Look what I found! Actually a friend of mine found it and now I am passing it on to you ...

The 72 Names of God Meditation Book by Yehuda Berg

The 72 Names of God Meditation Book is your personal torch to highlight the areas of your life where you need to shine. Through the practice of meditating on the 72 Names of God, you will stir the Light within your soul to help you ...

see the impact of your decisions before you make them (very handy when it comes to Love); bring more money into your life whenever you need it and heal yourself physically and emotionally.

Count me in.

If you would like more reflection and inspiration be sure to visit the Get Ready For Love Reading Room. We read a lot of relationship books and interviewed relationship authors and experts on the Get Ready for Love Show.

What did I really learn? That we get what we focus on. If you want Love then make the time to learn about it, read about it, listen to experts about it and do-your-footwork. Before you know it you won't be looking - you'll be living the Love you desire.

SLOW down and get the love you deserve. Now that is great relationship advice (and it really works)!

Phone in and join David Essel for Free Relationship Advice on Wednesdays from 8:00 - 9:00 P.M. (EDT)

Topics include:

Aug 15th - The Power of Positive Self Talk
Aug 29th - Loving the Life You Have Now
September 19 - Get Out of Your Comfort Zones for Success
October 17 - By Sending Blessings to Others We Actually Bless Ourselves as Well

Click here for more information and to get connected for the next call.

Psst. I interviewed David on the Get Ready for Love Show. His book "Slow Down - The Fastest Way To Get Everything You Want" is one of my all time favorites. Excellent relationship advice from a human being who is right there in the trenches with the rest of us ...

Would you like to tune into that interview? It is just a click away ...

-Special Thanks to wsRadio.com for making this interview available, 24/7.

What's on your bumper sticker?

Lately I've been on the trail - literally - of men and women who are announcing their relationship status.

The first one was "Mr. Right." I assume that Mr. Right was wanting to attract Miss Right. When he does will his next message read, "Got Love."

Then yesterday I caught this beauty ... So many men, so many reasons to sleep alone.

I don't think this is Mr. Right's love. She sounds single but more than a tad jaded and unavailable.

Got me thinking ...

We all have bumper stickers in a manner of speaking.

For example, in my 20s my bumper sticker was "Not now. Soon."

I thought I wanted love - would go through the rituals, get the guy BUT what really mattered most to me was my work. I worked all-the-time, definitely a workaholic. Most of my relationships lasted six months. Many were with men in other states or countries.

Another good bumper sticker could have been "Unbalanced, unavailable woman. Six months then bust."

In my 30s I would say that my bumper sticker was "Looking for men to fix." Fix, change, manipulate, control - yep I was on a mission to avoid dealing with myself!

Then around 41, 42 something in me clicked. So did my bumper sticker. It now read "Getting Ready For Love." That is when I started the radio show, started reading all those books about love and starting heeding the relationship advice of all those experts.

Guess what? Our bumper stickers attract our reality.

"Not now, soon" Soon never arrives nor did Love.
"Looking for men to fix." I got plenty and then some.
"Getting ready for Love" I did and I got it.

This is an invitation for you to come clean - be honest with yourself. (And share with us.)

What's on your bumper sticker right now?

If you are not sure, look at your results. A mentor used to tell me to look at my results because they were "sometimes harsh but always fair."

Today I have heartbreak on my mind.

9/11 - I remember where I was and what I was doing when I saw that first plane ... That pain brings up other losses of loved ones and tough life lessons. The 'ol tar baby syndrome ...


So, I've spent the past hour researching the effect of heartbreak on the body and soul. Go figure.


If you are in that hurting place here are some books to help you break out of that vicious cycle of sorrow-anger AND start healing your broken heart and soul.

The Dance of Connection How to Talk to Someone When You're Mad, Hurt, Scared, Frustrated, Insulted, Betrayed, or Desperate

Transforming Anger: The HeartMath Solution for Letting Go of Rage, Frustration, and Irritation
Neuroscientists have discovered that getting the heart into a positive rhythm can send a signal to the brain, allowing the two to synchronize and transform anger, frustration, and irritation into compassion, empathy, and calm.

In The Spirit "That day of transformation seems so long ago..."

Pssst. A good book is no substitute for a bear hug. You may want to pull back and isolate. That is a natural instinct BUT know that you are not alone and reach out to others. O.k.?

I've been on the hunt for love. Or should I say "Cruising for Love."

Look what I found. I almost got into an accident getting this shot. What I won't do for Love ...

Oh, in case you can't read it -- the license plate read "Mr. Right."

If you are looking for an easier way to get to Love you can also sign up for the Get Ready for Love Newsletter and have it delivered directly to your e-mail OR get the "how to" skinny from one of my happily married friends and relationship mentors, Terry Hernon MacDonald. Her book, Marry Smart, helped me get to "I do." Are you ready?

I just stumbled upon this jewel ...

Better Single than Sorry :: Jen Schefft, ABC-TV's The Bachelor & The Bachelorette. Relationship Author of "Better Single Than Sorry" How to decide not to 'settle' but to hold true to going for the right partner.

Click here to go and listen on in ... I will be doing the same.

I also saw this hilarious bummer sticker today. It said "So many men, so many reasons to sleep alone."

Psst. Are you are in the market for love -- the kind you want to sleep with -- the kind that doesn't make you sorry, the kind that is loyal, trustworthy, fun, _____, _____, _____ (fill in your own blanks.) IF you are, do subscribe to the Get Ready For Love Newsletter.

Here, read a sample issue -- this one is on self-love. I think that's VERY appropriate for this conversation, don't you?

How did I get and how do I keep that "Lovin' Feeling?" I keep my focus on Love - just like any skill - Love requires focus, practice and a desire to keep getting better ...

This is an excellent interview with Dr. Diana Kirschner, author, "Opening Love's Door: The Seven Lessons and Patty Kovacs, the host of The Health & Beauty Revolution.

One thing you'll learn is Diana's #1 Secret you need to know to find the Love of your life.

BTW - what do you think it could be? Why don't you post you best guess here before you listen in ...

Dr. Diana Kirschner, a noted psychologist & love expert, has appeared on Oprah, Good Morning America, Sally Jessie Raphael and NPR radio ... She's hot.

Relationship Advice: Back-Talk!
In this column we go back to the real-life relationship experts – couples who have been married 50 years or more. Husband and wife will each give their experienced answer to a relationship problem.

My husband dresses like a total slob on weekends but wears suits and ties during the week for his job. Come Saturday and Sunday, he puts on the same ugly plaid shorts and raggedy t-shirts. And he shaves only if we're going out on Saturday night. It's very unappealing and makes me feel that he doesn't care about our relationship. His excuse is "I work hard all week and like to relax on weekends. I'm the same person no matter what I'm wearing." I don't expect him to be a fashion statement, however, his "condition" is a real turn-off and I can't stand him hugging or touching me. He says it wouldn't bother him if I was the way he is, which, of course, I would never be. Am I being too harsh? Can you shed some light on this controversy?- Marie

Click here to continue

-Contributed by Sheryl P. Kirland, author, Everlasting Matrimony Pearls of Wisdom From Couples Married 50 years Or More

Big thanks to Keven McCarthy of the The On-Purpose® Proverb‏ f(http://www.on-purpose.com) for bringing this lovely and loving movie to my attention. Now I'd like to share it with you.

Click here to view and know that Love is Spelled "T-I-M-E" for all of us.

Use your time well ...

I have a small, eclectic and growing collection of favorite love quotes.

Do peruse and jump in! Just on "comments" to add to the list ...

Soul meets soul on lover's lips. ~ by Percy Bysshe Shelly ~

There's no remedy for Love but to Love more. -Henry David Thoreau

Trouble is part of your life - if you don't share it, you don't give the person who loves you a change to love you enough.- Dinah Shore

I just love Terry Hernon MacDonald's BLOG. Do you know it? It goes by the name of HappyGirlMusing.com. This week's post On Being the CEO of Your Dating Life is priceless!

This morning on Today, ad exec Donny Deutsch offered dating advice to a single mother. The 38-year-old never-married woman, who has a job she "loves" and a 4-year-old she "adores," is reluctant to throw her life out of balance by getting involved with a man. She says she has supportive friends and family. She seemed pretty content to me.I'm sure Donny meant well. He suggested that this woman "test market" dating, so that "five years out," when her daughter may be tired of hanging out with her ... click here to read the rest of this story!

Psst. While you're at it -- Terry's book "Marry Smart" is an excellent read if you are musing about, pondering, wondering, hoping, considering or even, just about to get married!

I interviewed her years ago on the Get Ready For Love Show and her insights, and her book, contributed to my altar bound experience. What I learned then still applies - absolutely - in my marriage.

Your turn to get the scoop? Click here for more info and to order your copy.

This spring I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Lerner on the topic of her best-seller, The Dance of Fear. Eye opening, ear opening - WOW interview. If you, or someone you love -- like your teen-ager, sister or mom -- dances with fear, anxiety or shame please make a pot of tea, get comfortable and click above to listen up ...

You can also benefit from these excerpt from this best-seller ... Maybe you will even give it a try? If you do - let me know how you did and what you experienced ...

-excerpt from The Dance of Fear

THE FEAR OF REJECTION: A ONE-DAY CURE
By Harriet Lerner

Cured in a day? It happened like this:

I was surprised to get a call from Frank, a former therapy client who now lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His work was bringing him back to Kansas for a two-day seminar, and he wanted to know if I would meet with him. I hadn’t seen Frank since he and his wife, Ann, terminated marital therapy with me many years earlier. They appeared to be doing well, but Frank told me that shortly after they moved to Tulsa, Ann ended their marriage. Frank was devastated at the time, but he reported that he was now doing fine—“except for one thing.”

“What’s the problem?” I asked.

“Maybe I was traumatized by the divorce,” Frank replied, “but ever since Ann left me, I’ve been terrified of rejection.” He went on to explain that he hadn’t dated since his marriage ended two years earlier. He was drawn to a woman at work named Liz, but the mere thought of asking her out paralyzed him. Now Frank wanted to pick my brain for one session about how he might solve this specific problem.

I knew that Frank was a roll-up-your-sleeves, fix-it sort of guy, so it didn’t surprise me that he hoped for a quick solution. Since I more typically work with people slowly and over time, I was uncertain how much help I could provide in a single session. But I had recently attended a workshop conducted by Cloe Madanes, a therapist acclaimed for her innovative strategies. I recalled one particular intervention that Madanes had described for a man whose problem was quite similar to Frank’s. I had a strong intuition that this directive would be perfect. At worst, it would do no harm.

Click here to find out how, what, where and if Frank was able to overcome his fear of rejection. I won't tell -- you have to find out for yourself!

Relationship Advice : “Back-Talk!” – we go back to the real-life relationship experts – couples who have been married 50 years or more. Husband and wife will each give their experienced answer to a relationship problem.

I am engaged to a wonderful man whom I love dearly. We have many things in common and enjoy our time together. We have only one problem, but it is a big one. He is a spender and I am a saver. He loves to shop for clothes and electronics and only buys the best of everything. When we travel, we stay in the finest hotels and enjoy great meals. I certainly can't complain about that, but I have simple tastes, am satisfied with much less, and my bank account and investments are substantial. He, on the other hand, has very few assets.

Needless to say, I know a pre-nuptial agreement is in order, but I am more concerned about our relationship when we marry. I am afraid that he may feel that he is paying for everything and I am not holding up my end, since I have the assets. I feel we must find some common ground before we get hitched so that we both feel comfortable with our finances. I think that we are doomed for failure if we cannot agree beforehand. Can you help?

Debra

Click here for the rest of the story i.e. our couple's free relationship advice for Debra ...

-contributed by Sheryl P. Kirland, author, Everlasting Matrimony Pearls of Wisdom From Couples Married 50 years Or More

Secrets of the Law of Attraction
and how you can use it to attract Love & Money ...

This was one of my first interviews on the Get Ready for Love Radio Show. The guests were Sandra Anne Taylor, Terry Hernon MacDonald, Loral Langemeier, Gregg Krech, Marilyn Jenett & Sonia Choquette.

If you haven't taken the time to tune in and hear how easy it is to apply the Law of Attraction to Love -- well, what can I say? Just do it!

Just click here and do pass this page onto a girlfriend, mom friend, sister ... they will love you for it.

I want to congratulate wsRadio.com on its 6 years of excellent programming on a wide range of topics AND making all of it available to us, 24/7.

In case you don’t know … wsRadio.com is the leading “Internet Radio” Show Station. This is also where yours truly began the Get Ready for Love! Show which got me ready for Love, engaged and married! (They even hooked me up with an awesome wedding planner!)

Anyhoo the show goes on and you should check them out. One of my favorite shows is HayHouse Radio with hosts like Sonia Choquette; Dr. Wayne W. Dyer; Debbie Ford,; Mary Goulet; Dharma Singh Khalsa; Summer McStravick; Caroline Myss; Mona Lisa Schulz and Marianne Williamson.

True Love Story: Turn On Your Love Light at the Blood Drive

Giving blood with a date may seem like an odd alternative to getting tickets to Daddy Day Camp, but it's an adventure. It's a scary thing for a lot of people. It requires sacrifice, which is kind of attractive. It requires vulnerability, which is definitely attractive.

For the rest of this unique love story, click here!

On-Line Book Reviews & The Get Ready For Love Recommended Reading List include:

Nelson, Tommy, The Song of Solomon A Study of Love, Sex, Marriage, and Romance: Study Guide
(Mafe told me about this one - it is a biblical point of view - I am fascinated to find out what our elders have to say - could advice from then work now? I'll let you know!)

Ponder, Catherine, The Healing Secrets of the Ages
This is a wow read. Applies everywhere -- heart, body, mind, finances ...

Breathnach, Sarah Ban, Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy
I am reading a page here and there & loving it!

Dr. Harriet Lerner, The Dance of Fear Rising Above Anxiety, Fear & Shame to Be Your Best & Bravest Self

Trust Your Vibes 33 Secrets to Living a Six Sensory Life

For many more recommendations, many of which include interviews with their authors, click here or go to: http://www.getreadyforlove.com/readinglist.htm

MYTHS FROM ROMANTIC LOVE

It is not the solution to a problem that builds a healthy relationship. It is the PROCESS OF PROBLEM SOLVING ...- Dr. Belle

So, you're Getting Ready for Love! in a society where the divorce rate hovers around the 50% mark. Well, be careful. What you're looking for may be based on seductive expectations and myths about romance that grew out of centuries old concepts of Courtly Love and Romantic Love.

Until merged in the new world by the Puritans (yes, they originally sanctified passion through marriage), passion and marriage were essentially irreconcilable. Their origins and ends made them mutually exclusive. Courtly Love between a knight and his married lady of nobility was ALWAYS chaste and asexual: that would be the Knights of the Round Table variety, made legend by Lancelot and Guinevere. Then, as well demonstrated by Shakespeare in his tragedies, in order to have the unrequited love and intensity of emotion called for in Romantic Love, the beloved must remain unattainable. So often, these contradictory ideas coexist in our unconscious mind giving us automatic assumptions about what a relationship with another person is, what we should feel, and what we should get out of it.

Click here to read the rest of this article, MYTHS FROM ROMANTIC LOVE

Love Links continued ...

Like I pointed out a couple days ago ... the "Love Links" section of the Get Ready For Love! Website is full of unexpected & eclectic tips, tools & techniques to get you ready ♥ set ♥ GO

in Love. Here are just the B Love Links ...

Baggage to Bed?
If I Were Brave
Hug Your Body Right!
bANNED
if the Buddha dated ...
Books, Books, Books!your relationship reading list ...
favorite blueberry recipe
Do you have an achey breaky heart?

P.S. Do you have material you would like to contribute to the Love Links? If so, please e-mail me at Viveca@GetReadyForLove.com

Spent a couple hours this afternoon with one of my best friends -- shopping, giggling over clothes and styles that don't fit and found a couple that did.

We ended up in her garden and I took this photo.

Friends make our lives beautiful. Here's proof.

Who can you visit today - tomorrow? Do it.

Have you visited the "Love Links" section of the Get Ready For Love! Website? It is full of unexpected & eclectic tips tools & techniques to get you ready ♥ set ♥ GO in Love.

Here are just the A Love Links ...

A
A $20 Dollar Bill
Adrenal Fatigue Be Gone!
Your ATTRACTION Quotient!
And ...
Alanon
Free Relationship Advice
Are you Highly Sensitive in Love?
Anxiety - Why Am I So Anxious?
♥ Relationship Advice

P.S. Do you have material you would like to contribute to the Love Links? If so, please e-mail me at Viveca@GetReadyForLove.com

Favorite Love Quotes

The best proof of Love is trust.
-Dr. Joyce Brothers

This is a reminder for you to trust ... starting with trusting yourself. -Viveca

I am always reading about Love. I said from the very beginning that Love is a skill and we have to use it or lose it. Well not really lose it but get rusty, oh yeah.

Anyway ... a colleague and inspiration of mine says that we are - we create - we attract what we focus on most. She's written the book on it called Marry Smart How To Attract And Marry The Man Of Your Dreams.

Terry Herndon MacDonald was one of my first interviews on the Get Ready For Love! Radio Show - she is one of the ones that helped me get "mine" and continues to help me stay on track in Loveland. She is just a doll. You gotta meet her.

Take a moment - click here to go to T's interview page and learn how she used the Law of Attraction to get "hers" and marry smart.

De-tach-ment. Can you?
a.k.a. Let go or be dragged ...

I was on this very topic yesterday with a friend. Her parting words were something like it sounded like a good idea but she had “never been good at detaching.” Hours went by before I had the “ah ha!” Detachment does not come easily to anyone! It is one of the most difficult of all the Love Skills to master …

Would you like to learn more, like "how to" detach? Click here

Why the picture of the frog? Because it is a symbol of transformation. Just because something is difficult - be it detaching or attaching - doesn't mean it is out of your reach. -Viveca

BTW - Are you registered for the Get Ready For Love! Newsletter? Click here for a sample and to register.

Manly men ... step aside?

LONDON (AFP) - Women see masculine-looking men as more unsuitable long-term partners but men with more feminine features are seen as more committed and less likely to stray, researchers said Wednesday.

hmmmm. What do you think? Yes? No?

Click here for the rest of the story ...

How to Bounce Back from A Break Up (Contributed by Terry Hernon MacDonald)

If you've been with me for a while, you know I'm a proponent of EFT (or Emotional Freedom Technique). It got me through a wicked case of insomnia and panic attacks, for instance, during my mother's illness and after her death.

Holistic Health Counselor Alison Held recommends EFT for healing a broken heart. If you're like me, I didn't bounce back from failed relationships well (tended to pack on the pounds and wallow in misery) and held myself back from finding happiness with a more suitable guy.

Click here to go to the HappyGirlMusing.com for the rest of the story ...

You are such a cutie pie!

Do you know that?

Do you ever tell yourself that?

There is no time like the present to start ...

Click here to enjoy one of my all-time-favorite self-love tools called "The Wake Up Happy Face Exercise."

-contributed by Janet Bernson, The Healing Artist

People usually fail when they are on the verge of success. So give as much care to the end as to the beginning.

– Lao-Tzu

Do you feel yourself "failing" or lagging in one of more of your significant other relationships? Let this be a reminder to persevere. Love is worth it.

Try? There is no try. There is only do or do not do.

-Yoda, in the Empire Strikes Back

Refresh your self, your heart and your spirit with the Colors of the Chakras Meditation.
When you feel better it is easier to give and receive L-O-V-E, don't you agree?

I was just inspired to put this together this morning! Give it a try and let me know how you like it ... Click here to go to the Fatigue Be Gone! Blog and to the mediation. Enjoy!

Get somebody to Love. Somebody, some puppy ...

Who or what can you Love on today?

Just do it.

And, enjoy it!

Chocolate-coated fruit spells r-0-m-a-n-c-e.

What a great surprise to pull out of the refrigerator, in your romantic dinner for two.

Even a tender nibble brings the sweet juices of cherry, strawberry, or raspberry, encased in the thin waiting sheath of dark chocolate. What is it about chocolate and red fruit that seems so decadent? Maybe it’s the balance between the fruit’s quick sweetness with chocolate’s long-lasting, brain-altering addictions that so resemble love itself. Like love, at once bitter and sweet, held together in one irresistible package. Like love, taken to satisfy more the soul than the body.

Now, would you like the recipe?! Click here

Prison Of My Own
A True Story of Redemption & Forgiveness

At first it didn’t seem like my kind of book. For the past three years, as founder of the Get Ready For Love! Radio Show, I’ve spent all my time reading about love. Self love, relationship love, spiritual love, familial love, physical love, how to love …

It didn’t seem like my kind of a love story. I interviewed couples who met on a roof top, during a blizzard, in a hurricane, in a tall club, on the underwater hockey team, at dog beach, in a 12 Step meeting, in their office on the day the room turned pink …

The heroine of Prison Of My Own was happily married for thirteen years, had two children and a perfect marriage. Then one day her husband murdered his nineteen year old mistress. Opps.

Click here for the rest of the story ...

Excerpt from ... The Dance of Connection by Dr. Harriet Lerner
How to Talk to Someone When You're Mad, Hurt, Scared, Frustrated, Insulted, Betrayed, or Desperate

Finding Your Voice
The thread that unites my work both as an author and as a psychotherapist is my desire to help people speak wisely and well, sometimes about the most difficult subjects. This includes asking questions, getting a point across, clarifying desires, beliefs, values, and limits. How such communication goes determines whether we want to come home or stay away at the end of the day.

This is no simple matter, as glib terms like communication skills or assertiveness training imply. Assertiveness is considered a good idea -- if not a cultural ideal. But despite decades of assertiveness training and lots of good advice about communicating with clarity, timing, and tact, we may do our best to speak but still feel unheard. We may find that we cannot affect our husband or wife or partner, that fights go nowhere, that conflict brings only pain rather than an opportunity for two people to learn more about each other. We may have the same dilemma with our mother, sister or uncle, or close friend.

The Limits of "Good Communication"
We all want to communicate well and make ourselves heard. "He just doesn't get it" or ...
(click here to read the rest of this story - and learn how to "connect" no matter what.)

Don't give up before you get your miracle. -My Peeps

This has to be one of my all-time favorite Love quotes.

Peeps' "Love" miracle was a baby boy named Logan.

Have you experienced a Love miracle? Please click on "comments" and share ...

Know your "style" when it comes to Love and you will find it easier to live the Love you deserve.

For example, are you a Highly Sensitive Person (or in love with one?) Click here and find out.

Or, are you a hare, owl, turtle or squirrel? Click here for the HOTS Test.

I found both of these tests to be extremely practical and interesting. Take them, journal about what you learn and let me know how you apply your insights.

Live and Let Live.

I know you've heard that expression but, do you live it?

Today I am a "Harry Potter" widow. Michael bought the book yesterday and he will not do anything except eat, take bath room breaks, grunt responses to anything I may say and read-read-read until he is done.

My wicked twin side has come up with a list of urgent "honey dos." My loving, compassionate twin is generous. She wants him to savor every word. (And, I know he'll do the same for me next weekend when it is my turn!)

That's live and let live.

The 2ND opinion to live and let live is to ask yourself "How important is it?" If it not life or death it isn't that important.

Love asks you to stay in the moment and allow them to enjoy theirs ...

An Angel At My Alter

Do you believe in angels? in miracles?

Do you believe that the people we Love never leave? and that God, angels and miracles are happening all the time around us?

I do but it is not everyday that I have proof to show to you.

This picture is proof. In it you see me getting married to Michael. I'd say he's the man of my dreams but he is more than that and better than any dream I ever had. So there is one miracle.

Now - do you see the white "spot" behind me? That shows up here and there in the photos taken of us at the alter and of the wedding party while they were in attendance at the alter. The spot moves around but is usually near the crown, heart and root Chakras.

After the ceremony - it is gone.

My beloved mentor and friend, Dr. Belle, died the week before our wedding. Me, I think she was there with us afterall and that she had the best seat in the house. Belle helped me fix my "picker," she Loved Michael and was so happy for us.

I'll share more of these photos with you soon. Until then ... believe and feel the presence of the Love surrounding you. We are so loved and, we are never alone.

"Prayer is the medium of miracles."

-A Course In Miracles

Prayer brought me my husband. I told God that I was done looking for Love and that I would not "make a move" without a definite sign from above. To read more about my story, click here.

Have you brought God and prayer into your quest for true Love?

Please add a comment as to why you have or why you have not. This is a discussion worth sharing with friends and the powers that be ...

Five months of persistence got him no where. All she ever said was NO.

So he stopped asking and started acting like this was just another business venture. He did some market research and found out that his ex-girlfriend was her best friend and that she Loved champagne and moonlight walks on the beach.

Click here to go tune into Robert Kiyosaki's true Love story. Enjoy, I did!

Is Your Heart Achy Breaky? Recovery Tips for the Broken Hearted

by: Viveca Stone-Berry

They say you never forget your first Love or your first lover. Yes to both. You also never forget horrific heartbreaks. For me it was the one that came before “the one,” my husband, finally showed up.

Click here to read the rest of the story ... and learn how to heal your hurting heart.

You are special. Want proof? Click here and read all about the $20 dollar bill ...

Pass it on.

Oh, and register to receive the Get Ready for Love Newsletter to receive your monthly reminder to Love and be Loved 'cause you are special.

Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you. -Mother Teresa

Who can you help/Love today? Who is nearest you? Start there.

How to Keep A Man Faithful.

This is the current "hot" topic on Terry Hernon MacDonald's hot hot hot BLOG called Happy Girl Musing.

Wonder if what she says about men works to keep women faithful?

Click here to join in the conversation and/or click here to tune into Terry's interview on the Get Ready For Love! Show. Our topic was the Law of Attraction -- What's Love got to do with it?
Everything!

Slow Down and you will get the Love you deserve?

What a concept.

For my first 44 relationship years it was all about speed and drama. For me - what about our society?!

In the average film couples meet, have sex, get married, have babies and die of old age within a couple hours! Then "they say" we should "Live as if this was the last day of your life." Who are "they" and do they know how disconnecting this is? Then we invent things like "speed dating" and blackberries because if more men/women are coming at us FAST then the odds of finding "the one" improve. Huh?

I met my Love in a quiet room where people go to slow down, get in touch with themselves and grow spiritually. We sat next to each other. That was one of the best hours of my life.

If you are reading this post then maybe you need to step out of your fast lane and get a different perspective on Love.

Click here to tune into: David Essel, author of Slow Down The Fastest Way to Get Everything You Want. You will be so glad you did.

Oooooooooo ... Look what Mafe just recommended ... These books look at Love and romance from a biblical sense - literally. You may be surprised to find out how much you still have much to learn from your elders ...

The Book of Romance What Solomon Says About Love, Sex, and Intimacy * Song of Solomon A Study of Love, Sex, Marriage, and Romance: Study Guide

Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.
-Henry Ford

This is a reminder to check in with your thinking and keep-it-up if you LOVE your results or change your mind if-you-don't ...

Maybe you want to explore this more? Journal away!

Is your current relationship, and/or your relationship "pattern," healthy or heart-breaking?

This tool is a gift from my beloved mentor and friend Dr. Belle. It was a shocker for me. I went through a gamut of reactions -- Yikes! Hmmmmm. Waaaa. Oh. Ah Ha! YES!

Click here to register for the Get Ready for Love Newsletter and receive your copy. (It is a registration "Bonus" gift.) I guarantee you will use this tool over and over again. It makes how to have a GREAT relationship crystal clear ...

(You'll probably even remember where you were when you read it for the first time. I do.)

Pucker up baby.
A recent study in Japan found that kissing reduces the body's production of histamine, a chemical that provokes an allergic reaction to pollen a.k.a. hay fever.
Got allergies? Get kissin'!

Smile and get along.

Some days my best plans fall through. Some days it is harder than others to hold my tongue and mind and not rock the boat. Most days I remember what Michael told me we would always do no matter what ...

Smile and get along. Just thinking about it makes me grin!

Who do you need to smile at today? Do it!

Many candles can be kindled from one candle without diminishing it.
-Midrash

You are a Love light. Let your Love light up your world today.

Divine Love is at work in this situation.

None of these things move me.

This too shall pass.

-Catherine Ponder Affirmation

Sometimes the best thing we can do for our relationship is to step back, take a big breath and change how we are reacting to it. That is what I am doing today. I can't change it "the relationship" but I can change me and my thoughts. The above affirmation helps. I use it like a mantra to clear my mind until that feeling of relief - peace comes in.

Does this apply to you?

On My Top Shelf
what about yours?

On the tippy top shelf I uncovered this collection of wishbones from happy meals over the past 2 years!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo!

oxoxoxoxox!

What am I going to do about it? I am going to stop packing, moving, fussing and bustling with Michael comes home. I will give him a big hug and a kiss and pour us each a glass of something celebratory then invite him to make a wish with me.

Whoever "wins" the pull -- "we" win. That is how Love works.

Your turn. Click on "Comments" below and tell us about what you found on your top shelf. Then, if you wish, you can e-mail me your photo to add in. Send it to: Viveca@GetReadyForLove.com

Trust your body talk.

Do you feel good around him/her?
Are you relaxed, breathing well, comfortable & safe?
Good Love feels good.


Feng Shui Love Tip.

Color Silver (Yin) - Silver is the color of the trustworthy and the romantic.

Just smile and get along.

That is what I am going to do for the next week and then some. Why? Because we are in the process of a "move." Sometimes - like NOW - you just need to agree to leave each alone and ... just smile and get along.

Does this apply to your situation? Can you put your opinion of how things should be aside and ... just smile and get along?

Try.

Love, boundaries and everything in between ...

The honey in the flower or lotus does not crave for bees; they do not plead with the bees to come. Since they have tasted the sweetness, they themselves search for the flowers and rush in. They come because of the attachment between themselves and sweetness. So, too, is the relationship between the woman who knows the limits and the respect she evokes.
--Sai Baba

Thanks to Asante for sharing this with me this morning! Just the kind of thought I need to plant in my mind and heart today. -Viveca

P.S. Take a moment and tune into our interview -- All about Love and Boundaries. Click here to go to the
Nice Girls, Toxic Love and Breaking the Ties that Bind

Say what you mean, but don't say it mean.

I used to be such a people pleaser. The evil twin of people pleasing also begins with a "P." It's called passive aggression! This is where I'd be so fed up and worn out that I would say what I meant and it would be mean, mean, mean. Can you relate?

To say what I mean without saying it mean requires more participation from me. I actually have to stop myself from over-extending and over-doing. I have to tell my husband when I need help - want to be treated to dinner - need a kiss - want a bouquet of flowers. I have to treat him like an equal vs. like a superman who can read my mind and see right through me ... sing it!

I am getting used to it - being real - I like it better. So does he.

Where is Love?

Sometimes you get the oddest signs that Love is about to show up --

any minute. Trust them.

- Viveca

How to Meet New People Without Leaving the House

You know I recommend Irish Penpals as a means to make a new friend of either sex. It's free, and the friend you make doesn't have to be Irish. The site boasts members from all over the world. But another site that caught my attention is TUT's Village, from Mike Dooley, who calls it a spiritual community for friends ...

Click here for the rest of the story! Contributed by Terry Hernon MacDonald, HappyGirlMusing.com

Come To Your Senses: Part II

What are your dominate senses? What colors, scents, sounds, tastes & textures energize you the most? When you feel alive on the inside you have more to share on the outside.

Mine are hearing and smell. So - I do a lot with essence oils, music and audio books.

I dab Lavender or Jasmine oil on my collar, turtleneck, scarf – on whatever is under my nose! These scents keep me centered and peaceful out “there.” On the sensual side I love my Ylang Ylang and Patchouli ... I pick myself UP in the afternoons with a splash of Peppermint in my foot lotion ...

I listen to Chopin or Bach or Mozart while working to keep my energy and concentration on HIGH and listen in to "Books on CD" while cooking or cleaning. Then there is my collection of
comedy cds for LOL time ...

What about you?

50/50 vs. Gimme

Sometimes it may be more like 60/40 or 35/65 BUT if your relationship normally leans towards 80/20 or 90/10 then a chat is long overdue.

What am I talking about? Oh, things that mates and significant others do like contribute, participate, converse, check in with, acknowledge, thank, support ...

If you, or your partner, is running light on the giving and heavy on the gimme - that is not a healthy relationship. This is a wake up call to get back in balance. Don't sulk or blame - just talk it out and move forward.

MAYA ANGELOU'S

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own even if she never wants to or needs to ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her
dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a youth she's content to leave behind ....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black
lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE one friend who always makes her laugh
... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone
else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a
recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a feeling of control over her destiny...

Tomorrow - or soon - I'll post what comes next ... What Every Woman Should Know ... Be sure to add in your comments too!

Love Thy Neighbor and ...

This morning I asked one of my neighbors for advice on how to fix my lawnmower. A half hour an hour later the doorbell rang and there he was loaning his to us.

Now I am looking out of my office window watching a couple other beloved neighbors chat away.

I Love these people. Our Love affair developed one wave, one batch of banana bread, one reciprocated cup of milk and stick of butter at a time.

Too often we look for Love "over there" when it is right here a couple doors away.

Today - who can you Love, uplift, encourage, wave at and touch with your smile --- from your front door? Look outside and see ...

I am wishing you ...

heaven in your heart

starlight in your soul
and angels in your life.

What are you wishing for yourself today?

Did you know that you have to have a dream to have a dream come true? Starting wishing, start dreaming ...

Come to your senses in Love!

Bring home a bouquet to place by your bed or bathtub. Think color.

Orange = optimism, energy, warmth, health
Red = Love, passion, joy, power
Purple = precious, sacred
Blue = strong, peaceful
Green = growth, health, harmony
Lavender = feminine, grace

Think fragrance and sleep tight with Jasmine, Tubular Roses and Star Gazer Lilies.

Be at peace with lavender, sage and basil.

Or refresh your heart with pine, eucalyptus, cedar, lemon and mint.

Geek Love! Animal Love! Work with what you already appreciate and Love to help you find more Love ...

Here's one example. If you value intelligence, originality, hard working, passionate people maybe a geek is in your future.
Just heard about this website called Geek 2 Geek or GK2GK.com for short!

Me - I love Geeks - digitheads - brainiacs - whatever you call them. They are often tender, always interested in lots of things, disarming through their honesty and authentic. Heck, I kind of married one ... and am a tad geeky myself.

Another site I Love is called DateMyPet.com why? 'cause I Love animals. I can't imagine being with someone who doesn't. Can you?

So - these are just two examples of following your passions to Love vs. trying to make yourself "fit" somewhere with someone. Be real and you will attract real Love.

People are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun's out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light within.

--- Nancy

Who do you know that is lit from within by Love? Are you?

Be-Do-Have More Love.

Be the Love you want.
Do Love others.
Have more Love.

The heart is a muscle - the more you work it the more Love you have and the more Love you attract to you.

I have a suggestion ... volunteer your heart somewhere ...

One of my favorite places to be-do-have is the Humane Society. Every Wed afternoon I walk dogs for a couple of hours. In other words I get hours of unconditional Love and I get a great workout. Have lost about a lb a week since I started! You know its Love when it is win*win*win.

Would you like to share how you give your heart a work out? Pls add in by clicking on "Comments."

Ready for Love Song by India Airie!

I can't believe it! I just found my favorite song - Ready For Love - on uTube. This is more than a song - it is the inspiration behind the past 3-4 years of my life. This song is the Law of Attraction for Love.

You have to listen to it for yourself. Just click here and empower your intention - worked for me.

AND - If you have a success story of your own to share about Ready for Love please post it here!

Love is not consolation, it is light.
-Simone Weil

Where is Love? Follow the light ...

I have learned silence from the talkative; tolerance from the intolerant and kindness from the unkind. I should not be ungrateful to those teachers. -Kahlil Gibran: Sand and Foam

What have you learned today? Who is your teacher? What can you Love about them? Now, can you let go & let God? - Viveca

THE ART OF FORGIVENESS

Forgiving and asking for forgiveness embrace a great part of my emotional and spiritual growth. It is the act that fertilizes friendships and close relationships. Without it, I assure you the level of intimacy becomes stagnant. True growth is always built on mistakes and the process of their resolution.

I’ll begin with my acts of asking for forgiveness. It is the one I truly have some control over. I find at least three categories of forgiveness:

When I am wrong I promptly admit it. I mean during the conversation or as soon afterwards as I can accept my part of a blunder or transgression. You’d be surprised how often this puts your partner off balance----“I was wrong, forgive me” keeps any relationship on track and sets precedence for the other. Even the smallest infraction left to fester can scar a relationship.

Next, there are my delayed and procrastinated amends sometimes for years, decades! These are the wrongs I’ve been unable to face. Unfortunately, I’m the one who spends years with searing shame or pain, ruminating over disagreements and delusions. If at all possible, I try to meet face-to-face. If not, phone or letter play second best. Once I have admitted my wrong, it frees me up to forgive others, it encourages mending old relationships, and it alleviates my shame and pain.

If I hang onto the grudge long enough, asking for forgiveness face-to-face becomes impossible and I am faced with asking someone who has past on. My favorite way to do this is to write a letter and attach it to a helium balloon; then let it loose over the ocean. Another way is to burn the letter at a special place and watch the smoke rise to the sky.

Do I forgive easily? Since not forgiving keeps me uncomfortable and avoiding situations where that person may be, of course I forgive (it’s really the easier, softer way). When I find myself pulling back, saying “No! This one I can’t forgive!” I’ve been given instructions by a mentor to pray for that person for 30 days, asking that they receive all that is valued and coveted by me. Try it. You’ll be amazed.

Finally, I’ve learned that those who make me the angriest are the greatest contributors to my growth. Success with my companions and amours is always in the process of problem solving and forgiving. -Contributed by Dr. Belle

Your journal assignment ... Who do you need to forgive? Why? When?

Rummaging through past Get Ready For Love! Shows and came across this little jewel ...

Where is Love (and money!) - click there to go to the show page.

Robert T. Kiyosaki - Real life is a multiple guess test and if you don't make mistakes you won't don't ahead. (The money part was excellent AND I loved his love story!)

Steven Guerrero, author, Gentlemen, Start Her Engine - And Keep It Running. You will be awed and inspired to attend to your love nest when you hear how Steven charges up his.

Bruce Cameron, Author, How to Remodel A Man Tips and Techniques on Accomplishing Something You Know is Impossible But Want to Try Anyway. Bruce is humble, hilarious and probably one of the few men I know who will admit to taking their sister's advice!

This show is guest hosted my my friend Mari Smith of MillionDollarRelationships a woman who walks her talk and is a pleasure to work with.

Where is Love? In Sweet Tater Ville, of course! Click here & pick yours!
(Thank you to Fran for sharing this jewel!)

I Love. Therefore I am.

Don't be so committed to how things "should" be that you miss out on how perfect they "are" right here - right now.
-Viveca

Law of Attraction in Love. Like Attracts Like.

A mentor used to say to me "results are sometimes harsh, but always fair."

The translation is ... if I am always attracting unavailable men ... I am unavailable.
If I am attracting men I can't trust ... I am untrusting in myself.

Your turn. Fill in your blanks.

I attract men who ____________________ ... I am _________________.

Then stand back - look at it. It is what it is. Accept it. If you want different results cha-cha-cha- change yourself & you will change your blanks. Step #1 is Awareness.

Now - good noticing! You deserve a hug (and notice how like is attracting like in this video)
The Free Hugs Campaign ... click here

P.S. Have you subscribed to the Get Ready For Love! Newsletter? If not, click here!

Love Ah Ha!

Just scrolling through last years family Christmas photos and had an "Ah Ha!"

I don't take pictures of things, people or places I don't like with my camera. As I scrolled through the photos some were better than others - sometimes people blink or my aim was off or the phantom hands petting Bitsey the dog (and her worried face) didn't look the way I expected BUT they all made me smile and feel good.

Today I will notice what my mind is "clicking on" and be as selective as I am when I use my camera. And, the ones I notice that aren't so hot? I'll simply delete vs. stew. Today will be an easy lovin' kind of day.

Are you having any Love "Ah Has" today? Do share ...

If you spot it --- you got it!

This is a reminder that when you are annoyed by a Loved one maybe, just maybe, you need to STOP and check in with yourself before taking offense verbally or personally.

For example, I adore my mother BUT I can find myself getting impatient with her impatience! Two wrongs make a fight, OR ...

I can STOP ... take 3 long, slow deep breaths and be patient with her and me.

Sometimes I get aggravated when my husband is procrastinating on something. I can fuss at him or handle action items I have been putting off!

Who is bugging you right now? Whoever pops to mind - right now - is who you can practice on! Ready - set - Go! (and let me know how it goes & what you discovered about you.)

I'm going to the chapel and I'm going to see my niece get married.
Yes, going to the chapel of Love in Denver Colorado.

This is the niece who was never, ever going to get married. This is the niece I introduced to French snails. I wonder if that is how she thinks of me "the aunt who ..."

I'll bring back a photo or two. This is one of mine. Seems like just yesterday I was saying "I Do." Everynight and every morning I still give thanks. I always will.

Be well. Love with all you have. If you're going to a wedding this weekend tell me all about it when we regroup next week.

Almost time to see, and hopefully share, somethingS I Love.

Cherry blossoms & springtime in Washington D.C.

My niece Jasmine will be out here soon. She is the who I would Love to share these somethingS with ...

What about you? What Loving notions are springing up and clamoring for your attention? No time like the present ...

Armando de peralta

We met just before his 90th birthday. He is elegant, extravagant, extroverted and excellent company. Armando is a man loved by many and a man who loves women, shipping, friends, a little piece of paradise on top of a mountain in La Jolla, Ca and life. He loves life.

And, he is a poet.

and ...

yes, - I confess
I've had innumerable romantic escapades,
erotic episodes, unrequited passions
and desires whose name I wouldn't
dare to say.
I've resorted to the incense of
flattery
played the game of
predator and prey,
yet, - none to be confused with
the darker side of lust.

I've been untimourous about
pleading for your kiss
bathed in contentment when your
embraces release me from despair,
consoled when you cleared the double
from my implausible concerns,
surrendered, when I bequeathed you
my heart.

and your love became,

............... my cradle and my grave.

la jolla, california
april 22nd 2002

Like that? Click here for another

Be Glad. Be Good. Be Brave.
-Eleanor Hodgman Porter

This picture was drawn by my beloved friend, Dr. Belle.
She counseled me in Love. Told me my "picker" was broken and
helped me fix it.

Thank you Belle.

Is there anyone you would like to thank? Add your acknowledgment, thank you or blessing here.

Love Tips and Techniques - Q-Tip

Quit Taking It Personal

Another thought along this line is a quote I love. "I would worry less about what people thought about me if I knew how seldom they did."

In other words, most people, even our significant others are just doing what they are doing without premeditation or passive aggression. The toilet seat is left up because that's were it was when he finished his business.

The toilet seat was left down, because that's where it was when she finished hers.

When something annoys you, remember to Q-TIP, take a couple deep breaths and move on with the rest of your day.

Love is not a problem to be solved.

It is a mystery to be discovered.

Enjoy the process.