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Okay everyone – does anyone see the spirits in my office? Or is it a mirror that might be a little dirty? I will let you be the judge…  #MaybeBoth

I love my Spirit Sundays 

 

Ask for a sign. Ask for your heart to be lifted. Your loved ones are always around. You have the ability to connect with them. The quickest way is to close your eyes and then ask. See what “pops” into your mind. Then feel the warmth in your heart or the chills down your arms. Chills are spirits way of saying “I am here and that you are loved.” 

Xxoo Jennifer Shaffer 

Thank you Kim ~ this blog post will resonate with everyone. It really grabbed my heart.

HOW LOSS BECAME MY BEST TEACHER OF LIFE

By Kim Esmond ~Infinite Smile Project

I love that ISP is a creative outlet for me to do so many things – exploring and sharing places I love, celebrating amazing people that inspire me, creative kindness projects I get to experiment on my kids and share with the world, and talking about what cultivates happiness and why kindness in this day and age is king.

However life is not always champagne and roses, right? There is something to be said about exposing oneself and sharing personal stories when the time feels natural. For me this is that time so I hope you will indulge me by reading my first “personal” post on ISP.

My husband is a very private person and I generally am not. Through many trials and tribulations I went through at a young age I found that it was helpful for me when asked a straight question, I gave a pretty straight and honest answer. It kept my life less complicated. As I have gotten older I have been told I am hard to get to know on an intimate level at first which may be true but this post is quite personal to me and I felt was important to share.

(Picture 1) The finger paint canvas art my three year old twins made for Neil so he had something beautiful in his room while here.

August 1st marked two months since we lost someone special in our family. Granted he was a relative of the family I married into but he was my favorite (and I married into what I consider to be an enormous family so that says a lot). When I used to travel the country as a college recruiter he would proudly escort me around his Alma Mater and show me the best time possible in “his” city. I loved it. We spent many family get togethers at the family farm or for holidays in California. He was an all-around stellar dude. An American hero flying choppers in the service, everyone’s friend, a caring soul, and always a sure bet for a good time.

We knew he had cancer for 3.5 years. It was hard to believe he was sick because he never once looked sick and never asked for pity. He was still the fun guy everyone loved as if nothing was going on. For respect of my family’s privacy I won’t go into details of his death but I can tell you it was heartbreaking. I had never witnessed anyone at the end of their life that was too young to pass and knew it was coming. In a candid conversation with my husband I told him I just didn’t think I could handle it, watching him go because I loved him so much and it was something I had never experienced before. My husband, ever rooted in his faith, assured me that now that he was here with family and friends he would be okay. In my husband’s eyes, that is all anyone ever needs.

(Picture 2) The children wrote messages of love they wanted to share with Neil to release into the sky that afternoon

I’ve always feared death mainly because I hadn’t had much experience with it. For the first time in my life I saw so much beauty surround something so tragic. I witnessed what an incredible family I married into as they all came from across the country to celebrate this man’s life. I saw such incredible strength in those around him who made it their sole purpose to provide comfort, happiness and strength for someone nearing the end of life. Most importantly I learned things that my husband did in his final moments that made him a true hero in my eyes. Though very private details, they were things that made me fall in love all over again and solidify the reasons why this was the person I chose to spend my life with and to father my children. What he did I wish I witnessed myself as I believe it would have possibly been one of the most beautiful moments in life one could ever see.

(picture 3) Some of the children releasing their messages for their beloved relative that day

My husband had asked me if I had talked to him like I wanted and expressed to him what I felt for him. I told him I never even considered that I wouldn’t have been granted that time so I didn’t get to do it like I had planned. It was certainly a teachable moment to me not only in death but in accordance to life as well. It’s amazing how death seems to teach us so much more about life than living sometimes.

(picture 4) Some of the balloons with messages floating up for Neil to receive. All in red, white and blue celebrating his contributions to our country in the military.

Given we all thought there was going to be more time there were many things this experience taught me that I would like to share. We all thought time was on our side, at least for a little longer. From this experience I learned time never is predictable and it has its own agenda. It made me think a lot over the last two months about life, loss and mostly living. Below are my private thoughts about these things in quite a public forum for me. Some simplistic and others a bit more rough in their delivery. Nevertheless, they are certainly honest.

1. Tell your loved ones you love them

Every day, all the time, and mean it. You just never know what tomorrow brings. I have experienced and know people who have experienced tragic things. Life should have no regrets and 3 simple words said can leave you with no regrets should something tragic occur.

2. Let go of grudges and forgive

It’s wasted energy that can be spent far more productively on other things. When tragedy hits all those small arguments or indifference seem to disappear. So why should this be any different in everyday life? If you knew someone you cared about was leaving you tomorrow would you still choose to hold onto whatever is bothering you?

3. Don’t sweat the small stuff

This has been something I have learned in the last year after my daughter’s surgery. I don’t care about how others parent their kids or what someone does in their free time. I don’t want to gossip or hear what someone “heard” about the new Mom in the playgroup. I don’t want to listen to someone complain that their flight was an hour late and they forgot their iPad and had nothing to do while sitting in the airport. It doesn’t matter to me if a person has an opinion on another based on some incident 5 years ago that appears irrelevant today. Really, I don’t care about these things and the very little time I have is much better spent and more fun enjoying moments and having conversations that are positive and productive. There are far worse things going on in the world and people with situations and tragedies in their lives that trump any problems most of us have today. It’s a matter of perspective and once you have it, when life is without any major complications it’s purely fantastic.

4. Don’t wait until tomorrow

That trip that you want to take? Use the money you have, pack your bags and take it. Been thinking of that old friend that you miss and wonder what’s new, just call them. I guarantee you will make their day. Always wanted to ditch your responsibilities for a day and go to the beach, just do it. One day won’t kill anyone. Plus, you’ve probably earned it – I mean REALLY earned it. And most importantly, if you have something to say to someone or do for them – good or bad – call or visit that person and make it happen. Whatever that outcome you will be glad you did if it is weighing on your soul.

5. Practice appreciation and gratitude daily

There are many days where we are so mad at our spouse or boyfriend that we can’t see straight. At these moments think of those you dated that treated you horribly and were masterful at being selfish. Then think of the amazing things your spouse has done and that you have one to argue with and pick up after. When your kids are driving you nuts pause for a moment and think of those who have lost a child or cannot get pregnant. As someone who miscarried so many times I believed I would never have my own children so this is something I try to remember during the times I’m pretty sure I am ready to pass them off to a neighbor for a few hours. When you want that bigger house or wish to move closer to the beach know that even the poorest living in most places in the U.S. are still incredibly rich to many areas in the world who don’t have a home, water, food or freedom.

It’s so difficult to take the time in our crazy, fast-paced, over-scheduled lives to appreciate the things in life that really matter. So this weekend try and practice gratitude for things many take for granted. Enjoy your time with a loved one, spend time at the park or beach and enjoy its beauty, and smile at those you pass on the street. Just spend 48 hours in appreciation of all that has been given to you, enjoy each moment as it happens this weekend and soak it all in with gratitude. I promise as Monday rolls around, it won’t seem so bad after all.

XOXO KIM

Website Link ~ The Infinite Smile Project

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This is a blog post from a very dear friend of mine Kim Esmond and her “Infinite Smile Project.” Teaching children (and adults) to pay it forward and in doing so you are spreading kindness that results in an infinite smile. She always manages to put a smile on my face. Subscribe to her post- you will love it!

The Infinite Smile Project
Summer of Kindness Challenge #4: Spread a Smile Edition

As more and more people are finding out about ISP I am receiving so many fun emails from the most amazing people. One last week was from a lady from Word Rocks who gave me this amazing idea in exchange for some smile wands. Fair trade I think.

Word Rocks is exactly what you think it is, maybe. Basically they are wonderful, fun sayings or words written on rocks and left anywhere and everywhere people roam to brighten their day.

As luck should have it we live near the beach so we spent some time last week finding some gorgeous rocks that my four year old twins (happy birthday girls!) found in the sand and then at the tide pools. They selected their favorites, we washed and dried them at home and then decorated them the next day. Clearly I did most of the decorating, but they were fantastic supervisors.

The next day, as any democracy would, we nominated our favorite spots around town and dropped off about twenty rocks in different locations for unsuspecting people to find.

Whoever you are, if you found them and are reading this post, we hope it made your day a little brighter!

As always, comments, questions and emails are welcome. Enjoy your week everyone!
Xoxo
KIM

http://www.theinfinitesmile.com

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Saying Hello to the Sunset and Good Night to Spirit ~ gratitude in magnitudes as I leave my office….. I LOVE MY WORK

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I am pinching myself being able to wake up to this beautiful sunrise and then becoming a student as I soak up the knowledge and wisdom from a wonderful teacher and mentor John Holland. What an incredible gift he is to this planet. So grateful for all of the “Coincidences,” that brought me here to this moment right now ~ I am in Love with Love…… ~ Jennifer Shaffer

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Let the universe work it’s magic. Spirit wants to help you understand that you are perfect and in divine order – Love who you are and then extend that towards others in service…..

Book your appointment Now ~ while you can with Best American Psychics’ ~ 2014 Psychic of the Year and Best American Healers Member Jennifer Shaffer

Filming begins in one week and her travel to the East Coast to study under John Holland and then directly to see Tony Stockwell and James Van Praagh for a 5 day intensive will have Jennifer not around until the middle of May.

Appointments are going fast.

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Happy Easter Everyone ~ Enjoy your day and make sure to Live, Love and Laugh
Xxoo ~ Jennifer

Cute Card purchased from World Market designed by Tomato Cards DCIStudios.com

unnamedunnamedI love the moon~ Absolutely Beautiful….. This eclipse brought me enough peace tonight that maybe just maybe ~ I might be able to sleep well…. I’m always looking for a first

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Thank you Hawaii for your brilliant colors of Love and Light

Here is a little slice of Heaven from Maui, Hawaii ~ Notice the colors. They represent “intuitive creativity,” which is from the solar plexus of Mother Earth. It is also known as the creative energy center for the ~ Mind Body Spirit, connection. Even cities manifest the colors they operate in. This was physically shown here in Hawaii where Maui tends to always bring in the brightest and most vibrant colors of the universe right to the windows of your soul, your eyes.
~ Jennifer Shaffer

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Don’t be discouraged if you sometimes are sailing alone. It can be more peaceful that way. One thing is for certain, you are always surrounded by the beautiful Sea that is waiting for you to dive in to self discovery.
~ Jennifer Shaffer

Do you have questions about Love, Career, Finances or Life Path? Are you looking to connect with a loved one who has crossed over? Have you ever wondered what your Spirit Guides have to say? Are you stuck and need direction? Come get a psychic and or mediumship reading. Jennifer with help from spirit will help you get some of the answers you need.

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Choose Love Today ~ it is easy to do….. Try it
Xxoo Jennifer Shaffer

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Love~ gratitude for Lisa Williams Sunday Service this morning, family and then clients this afternoon. Just finished with my last one 5 minutes ago – she asked me how can you concentrate with this view? I looked and jumped up and took a picture – I my profession – what a blessing…

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Love Everyone and Be Love ~ Become Contagious and Infectious

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Find Your Bliss….. It reflects the way you look at the outside world because Bliss is found within first….

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