan to succeed! You go girl!
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Good thoughts,Linda, looks like it’s working for you. I struggle with wasting precious time each day. I am productive in spurts.
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I think a little soul searching is good for everyone and yes I’m trying to capture the feeling of joy always.
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I will need to start something to help me remember things! Congrats to the winners.
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Ah, the big secret of exercise – it feels good doing it
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Hi Linda,
I want congratulate you on setting goals and keeping them.
I smoked for 27 years. When CANCER reared its ugly head I quit cold turkey by setting a goal and offering rewards for meetin them. Next month it will be 30 years since I quit. And I thank the Good Lord for giving me the strength to do it.
Meditation, prayer has always given me the uplifting I needed at the worst of times.
Jeannette
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WAY TO GO, GIRL! CONGRATULATIONS!
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Your are truly an amazing woman. May God continue to bless you!!!!!
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Keep it up Linda! You’re doing great!
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Congrats on your accomplishments!
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I love reading your blogs Linda. You are truly an inspiration to us. It is COLD here in Keosauqua, IA. We’re ready for near normal temps. Lol!
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I loved your blog. I recently have turned to God with everything. My husband left after 21 years of marriage for another woman. Your books are my favorite pastime. In fact I need to find some of your books that would finish a couple of your series. Thank you so much for being my light on my bad days your books take me to a place with a smile.
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You are so inspiring. Wish I could keep up with you in the inspiring things you do.
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I like what Denise King said, “One day I’m gong to find my name on your winners list.”
Meditation itself isn’t bad, it’s what we meditate on that gets us. What so ever things are good, pure, lovely, etc. think on these things.
Blessings to you and yours.
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Happy 2015 Lady Linda and company!
I had to miss a couple of weeks due to catching a “doozy” case of the crud, so I have had a lovely time today catching up on my Linda “fix”
Thank you so much for all of your encouraging blogs, as if the wonderfulness of your writing isn’t already blessing enough.
Have a great week, all, from sunny Central Florida!!
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I’m glad the exercising energizes you.
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Very good comments. I am going to look up Desire Map today.
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Thanks Linda for sharing . Enjoyed it all
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Great thoughts on exercise… I will pick up exercising again this year. It takes a bit effort to make it a habit, but it is very rewarding.
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Hi all,
Happy for winners great work Linda and Here to 2015 to all .
Talk with y’all later and have a good day.
God bless and keep safe.Later all