The Key To Happiness: Surrendering to Life

I didn't create a happier life by sitting back and waiting for things to get better. I surrendered to the bad, thanked the universe for the bad, and said, "bring it on!" The following anecdote helps me visualize happiness when times get tough. Use it to help you see how to achieve freedom and happiness.

Have you ever noticed what it feels like to be a passenger in the car on a route you normally take? All of the sudden you start noticing things you've missed before, like a beautiful patch of wildflowers or an abandoned farm, a quirky name for a road or a beautiful sunset. 

When you are the driver you miss these things because you are attached to your destination, staying in between the lines, making the trip in good time, stopping when you need to stop, going when you need to go, and turning when you need to turn. 

When you begin to live life as if you are the driver, you become so focused on the destination that you lose sight in the thrill of adventure. You might ignore the things around you that make you smile, and all the things that make your journey worth it. 

When you choose to live life as a passenger, you begin to see the world around you in a different way. Trust that there is a driver to your destination and you will get to where you need to be no matter what. You no longer feel the need to control the car or to worry about the time in which you arrive. You no longer feel the need to stay in the lines or worry about proper directions. Now you begin to see the things in your world that are there to make you smile - that may have been there all along.

This is called surrender. It is the key to happiness. 

Surrender can also mean letting go completely of the destination. 

I once read about a fun date idea: to get in the car and flip a coin. If its heads, you turn right. If its tails, you turn left. Imagine living your life this way and letting go of any attachment to an outcome or a destination and you just went with the flow. The world is full of possibilities. Of back roads and dirt roads and highways and crossroads and bike trails and oceans for you to cross. Don't worry about the destination, just trust you will get there. 

Trying to control your life will bring you nothing but stress, anger, and discontent. You will never feel like you are complete if you are always trying to control the universe, the people around you, and your path. Your moment is bigger than you. The world is bigger than you. Life is bigger than you. Let yourself feel the peace that comes with surrender. Take a big sigh and put it in the hands of your driver.  

You will find greater joy in the happy things in your world, if you trust that there is a force that will take care of your goals. Whatever divine force you believe in, whether it is the Universe or God or a Guardian Angel...who/whatever. Trust that they have a plan. Every body is born with a purpose and with that purpose comes a path. The hard times are meant to put you there. Those hard times will later develop into something amazing. Every transformation starts with a fire or an end. As for the good times - begin to enjoy them. Trust that its okay to put your work down or let go of something and have fun, relax, or take a breath of fresh air. 

[Enjoying this article so far? Check out THIS ONE for related advice!]  Click this link to learn how to Release Attachments

The art of surrender requires not only a great deal of trust, but of learning to accept that every single moment is fleeting. The famous quote: "This too shall pass." Has as much to do with the good days as it does the bad days. Every bad moment will pass, of course it will. However, you must accept that your good will soon fade away. So embrace it while it is at your reach. Trust that everything you are worried about is taken care of and go after what makes you happy. Chase the things that make you smile. They will soon pass. Surrender to this fact. So many people get worked up over their good times not lasting or find themselves saying "oh great - another bump in the road." But you must know that another good time will soon come. Surrender to these bad times, and it will be much easier to enjoy the great times while they are there. 

So... how do you let go of control & surrender? 

There are many ways to help you surrender. If you have ever been told that you are "too tense" or need to "just relax"... then you're not only a lot like me, but you might have trouble coping with the bad times and figuring out HOW to surrender. My best advice for this is to literally train your brain. With every bad time, think of a silver lining. Say thank you to the universe whenever you feel like your life is out of control. Learn to appreciate the bad moments in life because you will never be stressed. You can also train your brain by accepting a negative outcome and thinking of backup plans. Have a list of things you may want to be or do in life. Go down the list and picture a fulfilling life with each one of those things. Maybe in one life you are happily married with kids, but in another you are a CEO of 6 companies and a beautiful home, and in another you are an online blogger traveling the world. Keep your goals, keep your dreams, but accept yourself through all the alternatives. And of course, visualize there is a driver taking you to where you need to be! 

My Favorite Crystals for Letting Go: 

Ammolite

Helps free you from expectation and the past

View Pendant

Variscite

Relieves any worries, fears, or doubts.

View Pendant

Larimar

Go with the flow & the changing tides of life.

View Pendant

Healing Depression With Crystals: Are Your Imbalanced Chakras Causing Your Depression?

Not everybody's experience with depression is the same. There are seven major chakras in the body, and depression can begin in any of them. Sometimes alternative healing methods seem like a last resort. However, these methods of healing were some of the first to exist. Crystals have lasted through ancient civilizations all the way to today's society for a reason. If it seems like there is no hope, don't give up before trying these amazing crystals!

Depression can be caused by an imbalance in the chakras. Healing Crystals and Stones and a touch of spiritual protection can totally help you heal!

 

Solar Plexus Chakra-Based Depression. Try Citrine. 

Are you ready for a complete Solar Plexus Activation? Try a Citrine. 

For those of you wondering what a solar plexus is, it is the third chakra in your body. It sits right above the navel. This is the center of control and power. Often times depression is caused by an imbalanced solar plexus chakra. Signs of your depression stemming from the chakra include feelings of unworthiness, unhappiness, loneliness, anxiety, panic attacks, feeling a loss of control, feeling unmotivated, the inability to think positive, etc. Citrine is a great crystal for clearing and activating this energy center because of its vibrant yellow hue. This stone promotes feelings of joy and gratitude. One amazing thing about this stone is it holds no negative energy. Citrine can also help you manifest a specific intention and increase abundance! So whenever you are ready to take control of your life, feel empowered, experience happiness, and receive nothing but blessings from the universe - give this stone a shot. Other stones you may want to consider trying for your solar plexus chakra are Amber or Topaz.

Still unsure if Citrine is for you? Signs your solar plexus is blocked include: digestive problems/stomach tension, self-limiting thoughts, high anxiety and feelings of no control. 

Heart Chakra-Based Depression. Try Rose Quartz. 

The heart chakra is also a place where your depression could stem from. If this chakra is the root of your depression, it will show in the form of stress, self-loathing, inability to see one's own beauty or the beauty of others, holding grudges, obvious sadness (fits of crying, anger, etc.), or holding on to childhood wounds. Rose Quartz is an amazing healing stone for helping one overcome emotional wounds, forgiving the past, and receiving love in all forms. This is more complex than it seems: emotional wounds include grief, depression, stress, anxiety, self-loathing or low self-esteem. Forgiving the past can mean things that you have done wrong or things others have done wrong to you. Receiving love means the ability to receive love from others close to you, from strangers, from yourself, from the earth, from Spirit, wherever LOVE is around you - you will acknowledge it and accept it. If you are ready to start loving yourself and others, seeing the beauty in the world, living more compassionately, reducing stress, and taking time for self nourishment, Rose Quartz is totally for you! 

More signs this stone is for you: skin conditions/acne, negative self talk, poor hygiene, feelings of jealousy, and feelings of loneliness. 

If Rose Quartz does not seem like it is for you, try Mangano Calcite, or Rhodochrosite.

Third Eye-Based Depression. Try Amethyst. 

Amethyst is connected to the Third Eye Chakra and healing this chakra can help you see things for what they truly are. Sometimes we are exposed to distorted thoughts about ourselves and about the world through the media, childhood, or anywhere. Exposure to this kind of negativity clouds your third eye chakra and makes it hard to see the light that exists in the world. Your depression may also include difficulty sleeping, or the need to sleep all the time, nightmares, nervousness, difficulty making decisions or positive choices, or vigilance. PTSD can be very detrimental to this chakra, leading to serious depression and damage. Restore the energy of this chakra with Amethyst if you are ready to feel awake and have hope again. Amethyst can help you feel connected and in tune with yourself and those around you. This crystal can help you see your power, see your beauty, and recognize your potential. Charoite and Fluorite are also great stones to use for overcoming Third Eye Depression. 

Alternate signs this is the chakra in which your depression stems: You are experiencing insomnia, headaches or migraines, physical pain, you are making poor decisions, addiction, forgetfulness. 

Throat Chakra Based Depression. Try Amazonite.

Sometimes depression can stem from the Throat Chakra. This includes feeling like you are not being heard, not being able to explain yourself, feeling like it would be better to not speak at all, feeling like the people around you are lying to you, feeling like nobody believes you, and more. Sometimes Throat Chakra based depression can involve outbursts of emotions or the inability to express yourself in a positive and productive way. If any of this sounds like something you are experiencing, please remember you are not weird or crazy! Blue Calcite, Turquoise, and Chrysocolla are all great stones to help you gain power in your words and in your circle. These stones can help you feel confident in your words, eloquent, and charismatic. They inspire you to speak up and tell your story no matter what it is. They embody courage, self-esteem, and integrity. These stones can also soothe the emotions, help you process them, help you sort your thoughts; so you can say and feel what needs to be said and felt and still be heard and understood by those around you. When the words flowing out of your mouth sound good and feel good, you feel good on the inside and the positive thoughts begin to flow in. This is very similar to the law of attraction! You can use Blue Kyanite to enhance this aspect. 

Throat Chakra Based depression symptoms can include sore throats, allergies, ringing in ears, feeling like there is something in your throat, and headaches. 

Root Chakra Based Depression. Try Pyrite. 

The Root Chakra is located at the base of your spine. In the Seven Chakra System it is the first chakra. It represents the physical world. If you feel your depression is related to stress, fear, and doubt - chances are this chakra is out of balance. If you are struggling to find peace and feelings of safety at your home, job, family, finances. Often times you may feel intense feelings that your life is chaotic, you may feel like you are just floating away with all the stress. You may feel like you are on autopilot going along with the motions and can't catch a break. This is because you are not grounded. Take some time in nature and wear a Pyrite, Smokey Quartz, or Agate. These crystals can help you become more in tune with your body, take one thing at a time, and feel safe and secure in your physical world. They help you feel more present. 

Signs you need to activate your Root Chakra are if you struggle with addiction, lower back pain, anxiety, career difficulties, feelings of discontent, fatigue, exhaustion. 

Crown Chakra Based Depression. Try Spirit Quartz. 

In some cases, depression can stem from your Crown Chakra. This is very common in HSP's (highly sensitive persons), empaths, psychics, etc who have not yet understood or grasped their gifts. If you feel cut off from the world, people around you, and the universe; if you blame the universe/god/others for your problems; or if you live in a great deal of fear or misunderstanding, or even hopelessness, chances are your crown chakra is blocked. Spirit Quartz, Tibetan Quartz, and Herkimer Diamond are all great stones for attuning your connection to the world, your gifts, and activating your Crown Chakra. Feeling linked with the universe can help restore your sense of faith in the future. You may experience a sense of belonging, togetherness, and love for the world around you and the life you live. 

Other signs your crown chakra is blocked include pain, lack of interested and motivation, feeling "foggy", fatigue, anxiety, judgmental thoughts of others, and clumsiness. 

Sacral Chakra Based Depression. Try Carnelian.

Your Sacral Chakra is the second chakra, located below the belly button. It is the center of where you harness your passion. When depression stems from your Sacral Chakra, you may experience a loss of interest or detachment, difficulty enjoying your life, difficulty embracing who you are, a loss of motivation, or loss of desire. Loss of desire can mean sexually, creatively, work-related, etc. Sacral Chakra stones are great to use to combat this kind of depression so you can regain your passion for living and live life to the fullest. You can regain your energetic levels and clear this chakra with Carnelian, Fluorite, Fire Agate. Carnelian is a great stone for activating the Sacral Chakra with its fiery orange color. It embodies the sexual, creative, and energetic God/Goddess inside all of us. Bring that part of you back to life by wearing or sleeping with this stone. 

Other signs your Sacral Chakra is blocked: feeling unworthy, abnormal menstruation/reproductive issues, urinary issues, fear, feeling stuck or lost, inability to focus.

Healing Chakras Can Bring You Back to Harmony and Happiness.

I hope this information has been helpful. Please remember I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments. Love & Light and good luck using these tools to assist your emotional wellbeing. 

Pocket Full of Crystals

These are the stones I like to carry with me. Sometimes I switch it up, but I often find myself with these six. Even though I am not wearing them or showing off their beauty, I feel good knowing they are always with me. Whether it's in my pocket, my purse, or my pillow - these stones are there to protect, help, and heal me. 

The stone of love.  

I carry the Rose Quartz because of how happy it makes me feel. Every time I hold this stone it makes me feel so at peace with everything. It takes all my worries away and directs my attention to the wonder that lives inside. I carry it because it means something to me. It makes me feel loved and reminds me I am loved. It was a gift to me from Vero at The Bodhi Tree in Sugarloaf, NY; the place I did my first custom show. This crystal shop is more like a spiritual getaway and Vero is a warm, gentle person who is lovely to be around. I carry the Rose Quartz because it makes me feel safe, like nobody can or will bring me down. I feel like my heart is protected, so I am able to see the best in everybody and give my love to them. 

My stone of protection.  

I carry the Black Tourmaline for protection. I feel it protects me spiritually and emotionally. It relieves me of any panic, worry, and fear. It helps ground me spiritually so I am not fatigued or drained. I carry it because it is one of my favorite stones. It was a gift from my mom who is also my best friend. She knows me better than anyone. I know she spent so much time picking out crystals for me when she went to Puerto Rico. I couldn't wrap or sell any because of how much I loved them all. We are always on the same wavelength. She has always been my main protector, but if she is ever not with me - the protecting properties of black tourmaline are. 

Why wouldn't you carry one of these?  

I carry the citrine because of the properties. I have never had any special memory with this citrine or any citrine - but I love what it is meant to bring. It is a stone of abundance, of prosperity, and of luck. It is a manifestation stone for ideals, dreams, and goals. It is a stone of joy, bringing optimism and positive thoughts. It dissolves any negative energy, protects against negative energy, and holds no negative energy. It is a stone of control. It fills the Solar Plexus Chakra with power, anxiety relief, and trust. It clears any blocks and let's you beam with yellow light. 

Can feel my happiest moments when I look at this stone.  

I carry the Smoky Quartz because it is another great protection stone. I especially love that it is protective during travel. I bought this in the summer of 2014 - a summer of adventure! I drove to Delaware for a music festival (Firefly!!) filled with late nights and laughter, Tennessee to stay on a house boat for a week for full relaxation and fun, New Jersey to visit my cousin for a crazy night at a rap concert (Eminem), Connecticut for an awesome concert (Queen!) and such a fun night, and more. It was nonstop travel and adventure. Smokey Quartz protects against road rage, harm from other drivers, and traffic or road issues. I carry it for safety - and for all the memories of such good times. 

Knowledge speaks, wisdom listens. 

I carry the Lapis Lazuli and the Blue Kyanite for communication. One to help me listen and one to help me speak. One to dissolve the negative thoughts and one to bring in wise, intelligent ones. One to help me see past what people say, and one to help me think before I speak. Communication is important to control. It is how we meet people, make friends, network, or serve. It is an aspect of my daily life and with the help of my lapis lazuli and blue kyanite I feel protected and confident doing so. 

A Day With Snow Quartz and African Gold Pyrite

Today I paired the Snow Quartz Mini and African Gold Pyrite pendants from my etsy shop. Since I've been under the weather this week, I haven't been using my creative energy as much. Today it felt like my sacral chakra was about to explode with all the creativity I had built up. Quartz is a powerful energy amplifier so I wore it to enhance my mood. 

Clear Quartz can be dangerous to wear in that way. It will amplify negative moods, negative energies of the physical such as illnesses, or negative energies in the aura. It's hard to know what negative things may happen each day. The African Gold Pyrite helps protect against negative energies. With this and my creativity amplified by the Quartz, I was pretty much set for success. Because this crystal is snow Quartz and contains white as well as Clear Quartz, it carries properties of its own. It helped enhance my meditative state and mental clarity which are both essentials in the work I do. 

Sneak peek of the pendants I made today that will be added to my shop on Monday!  

Nothing bad got in the way of my day, I maintained a positive mood. I made three new pendants for my shop. Overall I think the stones worked very well for me today. It's hard to anticipate negative happening during the day without expecting negative to happen. However, negativity is important to be aware of. Ego exists. That is why it is important to wear a crystal that protects against the negative. It helps decrease the way ego  affects the one who wears it, reflecting the darkness that tries to influence the aura back out into the world. 

A Day With Stillbite and Sodalite

Today I wore the sodalite and stillbite available on my etsy shop. I picked these two crystals out to see how they affected the cold I woke up with. 

I woke up sick today with a pain in my abdomen and a sore throat. I swear I get sick around this time each year which is so frustrating because it's the beginning of summer. So instead of being outside or on my porch, I spent all day curled up in a blanket inside. I put on the Sodalite because it is a stone for the throat chakra. My throat cleared up so nicely after this stone worked through the energy center. It remains a little sore but the sinus pressure is completely gone. 

I didn't put on the stillbite until later. Stillbite is excellent for physically removing toxins in your body. I decided I might need an extra detox boost for my body so I made some lemon cucumber water. This paired with my stillbite was a great combination. Stillbite is actually a great stone for bringing joy and peace to the wearer as well. I definitely felt the instant pink vibration of joy rush through my heart chakra before anything else. So at least if this stone didn't help remove toxins yet, it put me in a good mood. 

For cleansing, removing toxins, rehydrating, and working against inflammation, mix water with cucumber, lemon, and mint! (I didn't have mint hehe)