#502 Vision, Faith, and Making Room for MIRACLES with Heather
In this episode of Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan, Monahan explores the pivotal role of faith, optimism, and surrender in finding purpose and achieving success. Drawing from her personal experiences, she emphasizes the power of trusting one's intuition over external opinions and embracing uncertainty with an attitude of gratitude and positivity.
Monahan also delves into the principles of Feng Shui, explaining how decluttering living and working spaces can create an environment that invites "miracles" and opportunities aligned with one's vision. Her insights shed light on the transformative impact of maintaining an unshakable spiritual foundation and creating physical spaces that reflect and attract one's desired outcomes.
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1-Page Summary
The Role of Faith, Trust, and Positivity in Success
Establishing an Unshakable Foundation Through Faith in God
Heather Monahan credits her unwavering faith in God as her foundation for success. She trusts in favorable outcomes despite challenges, as exemplified by her pastor's steadfast belief leading to his church's growth. Monahan affirms being divinely guided through optimism and faith.
"Trusting In Favorable Outcomes Despite Challenges"
Monahan underscores the importance of optimism and trust, even amidst adversity like her own battle with cancer. She believes expecting the best can lead to positive outcomes.
Embracing Uncertainty and Letting Go Of Control
Surrendering To a Higher Power and Practicing "Law of Detachment" Lead to Growth and Success
Monahan advocates for embracing uncertainty through the "Law of Detachment"—surrendering control to a higher power. She found this transformative, allowing growth and aligning with her higher calling.
Maintaining a Positive, Hopeful, and Expectant Mindset
Focusing On Gratitude and Joy, Avoiding Fear and Worry
Monahan stresses focusing on gratitude and joy over fear and worry. She expects goodness, uses affirmations like "I am healthy, I am blessed," and starts each day with positivity—believing this attracts further success.
Finding Purpose and the Importance of Following Intuition
Trusting Intuition Over Conventional Wisdom
Your Truth and Beliefs Over Others' Opinions
Monahan believes trusting one's truth over others' opinions is key to finding purpose. She once changed a planned talk based on intuition rather than expectations.
Letting Your Purpose Unfold Over Time
Finding Your Purpose: Embracing Highs, Lows, and Letting Go
Monahan views purpose as an evolution, embracing life's highs and lows. She let go of her past self during the pandemic to step into uncertainty and her calling.
Embrace Purpose-Aligned Opportunities Beyond Your Comfort Zone
On the Right Path, Doors Will Open Unexpectedly
After being fired, Monahan found her true calling—speaking life into others. She urges moving beyond comfort zones, trusting that when purpose-aligned, unexpected doors will open, as she's experienced.
Feng Shui Decluttering: Making Space For Miracles and Opportunities
Clearing Clutter From Living and Work Spaces
Declutter for Positive Energy
Monahan emphasizes decluttering for positive energy flow, per Feng Shui. After decluttering her home, she felt lightness and joy. She advises replacing fake plants with real ones for vitality.
Align Environment With Outcomes Using Feng Shui
Items and Images Representing Your Goals and Vision
Feng Shui expert Marie Diamond, whom Monahan references, suggests using vision boards and items representing goals in living spaces to foster desired outcomes subliminally.
Expecting and Receiving "Miracles" and Opportunities
Decluttering and Feng Shui: A Catalyst For Blessings and Positivity
Monahan attributes "miracles" like getting on Dr. Phil to decluttering based on Feng Shui. She plans to declutter again to continue attracting positive events and blessings into her life.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Faith in God is subjective and may not resonate with everyone; success can also be attributed to secular factors like hard work, education, and networking.
- Trusting in favorable outcomes is positive, but it's also important to prepare for and manage potential failures or setbacks realistically.
- While surrendering control can be liberating, taking proactive steps and maintaining some level of control is often necessary for success.
- A positive mindset is beneficial, but it must be balanced with critical thinking and awareness of real-world challenges.
- Gratitude and joy are important, but acknowledging and addressing fear and worry can also be crucial for personal growth and overcoming obstacles.
- Intuition can be valuable, but it should be complemented with empirical evidence and rational decision-making.
- Purpose may evolve over time, but having clear goals and a sense of direction can provide motivation and focus.
- Stepping out of one's comfort zone is often beneficial, but it's also important to recognize and respect personal limits and mental health.
- Decluttering can improve one's environment, but the impact on success is not scientifically proven and may not be as significant as suggested.
- Feng Shui is a belief system that may not have empirical support; its effectiveness is subjective and may not translate to tangible outcomes for everyone.
- Attributing "miracles" and opportunities to decluttering and Feng Shui may overlook other factors such as effort, timing, and external circumstances.
Actionables
- Create a "positivity jar" where you write down moments of gratitude or positive expectations each day and review them weekly to reinforce a positive mindset. This practice can help shift your focus from fear and worry to joy and gratitude, making it a habit to look for the good in every situation. For example, if you're anxious about a work presentation, write down your gratitude for the opportunity to share your knowledge, and expect a successful outcome.
- Develop a "comfort zone challenge" where you commit to one new activity each month that aligns with your purpose but feels slightly uncomfortable. This could be anything from attending a networking event to starting a creative project. The key is to choose something that feels purposeful and stretches your boundaries, helping you grow and potentially opening up new opportunities.
- Implement a "space harmonization day" once a month where you rearrange a section of your living or workspace to better reflect your goals, using basic Feng Shui principles you can find online. For instance, if you're aiming for a new career opportunity, you might create a dedicated space in your home for professional development, with books, a vision board, and a comfortable chair for reading and planning.
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The Role of Faith, Trust, and Positivity in Success
Heather Monahan explores the powerful impact of faith, trust, and positivity as fundamental components for achieving success in life.
Establishing an Unshakable Foundation Through Faith in God
Heather Monahan credits her faith in God as her unshakable foundation, the bedrock upon which she builds her success. Discussing the importance of faith, Monahan explains that trusting in favorable outcomes, despite challenges, is essential. She recounts the story of her pastor, who began with a vision for his church in his apartment and held steadfast to his belief, witnessing the congregation's growth over time. Monahan affirms this by stating her unshakable belief that she is being divinely guided to where she's meant to be, resorting to the Bible for messages of power.
"Trusting In Favorable Outcomes Despite Challenges"
Monahan underlines the importance of trust in one's journey, even when faced with adversity. By expecting the best and staying hopeful, as exemplified by her pastor's faith through challenges and personal trials like cancer, Monahan shows how optimism can lead to health and healing.
Embracing Uncertainty and Letting Go Of Control
Surrendering To a Higher Power and Practicing "Law of Detachment" Lead to Growth and Success
Monahan discusses the value of embracing uncertainty and advocates for the 'Law of Detachment,' suggesting that letting go of the need for control and surrendering to a higher power can lead to growth and success. She describes a transformative period in her own life when she shifted from desiring control over life's events to letting go and surrendering to the unknown—a move that she denotes as significantly beneficial. Monahan emphasizes that living life in alignment with one's higher calling may allow for the manifestation of miracles.
Maintaining a Positive, Hopeful, and ...
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The Role of Faith, Trust, and Positivity in Success
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Faith in God is a personal belief and may not resonate with everyone; success can also be achieved through secular means and personal convictions that do not involve a deity.
- The 'Law of Detachment' and surrendering to a higher power might not always lead to growth and success; proactive problem-solving and taking control of one's circumstances can also be effective strategies.
- While maintaining a positive mindset can be beneficial, it is important to acknowledge and address negative emotions rather than dismiss them, as they can provide valuable insights and opportunities for personal growth.
- Optimism is not a guaranteed path to health and healing; medical treatment and evidence-based practices are also critical components of overcoming illnesses like cancer.
- The concept of miracles is subjective and may ...
Actionables
- You can create a "gratitude alarm" on your phone to remind you to pause and reflect on something you're grateful for at different times throughout the day. This practice can help shift your focus from fear and worry to gratitude and joy, reinforcing a positive mindset. For example, set alarms for mid-morning, after lunch, and in the evening, and when they go off, take a moment to write down or mentally note one thing you're thankful for.
- Start a "faith journal" where you document moments when you feel a connection to a higher power or when you've experienced a sense of letting go and trusting in the outcome. This can help you recognize patterns and reinforce your belief in the power of faith and surrender. You might write about a time you felt at peace after making a difficult decision or when an unexpected positive event occurred after you released control over a situation.
- Engage in a weekly "optimism challenge" wit ...
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Finding Purpose and the Importance of Following Intuition
Heather Monahan discusses the journey of finding one's purpose and the crucial role of intuition in guiding us along the way.
Trusting Intuition Over Conventional Wisdom
Your Truth and Beliefs Over Others' Opinions
Monahan believes that trusting your own truth and beliefs rather than others' opinions is fundamental to finding purpose. She recounts a time when, right before going onstage, she changed her planned talk because her intuition guided her to deliver a different message—a testament to trusting oneself over conventional expectations.
Letting Your Purpose Unfold Over Time
Finding Your Purpose: Embracing Highs, Lows, and Letting Go
Monahan reflects on her personal evolution from her first book to her second, signaling an unfolding process of discovering purpose that includes embracing life's highs and lows. She conveys that one should accept imperfections and understand that challenges are part of the journey. By letting go of a previous version of herself during the pandemic and stepping into uncertainty, Monahan demonstrates the profound act of surrendering to the pursuit of purpose.
Embrace Purpose-Aligned Opportunities Beyond Your Comfort Zone
On the Right Path, Doors Will Open Unexpectedly
Monahan expresses a sense of being divinely led and living a purpose-driven life. Since being fired, she has considered it a redirection towards her actual calling—speaking life and confidence into people. She insists that parting with mediocrity in all aspects of life allows one to grasp greatness. Monahan urges listeners to move courageously beyond their comfort zones and trust that, on the right path, unexpected doors will open.
Monahan shares how, after embracing her passion and purpose, she started witnessing the manifestation of doors and opportunities she had n ...
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Finding Purpose and the Importance of Following Intuition
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Clarifications
- Surrendering to uncertainty in pursuing purpose involves letting go of the need for complete control and embracing the unknown aspects of the journey towards finding one's true calling. It means accepting that not everything can be planned or predicted, and being open to unexpected opportunities and challenges that may arise. By surrendering to uncertainty, individuals allow themselves to be guided by intuition and faith, trusting that the path towards their purpose will unfold naturally, even if it deviates from their initial expectations. This process requires a willingness to release preconceived notions and fears about the future, allowing room for growth and transformation along the way.
- The concept of being divinely led and living a purpose-driven life often involves a belief that there is a higher power or divine force guiding one's actions and decisions towards fulfilling a specific purpose or destiny. This perspective suggests that individuals can experience a sense of spiritual guidance or intuition that directs them towards paths aligned with their deeper calling or mission in life. It implies a belief in a greater plan or design for one's existence, where opportunities and experiences are viewed as part of a larger, meaningful journey orchestrated by a higher spiritual force. This outlook can provide individuals with a sense of purpose, direction, and faith in the idea that their life's path is guide ...
Counterarguments
- Trusting your own truth and beliefs is important, but it's also valuable to consider others' opinions and expertise, as they can provide different perspectives and knowledge that you may not possess.
- Intuition can be a helpful guide, but it should be balanced with rational thought and evidence-based decision-making to avoid potential biases and errors in judgment.
- Embracing life's highs and lows is part of personal growth, but it's also important to actively work towards solutions and improvements rather than passively accepting all circumstances.
- Surrendering to uncertainty can lead to new opportunities, but having a clear plan and setting goals is also crucial for progress and success.
- Moving beyond your comfort zone is often beneficial, but it's also important to recognize and respect personal limits to avoid burnout and maintain well-being.
- Purpose-aligned opportunities are valuable, but it's also important to be pragmatic and consider the feasibility and sustainability of these opportunities.
- Following your purpose can lead to unforeseen blessings, but it's also important to acknowledge the role of hard work, planning, and sometimes luck in achieving success.
- Letting go of mediocrity to grasp greatness is an inspiring idea, but it's important to recognize that not all aspects of life require or are amenable to greatness, and that balance is key.
- Challenges are indeed part of the journey, but it's also important to seek support and resources to overcome them effectively.
- ...
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Feng Shui Decluttering: Making Space For Miracles and Opportunities
Heather Monahan shares insights on how decluttering, guided by principles akin to Feng Shui, can pave the way for positive energy, clearing a path for success, love, and unexpected miracles.
Clearing Clutter From Living and Work Spaces
Declutter for Positive Energy
Monahan emphasizes the importance of removing negative influences, including people, places, things, and negative thoughts from one’s life, mirroring the Feng Shui concept of decluttering for positive energy. After decluttering her house when preparing it for sale, she experienced feelings of lightness and happiness, thus rekindling affection for her home. One practical tip Monahan offers is to eliminate all fake plants, which stagnate energy, and to replace them with real plants to rejuvenate your living space with vitality and energy flow.
Align Environment With Outcomes Using Feng Shui
Items and Images Representing Your Goals and Vision
Monahan introduces ideas from Marie Diamond, a proponent of Feng Shui who will feature in an upcoming episode. Diamond’s approach to Feng Shui includes using a vision board or integrating images and items that represent your goals and vision into your living space. For instance, Diamond advises against placing pictures of oneself alone if seeking a relationship; instead, one should surround oneself with images alongside loved ones to subliminally foster the feeling of being surrounded by love. Additionally, setting up the home as a vortex for good, like placing a fountain in the home, can symbolize an influx of money and positive energy.
Ex ...
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Feng Shui Decluttering: Making Space For Miracles and Opportunities
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Counterarguments
- Skepticism about causality:
- There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that decluttering directly causes "miracles" or significant life opportunities.
- Correlation does not imply causation; receiving a call from the Dr. Phil show may be coincidental and not a result of decluttering.
- Psychological explanations:
- The positive feelings and perceived opportunities may be due to a placebo effect or a change in mindset rather than the act of decluttering itself.
- Decluttering may improve mood and reduce stress, which can indirectly affect one's openness to opportunities, rather than it being a direct cause of "miracles."
- Cultural perspective:
- Feng Shui is a cultural practice with spiritual significance for some, but its principles may not resonate with or be applicable to everyone.
- The effectiveness of Feng Shui and the importance of real plants over fake ones can vary based on individual beliefs and cultural backgrounds.
- Vision boards and symbolism:
- The effectiveness of vision boards and symbolic items is subjective and may not have the same impact on everyone's motivation or goal ...
Actionables
- You can create a digital decluttering routine by regularly organizing and deleting unnecessary files on your electronic devices to mirror the positive effects of physical decluttering. Just as removing physical clutter can make space for new opportunities, tidying up your digital life can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed, potentially leading to increased productivity and a clearer mind for seizing new opportunities.
- Start a 'positivity swap' with friends or family where you exchange an item that no longer serves you for something that represents a goal or positive influence. This activity not only helps you declutter but also allows you to acquire symbolic items that can serve as daily reminders of your aspirations, much like a vision board, but with the added benefit of strengthening your support network through shared intentions.
- Implement a 'green hour' into your wee ...
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