The intensity of this summer seems not to be over. Even with Mercury going direct, we are still in a mix of astrological configurations that are strong mirrors to TRUTH. We are being asked to look at the truth of our hearts and to live more consciously and joyfully. We are being asked to reflect and to become better humans. We are being asked to reclaim our selves and our lives.

It is a process we that we best not ignore nor should we. Our primary, though not only, collective values in life have, are and always will be (in no particular order):

1. Doing the best we can
2. Walking a Spiritual Path
3. Being in integrity
4. Living the Golden Rule
5. Enjoying all that we have

In reality, #5 belongs at #1, in order to live all the other values on our lists. Living in joy supports and enhances everything else in our lives. Yet, most of us leave it for last and may not even get to it! We are consumed by the obligations in front of us. We think about them all the time. They take over and strip our lives of even considering something more.

• It’s too much.
• You’re too tired.
• What difference will listening to your heart make anyway?

It makes a huge difference – in every aspect of your life: how you think, your health, your success, the influence you have on your children and their future, and your relationship with this planet. It is your inalienable right to live in choice. Reclaiming that right is a step-by-step process. It does require your being present with your emotions, thoughts and actions. There are no short cuts, but there are ways to help this process that are easy, incredibly empowering and fun (remember fun)!

Someday NEVER turns into TODAY when you decide that your life belongs to you FIRST. Then you must have courage to face the truth and look your excuses in the eye. Actually, as many wise people have said, before me, the truth is all we have and the truth will set you free. It does. Truth sets you free to live your life; a life free from pain, suffering and overwhelm.

Sometimes it takes a dramatic push to get us to wake up to the necessity of reclaiming our lives. That can look like a heart attack, a car accident, or some other life-changing event. That push can also look like chronic depression, pain, boredom with your life or overwhelm. It doesn’t have to look like any of these. You know in your heart of hearts whether you are truly happy. You know if you are giving your life force (energy) away to obligations of work, too many events in your life or people with high expectations for you to serve their needs. And you don’t have to wait for some outside force to get you to do what is right for you. You can begin today.

Let’s go back to the original question, when does your life become your own? Your life begins to become your own when, in that first moment of discomfort, you ask yourself why you feel awful? Don’t settle for the first answer you get. Have courage. Keep asking and listening to your heart until you feel relief. When you get to the truth, no matter what that truth is, you will breathe easier. You breathe the breath of life because you are in your heart and you have reclaimed your power. Now, your life begins to belong to you. It is that simple.

The next step is deciding what to do about the truth. Is there a simple action you can take that will change how you feel? Perhaps, you need only a change in perspective. Empower yourself to do something in the moment. The faster you allow healing to happen, the more powerful and permanent it will be. One more time: keep it simple. You could laugh at yourself (we’re all funny), or ask for help instead of demanding help, or drive another way home, or just say no thank you.

When your life belongs to you, YOU are healthier, happier, more successful and more present for those you love. Understand the real reason you make the decisions you do. Make them because they bring you the greatest joy. Don’t give your precious life away to things that won’t matter in the end. Move from being a victim of your life to embracing your life. And, live your life simply, in truth, freedom, love and joy.

Here’s to all of us living the lives we came here to live!