It’s December 3rd, 2024; We’ve got a hot new original pop rock and blues song for you today! Your Show that dog the door is sung by the powerful Adam Cunningham who pours on the SOUL. Huh! We love his style!
This is the three-hundred-thirty-sixth new music post for 2024! I love songs like that get me movin’! Huh! The original music was recorded at Steven Cooper’s music studio in Nashville, TN. Adam’s vocals were recorded and the song was remixed at the skillful, first-rate Beaird Music Group of Nashville, TN. https://www.beairdmusicgroup.com
Show that dog the door. Music, lyrics, and video by Richard Murrey.
Painting class
My daughter, Marie, and I went to a paint class the other night, and this was the stencil used for the project. Everyone got the same stencil, but each project was still unique based on how we used it. This was the first time I have painted on wood, and our instructor, the shop’s owner, had to show me how to follow the line of the stencil so the paint wouldn’t run underneath the stencil. She had walked by and noticed my brush strokes. But I was artfully painting. because I wanted to create a woodsy effect with the brush–and I don’t think she realized that. It turned out okay, but when the light hit the letter B, I think of that brush stroke ‘lesson’/correction. Afterwards, I did the first brush stroke following the stencil as she’d shown me, but then I went back over it with a bit more paint to achieve the desired effect on the tree and antlers. I just didn’t think to go back over the letter B. Oh well! There’s no Perfection in art! Ha!
Photo: We painted the whole sheet of wood to create the background. Everyone chose different colors. We arranged the stencil on the wood. Believe handprinted wood sign of mine. Step 1. –Sheila MurreyPhoto: We peeled off the backing of the stencil and stuck it to the wood. We only pressed down around each letter, because we would need to peel it off, leaving the only the letter. Believe handprinted wood sign of mine. Step 2. –Sheila MurreyPhoto: We painted each letter. Black was suggested for most letters with green for the tree, brown for the stump and antlers, and red for the hat (and we had the option to pull the stencil off the top of the hat so we could paint the inside of it, which, I did). Plus, I chose to incorporate my special ‘blue’ to honor my less-than one-day-old sister, Christina (That little blue dot). Believe handprinted wood sign of mine. Step 3. –Sheila MurreyPhoto: Yay! Completion! I got the stencil pulled off and the shop owner helped fix some of the wood that pulled up and off which began to ruin that letter B. Go figure. Ha! Step 4. –Sheila MurreyPhoto: At home, the sign is on the second from the top shelf of our living room bookcase. I’ve moved a few of the crystals around now and brought down some more Christmas figurines, so the next time you see a picture of this, it’ll be different. –Sheila Murrey
What does the word ‘Believe’ mean to you?
There are sooo many ways to interpret the word, ‘Believe’ don’t you think? At its most basic, I see the Christmas sign with the word ‘Believe’ and think of ‘Believe in the magic of Christmas,” or “Believe in the Spirit of Christmas.” But taken further, beliefs are so individual to each of us. Take the following post from Alecia on Facebook:
Facebook post: “Doesn’t feel much like people are allowed to make mistakes anymore.” –Alecia Rice
And my comment I posted in reply to Alecia’s Facebook post:
Screen capture: “Sometimes it’s simply a boundary thing. I’ve let some friends go because they needed to heal. And sometimes I’ve left relationships because I needed to heal. Nobody’s Perfect, you’re right. But a lot of us have ‘perfection’ complexes, savior complexes, etc. etc. I don’t believe in ‘cancel culture’ because I believe we’re all multidimensional people with our own moral ambiguities. I actually embrace moral ambiguity and to me, it keeps us humble, vulnerable, and human. All I can do is hold space for people, and be there for them if they want to talk. I offer a safe place. My mom raised me to be a best friend, and that’s what I strive to be in ALL ways. Oh, and I’m a critical thinker, Truth seeker, and explorer of deep subjects. OM” –Sheila MurreyFacebook reply from Alecia: “Wise perspective… I have friends across the spectrum of beliefs that I don’t agree with and that’s ok. That’s how I learn about myself and others…” –Alecia Rice and my reply: “ditto… soulie sister…” –Sheila Murrey
Everything happens for a reason
Yes, Everything Happens for a Reason and Everything Resolves to Gratitude. Knowing that each of us (as fractals) uplifts my mind and allows me to view life as a lively kaleidoscope grand design that moves about in an ever-expanding, revolving, melodious, consciousness. Even if we have to disconnect from some people, for a time.
Enjoy (IN Joy) everything and love! Be Everything All the Time. Let’s soar in ’24! And let’s (are you ready for this?) THRIVE in ’25! or just be… Alive in ’25.
Yours in expanding, coexisting, spiraling consciousness,
Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey
About us
Richard and I play at the intersection of Energy, Spirituality, Health, and Music, to let FREEDOM ring for ALL!
My husband of 19 years, Richard Murrey, is an award-winning illustrator, plus he’s a seasoned guitarist, bass player, and songwriter (having penned over 400 original songs). Richard’s artwork and original songs can be experienced at: Listen4Music.com
All of our 400+ original songs are available for song placement in TV, film, games, etc. Video content creators, filmmakers, podcasters, production companies, deejays, Vloggers, YouTubers, and more can use our original music and songs in movies, TV shows, video intros, and such. We’re also seeking bands to play our songs. If you know of any up and coming musical artist, please forward this blog article to them.
Sheila’s books on Amazon
My meme: Books by Sheila –Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey
It’s December 2nd, 2024; We’re mixing it up a bit for you today with a modern country original song. Your jeans look good tonight is sung by the wonderful Angela Hurt. We love the frisky way she sings this! Recorded at the Beaird Music Group of Nashville, TN. https://www.beairdmusicgroup.com
This is the three-hundred-thirty-fifth new music post for 2024! I love two-steppin’ to this rockin’ country song–and I’d love to do it more! I’m hoping to get a local band to play this song, but I guess just my wishin’ won’t make it happen. I’ve got to go knock on some doors!
I collect prayers. I read them, along with a few pages from a variety of Sacred texts whenever I feel I’ve moved too far down the emotional spiral. Here’s the prayer that touched my heart yesterday–the squirrel got my attention and drew me in (my mom loved squirrels). I humbly thank the Blue Collar Theologian for this beauty: https://bluecollartheologian.blog/2024/12/01/december-2024-prayer/
I commented on the prayer post because several lines deeply resonated with me. Here’s a bit of what I commented:
I am going to link to this tomorrow in my daily music blog post because I am writing on ‘Believe.’ And my daily posts have been my self challenge on being consistent too!
Consistency has come to me late in life (I’m 62). Never to late to learn! Never too late for the Lord either! Ha! (My dad got baptized a year before he crossed over. He was 79.)
I can’t show pictures of everything I ordered yet, because one was a Christmas present for my daughter. But here’s a sampling of the Christmas cards I ordered and the special gift Linda included in my order. I love how every card is unique and that Linda handwrites each card! What a gift of her spirit and time! I also love how she packaged the cards with a bow (that I didn’t have to destroy to remove)!
I am also so thankful for the GIFT of the bookmark that Linda included with my order! I promptly placed it right into the current book I’m reading (nod to another blogger pal, 80smetalman: He Was Weird). I love that with each project that is painted, the multifaceted nature of life means that no two creations are ever exactly the same!
Look! A handwritten letter and note! I love this! And the wonderful bow, Linda wrapped around the box of handmade cards! —Handmade Haven by Linda. An Etsy shop. I love each unique Christmas tree! I looked through them all and each one is different! —Handmade Haven by Linda. An Etsy shop.I also LOVE this example of ‘wood burning’ handmade bookmark that Linda included in my order! Just the idea of it uplifted my heart when I opened the package! —Handmade Haven by Linda. An Etsy shop.Handmade ‘wood burned’ bookmark with my initials and large flower. —Handmade Haven by Linda. An Etsy shop.
Why I practice and teach, Integrating the Spirals
When I see memes on LinkedIn or other social channels, I typically respond with a brief comment about how I can help anyone going through certain experiences or challenges. See the meme and my reply:
Meme: “The average person feels cheated by the dream they were sold. The schools didn’t prepare them for this. The jobs didn’t give them enough money, time, or security. Since that’s all they were taught, they don’t see any other way to live, so instead of launching into the unknown and figuring it out–which is the origin story of most successful people–they latch onto any distraction, pleasure, or belief that will help them numb the pain.” –UnknownMy comment: And that’s what I do. Teach lessons to expand people’s perspectives. It’s a DE-Program process. Integrating the Spirals. –Sheila Murrey
Stay tuned, tomorrow I’ll show you how this ‘Believe’ sign turned out and what it means to me
Photo: Believe handprinted wood sign of mine. My daughter and I went to a paint class the other night, and this was the stencil used for the project. (Everyone got the same stencil, but each project was still unique based on how we used it.) –Sheila Murrey
Everything happens for a reason
Yes, Everything Happens for a Reason and Everything Resolves to Gratitude. Knowing that each of us (as fractals) uplifts my mind and allows me to view life as a lively kaleidoscope grand design that moves about in an ever-expanding, revolving, melodious, consciousness. Even if we have to disconnect from some people, for a time.
Enjoy (IN Joy) everything and love! Be Everything All the Time. Let’s soar in ’24! And let’s (are you ready for this?) THRIVE in ’25! or just be… Alive in ’25.
Yours in expanding, coexisting, spiraling consciousness,
Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey
About us
Richard and I play at the intersection of Energy, Spirituality, Health, and Music, to let FREEDOM ring for ALL!
My husband of 19 years, Richard Murrey, is an award-winning illustrator, plus he’s a seasoned guitarist, bass player, and songwriter (having penned over 400 original songs). Richard’s artwork and original songs can be experienced at: Listen4Music.com
All of our 400+ original songs are available for song placement in TV, film, games, etc. Video content creators, filmmakers, podcasters, production companies, deejays, Vloggers, YouTubers, and more can use our original music and songs in movies, TV shows, video intros, and such. We’re also seeking bands to play our songs. If you know of any up and coming musical artist, please forward this blog article to them.
Sheila’s books on Amazon
My meme: Books by Sheila –Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey
Believe that tomorrow will come and that it will be a new day, a day that will give you (and others) a chance to change.
Belief is what it’s all about, all day, everyday. Your beliefs rule on a subconscious level. And when you want to change something in your life, sometimes all you can do, is “Believe” in the new way, making a conscious choice to change.
BEing an empath
I am an empath, intuitive, and highly sensitive person (HSP). When I connect with others on a deep level, I am able to feel their pain. I experience bodily sensations–so much so that it wigs me out at times!
Over the years, I’ve learned how to navigate my feelings by connecting with others who have already walked the empath “path” and found their footing. And even though I know (and practice often) several different holistic healing modalities and philosophies: Laying on of Hands, Reiki, The Art of Allowing, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ), prayer, Energy Medicine, singing, chanting, and meditation, at times, I can still find myself in certain situations that test my resolve for freedom and relief. It is then, that I bring myself back to my beliefs.
—
Believe it
You’d better believe it!
Or else. Else what?
Why did my mom always use the phrase, “You’d better believe it” whenever she was scolding me or trying to correct me for something?
—
Beliefs can cause pain
I was “beside myself” when someone related a powerful and gut-wrenching story from their early childhood. I literally broke down in tears (in a small group of people I just met), which is quite unusual for me, and all I could say was, “PAIN (gasp), why do people cause others so much PAIN”?
Later on, when I got home that night, I became unconsolable.
I tried each of the various healing modalities I knew, yet I couldn’t rest, much less sleep. I prayed, meditated, held my hands together, and finally reached a “giving up” point. I let go.
I concluded that I would NEVER comprehend why people hurt others–especially children because my mind cannot comprehend whatever their “why” is. My mind doesn’t work the way their mind works. I was not hating the mean-spirited or ignorant person who caused this person pain, but I couldn’t shake the images my mind had created–from hearing the awful story.
As I laid awake in bed, I kept reeling about how damaging the event must have been for that dear one. Also, my mind was blown– I couldn’t conceive of any logical conclusion as to why anyone would willfully inflict such trauma on a child–or on anyone for that matter.
The various modalities I practice, typically allow me the freedom to hold a space for myself to relax, breathe, and “allow” myself to feel better, grounded, and emotionally stronger. But, not that night. That night, I felt as though I was “walking through the valley of death.” It was not pretty. It did not feel good.
Thankfully, the next morning’s meditation provided me with the gift of relief. Not a knowing of why, because we could never contain the “why”, but of a knowing that my friend survived her ordeal–somehow. Thank God!
Whenever I observe someone else’s sorrow, I feel negative emotion. I believe this occurs to pull me into action. To help in any way that I can.
Holding shame, hurt, guilt, sadness, loss, grief, and other painful feelings (typically due to a certain belief) can cause unease in the body. And you can choose to change those beliefs. You can shift your thought patterns. You can find HOPE.
I want to enjoy a long and vibrant life–if nothing else, so I am active and healthy to do lots of fun things with my beautiful granddaughter when we get to spend time together. I bet you also want to feel freedom, joy, and vitality in your body, mind, and spirit. Please believe that you can!
I have shared with several people (via email, phone, online chats, and most recently at Awakening Wellness Center in St. Petersburg, Florida) who have really been at the “end of their rope.” In some cases, I’ve felt very strongly that they may not want to live another day. Through their angst, words, or tears, I felt their isolation and pain. I’ve felt their suffering. And I’ve yearned to help in some way, because We Are All Connected.
—
Introducing Lela
To this end, I would love to introduce my friend across the ocean, Lela Starseed.
You see, I know Lela’s story personally (as I edited her book of memoirs last year). And I watched several of Lela’s heartfelt videos, and connected with her via live online video conferencing. I could sense Lela’s complete and genuine love for people and desire to help others ease out of their painful experiences. She can help you put your “victimhood” behind you. She can assist you to find a better way to live! You can feel better! And you can thrive!
Lela Starseed has powerfully transformed her own life, from a painful past that caused her much suffering, to her current state of being a beautiful warm, intelligent light, with a sincere gift of healing to share with you! Lela is an empowered teacher for us all!
Lela is also offering my readers a very special offer, to work with her one-on-one via online video conferencing. Lela’s offer is amazing, as you’ll read next.
Blessings to you my friends, in ALL ways. – Sheila
From Lela:
I am delighted to offer a complimentary healing session to anyone who feels inspired to work with me.
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Lela Starseed and I have had a very extraordinary and interesting life.
I spent many years experiencing a wide range of different illnesses and didn’t understand why I kept manifesting these illnesses and negative experiences.
After years of soul searching, healing and doing the inner work, I realized I could just eradicate my symptoms by my belief.
When we work together, we see what is needed to clear blocks that you may be experiencing in your life. We may work with visualizations, meditation, and connect into your body and soul to see what is needed for healing.
Your soul is extremely wise! It is amazing how fast healing can take place! And your body always provides the answers.
It is a sacred time for just you and you alone. And you will be given the space to express whatever needs to be expressed.
Finally, it is always an absolute pleasure for me to witness the healing that can just happen. We have always had the power to heal ourselves, but sometimes we need to be guided back to our source of being.
UPDATE: June 18, 2016 Unfortunately, not long after I had published this post, a young coworker committed suicide. In an effort to offer some sense of understanding and compassion of her demise, I pray that anyone who is sad, lonely, depressed, in pain, or in any way feels they may be suicidal, please reach out for help. Tomorrow is always another day–and there is hope.
You can always call Silent Unity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for prayer: 800-669-7729
And the suicide hotline is: 800-273-8255
Many blessings to you all, in ALL ways.
Amen. Namaste. OM
A bit about me:
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice,” “Energy of Receiving”, plus author of “Blue Eyes: Ethereal Messages of Connection,” and holistic health book that details how I naturally reversed asthma, “Have Yourself a Wholly Vibrant Life: Reversing Asthma and Other Chronic Illness Naturally” all available on Amazon.
Be the best version of who you want to be.
Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.
For more about me, this blog, how I create websites, why I wrote a holistic health book, and more, find me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
My friends have asked me many times, “How did you get that job”? I’ve told them some of these things, but maybe not all, so I am beginning a list (I’ll update it) of all my ladder climbing tips.
Also, how can you “play by the rules“, if you don’t know what the rules are?
Like me, you may have read other articles on this topic that have offered “x number of ways to get the job you want” or some other similar titles.
Most already know we must:
Know about the job (understand what the new job may entail)
Prepare a winning keyword-friendly resume (to get it by the automatic resume robots)
Rehearse and visual yourself doing great at the interview (when you get one)
The interview:
Dress appropriately and professionally for the interview
Ask intelligent and open-ended questions (you also want to interview your potential new boss)
Do NOT ask personal questions
Do NOT ask about office politics, vacation accrual, or salary
If you have notes, or a laptop – open them up and be ready to refer to them or show samples of your work (if asked or if you feel stumped with a question)
Smile and show enthusiasm for the role (people hire people they like)
But I’m not going to talk about those old, and well worn topics because you should already know those (if not, google those to find out more).
Teamwork and Integrity matters
Here are my tips:
Always be on time to work at your current job. If there is a valid reason, state it succinctly. No one wants to hear excuses.
If you are going to be late, call, text, and email your boss. Don’t rely on one method of communication to relay this very important information. If you know you are the type of person who is often late or out of office be sure to discuss this with your supervisor up front and determine how he / she would like to be notified.
Not showing up for work is a sign of disrespect and people will never respect you, if you display disrespect. I have worked with people who have been fired for not coming in to work.
Be on time for meetings. No manager wants to wait around for you to begin his / her meeting. It’s also disrespectful and disruptive to the group when you arrive late to a meeting, especially a weekly meeting, or one that has been pre-arranged and on your calendar.
Do critically acclaimed outstanding work at your current job. If you’re the only one at your position then you already know why this tip is key. Build a strong relationship with your boss, and their management (whenever possible). If you work on a team, read the next section about teamwork and why it matters.
Always be in learning mode – be the first to know as much as you can about the new software the company is rolling out.
Raise your hand – be first to volunteer for special projects, lead a new team, or take the project no one else wants. Many people do not want to speak up or raise their hand first, so if you do, your supervisor will LOVE it! Brownie points? Yes, absolutely! Why not? Don’t listen to any lazy or uncaring people if they tell you otherwise. They aren’t feeding / housing your family! There will come a day when your superior will give you a glowing recommendation or promotion, and that’s your goal (it’s why you’re reading this) right?
Always happily accept direction from your boss with a gleam in your eye! Believe it or not, many managers dislike having to “tell you what to do” so, when they come to you with a request, listen attentively, take notes if you need to, ask for clarification if needed, or prioritization if you’re already swamped, but always be eager for something else to do!
Work at an accurate reasonable speed – employers understand that you cannot work safely or with quality at break-neck speed, but when something has been designated a high priority you should definitely move with a sense of urgency to complete the task to your best ability.
Why teamwork matters
Back when I was in college, it really irritated me when one or more people on my project team would slack – not do their fair share of the project work. I’d step up and do more because of my super responsible nature so we could get a high grade. I learned early on the true value of teamwork and team-building.
At work when a team forms, I have experienced team dynamics that follow the “forming, storming, norming, and performing” model credited to Bruce Tuckman in 1965. You can visit wikipedia or buy books about it.
First, the boss may assign several disparate people a goal to complete a project. A team forms, but because you don’t know each other, you encounter a period of ice-breaking and posturing. You may not have a choice over who participates on the team.
The more the team comes together to get the project underway, the group will storm – meaning some people will want to lead, cause conflict, be negative, point out potential issues, or demand respect that has yet to be earned. Arguments and miscommunication occur during the storming phase. Members will pick sides. One or more may decide it’s okay to slack. The boss may need to step back in during the storming phase. When they don’t, it can take the team much longer to get their “ducks in a row” (so to speak).
When the energy of the team evens out and any or all bickering subsides, the team will be in the normal phase and stuff will flow easier. The ebb and flow of cooperation will be experienced by all of the teammates. Communication will improve between all members. Team members may even become friends. The boss doesn’t have to step in much because he / she can direct one team member to effectively communicate the request to the team and trust the team will receive the information and act on it appropriately.
When the work is evenly distributed and stuff is getting done in a timely fashion, the team will be in the performing mode. You feel it when you’re in a goodrhythm and mutual respect and admiration is occurring. It’s exciting! A performing team is unstoppable! Results will be achieved and the team will exude confidence and pride in their accomplishments.
Unfortunately, some people never quite get the whole teamwork attitude though. You’ll need to have a lot of patience as long as these folks remain on your team. It would benefit everyone on the team, and within the company as well, if they’d learn how much teamwork matters.
When team members support each other, they’ll often graciously provide references to individuals within the group when the time comes for one or more folks to move on to leadership roles within the organization, or to a position with another institution or company. A job reference is the ultimate professional compliment! You’ll need three references for your next job and recruiters only want recent references, not someone you did an outstanding job for five or more years ago.
A bit about me:
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice,” “Energy of Receiving”, plus author of “Blue Eyes: Ethereal Messages of Connection,” and holistic health book that details how I naturally reversed asthma, “Have Yourself a Wholly Vibrant Life: Reversing Asthma and Other Chronic Illness Naturally” all available on Amazon.
Be the best version of who you want to be.
Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.
For more about me, this blog, how I create websites, why I wrote a holistic health book, and more, find me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.