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I love the concept. It inspired my soon to be published time-travel romance, Beneath The Lake, as well as my new short story, The Promise. (Stay tuned for more details.) But alas, fantasy isn’t reality. No one can actually go back in time, but a do-over is definitely within the realm of possibilities. How? Well, my destiny unravels . . .

through the choices I make every day––and they all matter. If I don’t like where I am right this second, I can go STOP what I’m doing and CHANGE directions. It’s easy to physically walk away. But what about the bigger picture? It’s not so easy to make major changes––changes that would alter the course of my life. I have responsibilities; commitments, people who depend on me––and besides, there is no magic wand to miraculously change my circumstances for the better. So why rock the boat? Things might not be great, but they are okay . . . and that’s life, isn’t it?

Well . . . maybe not. Each and every choice I make moves me in a linier direction that determines where my life is headed. The lunch I have, the money I spend, the people I hang out with. When I think about it, every part of my life has its own linear direction; my health, finances, relationships, faith––and my choices determine the direction of each of them.

I think one of the greatest ahhh-ha moments in my life was when I heard my pastor, Andy Stanley, say that the choices I make, write the pages of my life and unlike a book, once written, they can’t be edited. His words will always be seared in my mind, “When you write your story remember you only get one draft so make it a masterpiece.”

It’s easy to flashback on my life, but what if I flashed forward. Years from now when I look back on these moments, what will I see? I know that the choices I make today––right now, determine my future. I have the power in my hands this very moment to change what I’ll talk about when I look back on this chapter of my life. God truly directs my destiny. He opens doors of opportunity every day, but I have to choose whether I want to walk through them, or not.

Okay, let’s face it, change is hard, especially when it involves other people, finances, property etc. And besides,
demons. What if I try to change something and I end up worse off than I am now . . . what if I make a mistake, or fall flat on my face. Why take the chance?

Well, I think the answer is pretty cut and dry. As long as I strive for mediocrity, that’s precisely what I’ll get. That’s not what I want for my life. And even more importantly, it’s not the legacy or example I want for my children! I can’t let the “what ifs” hold me back. So when something in my life needs tweaking, first I consider the pros and cons. If the rewards outweigh the risks, I swallow my fear and take a chance. Like Nike’s old theme, I just do it! Do you?

Casi

Christmas conjures wonderful memories for most people; visions of magic, sleds gliding through sparkling snow, glittering lights, love, and children sitting in their mother’s lap as they struggle to stay awake to catch a glimpse of Santa. But for many, those visions have faded over years of abuse, loss and pain; and Christmas serves as a reminder of what they’ve lost. I have friends, who’ve recently lost careers, their homes, loved ones and so much more, yet they persevere.

Click here to view the embedded video.

A good friend of mine sent me an email recently with a beautiful metaphor. He said, I remember watching some birds one day on a windy beach in Malibu. They floated in the wind, darting in and out––yet staying in one place. Those birds made no progress until a they focused in on a target. Then they soared, slicing into the breeze and the fierce current that once proved a headwind thrust them forward towards their destination.

Wallowing in the past is like walking on a treadmill, or waving like a flag flopping in the wind; I merely show direction and keep walking, yet never reach my goals or destiny. But a bird doesn’t dwell in the past. It cuts through wind and remains on course, ever pushing towards its destination. I hope you all take flight and soar towards your dreams. And, as you do, think of those who struggle in the wake of their turbulent lives; perhaps you can pay-it-forward and spark someone’s fading flame?

Last week, I did some volunteer work at Wellspring. The stories I heard of the abuse, human trafficking and loss that the children and young women who now reside at the homes have encountered, tugged deeply on my heart––but their strength inspired me; and working in that little shop reminded me how very blessed my life has always been despite the trauma and loss. And so my Christmas wish for every one of you is two fold. May you cherish the wonders in your life, and never give up on your dreams! I hope the Yolanda Adams’ song above, Never Give Up, will spark the embers in your spirit, and that the radiance of your own flame will warm the hearts around you.

Don’t be tossed in the wind and never give up on you––for your own sake, but even more importantly, for the sake of all those who you may one day touch. I believe we all have a divine destiny, and like Jimmy Stewart in It’s A Wonderful Life, you’ll never know how many lives you affect throughout the years, just trust that you do. Today and this Christmas of 2011, my best wishes and love go out to all of those amazing young girls and women at Wellspring. This is your chance to let go and truly make a difference in the world. Your strength is more powerful than you can see at times––but its there, holding stedfast. Believe in yourself, go for the gold and never give up!!

Christmas Blessings to all,

Casi

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Everyone has their own unique story with all its twists, turns, hopes, and dreams; yet at the same time, universal threads unite us all as we search for love and meaning in our lives. As different as we appear on the outside, we all bleed, cry, love and hurt the same way. Everyone has the power within to change their destiny––to use the past to propel us forward or paralyze our lives. The mind holds on to every indecision, failure, embarrassment, disappointment, anxiety, heartbreak, misdirection, mistake, betrayal, lie, abandonment, and loss. Anger, resentment, fear and pain can cloud your vision or cast road blocks to block the path to your destiny, so don’t wallow in the fog of perception.

I know first hand that it’s hard to change directions but, like I’ve said many times before, a map to California will never get you to New York. If you’re not heading in the right direction, the answer is simple, change courses! New paths can be daunting, but I found out that many times the events I feared the most turned out to be the best things in my life.

The economy has knocked the wind out of a lot of sails. If you’re at a crossroad in your life, try looking through the eyes of your inner child. Remember your dreams and take a leap of faith. You may find a new direction that will restore your destiny. Take the time to listen to this video––a song by Air Supply. It’s truly inspiring! If we could all look through the innocent eyes of children, think of what dreams we could accomplish.

Casi

Click here to view the embedded video.

Have you ever heard people complain that they just can’t get a break? Or how about friends who never seem to find lasting relationships or jump from job to job, never able to find one that’s quite right for them? It’s not that they’re losers, unlucky or unable to commit. Their patterns just aren’t taking them where they want to go.

We all make choices every day, but do you realize that those little choices create habits? And they all have consequences. When you start out in a direction, it sets you on a path to somewhere. The big question is, where are you going?

Theres’ no way that you’d use a map to New York to find your way to LA, right? You’d have to be pretty oblivious to expect that by following that particular map, you’ll end up with the destination you desire. But when you make little decisions that may seem insignificant, they are setting a course––a path to a destination––so be sure you recognize your direction.

Were all guilty from time to time. Case in point, take me for example. Those of you who know me personally would never call me overweight and they’d be right. I’m no fanatic, but I’ve made a conscious effort to eat healthy, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, when my publisher released Wingless Butterfly, I found myself working in a whole new industry which required an intense learning curve. I spent an unprecedented amount of time, sitting at my computer, taking classes and trying desperately to just keep up with the areas that demanded my attention. I had to sacrifice something, so the easiest thing to let slide was working out and eating well. I grabbed what I could on the run, making okay choices most of the time and conceding that I’d do a better job next week. But next week came and went and for two and a half months I headed down that path.

My niece is getting married this Saturday, and I’ve been so looking forward to the trip. I can’t wait to see friends and family, and catch up with people I haven’t seen in forever. As I packed last night, luckily, I thought to try on the dress I had intended to wear. You guessed it; the dress didn’t fit––in fact most of my dresses didn’t fit and ones that did, had huge bulges in places I didn’t even know I had. I had been aware that I had probably added a pound or two. I felt a bit uncomfortable and knew I needed to get back into my routine, but I never guessed I had gained ten pounds. Now, I know I’m not fat, even now, and I’m not complaining. The point is, the decisions were all mine! I fudged and made excuses––and they had consequences.

The decisions we make every day matter. They create habits in every area of our lives and lead us down paths to our destiny. So my question to you today is simply this. Do you direct your destiny? Or are you like Scarlett O’Hara, blindly heading down paths that will surely have consequences tomorrow?

My next few blog posts will be focusing on patterns in different areas of life, so don’t miss them. Now I’m off to finish packing––oh, and yes, running out to buy a dress for the wedding. Have an awesome weekend!

Casi

BTW, I hope you enjoy this music video, Look Into Yourself, by Anggun. These are the lyrics:

I’m tired of letting go all that I’ve tried to have
I’m tired of wasting time looking up to the wrong stars
I do believe in life and that everything is written
But life is not a book with pages wide-opened

Don’t search too far, my mother says
Sometimes all that you need is only a step away

Look into yourself
The one and only
Look into yourself
If you want to find the key
A look into yourself
Release your heart free
Look into yourself
And be the master of your destiny

Don’t be afraid of wanting changes in your life
Don’t be afraid to go to wherever you decide
Believe in yourself and believe in what you can do
And no one can deny the will that lies in you

Try to pay more attention
And live your life with good intentions

Look into yourself
The one and only
Look into yourself
If you want to find the key
A look into yourself
Release your heart free
Look into yourself
And be the master of your destiny

Look into yourself
Cause there’s a rainbow
Look into yourself
There is so much more that you need to know
Cause in yourself
There’s serenity
It’s all in yourself
You are the master of your destiny

For every doubt you face
In every step you take
For choices that you make
Dreams aren’t made to be erased

Just look into yourself..

Look into yourself

The master of your destiny..

It’s in yourself
The master of your destiny
It’s in yourself..

Ahhh, the summer sun, beach trips, picnics at the park … What a wonderful time of year, but summer will always remind me of something more than lazy summer days. It brings to my mind the life of a man who to me was a true hero. I never knew him, but Randy Pausch was, without a doubt, the epitome of an eternal optimist. If you haven’t heard of him, you are certainly missing an amazing inspirational icon! Randy Pausch died July 25, 2008, but his legacy will live on for generations to come. To keep his spirit alive, each summer I like to take a moment to remind my friends of this amazing man.

If you follow my blog, you know my heart and my passion. Too many people go through the motions of  their lives without ever discovering that spark that ignites the spirit. You have the resources to live your dreams, and re-discovering your childhood passion, may be the key to unlocking the door to your own passion. Perception is reality and when you believe in yourself, you can make the choice to live your life to the fullest. That doesn’t mean that every moment will be golden! Life was never meant to be on an even keel and no one can escape the inevitable tragedies and pain that sometimes grip our souls. But living in the adversities or wallowing in those moments sucks you into a smothering quicksand where nothing thrives.

If ever there was a person who could have wallowed in self-pity, it was Randy Pausch, yet despite his diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer, he spent his life inspiring millions of people world wide. The first time I heard his “Last Lecture” I realized my problems were so trivial in the scheme of things––and I think that is how it is with most people. We all have our stories . . . the “stuff” that happens to us is hard to go through, but if you are reading this blog post, you’re ahead of the game––you are ALIVE, and that means you still have a chance to make a difference in your life––and the lives of others! I’m convinced you don’t have to look very far to find  a lot of other people who are worse off than you. So be thankful for all that you do have and reach for the stars.

Please take the time to listen to the words of Randy Pausch. I consider you all friends, and my greatest wish for you is to discover that Life is now. The past is a myriad of old memories and we put so much stock into those memories, we limit our own futures. Hopes and dreams are a glimpse of what could be, but now is where we always are so it is the journey, not the destination that is our lives.

So on this warm August evening, I have to stop for a moment to say, “Thank you Randy . . . you will live in the hearts of the millions you have touched forever!”

Casi

Sources: The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch, Oprah Winfrey Show, July 25,2008, Youtube

Share Your Passion With The World

Take Flight

Live Your Dreams

Break Free From Your Cocoon

Make A Difference

Spread Your Own Wings

‘The Butterfly Effect’ and ‘The Starfish Story’ appear in my book, and if the message hasn’t reached your eyes––or heart yet, you’ll find them both on the Taking Flight tab at the top of the page. ‘The Starfish story’ shows me that we all can make a difference and ‘The Butterfly Effect’ drives my passion to share that message with the world.

Varvara’s letter is proof positive of both! I hope you take the time to read her heart felt note and that it will instill within you the belief that everything you do matters and that you may never know how you touch the lives of others––but be assured that you do! 

Hi Casi,

I have been meaning to write to you after reading your book “Wingless Butterfly”. I can’t begin to tell you how heartfelt and moving it was. I felt I was there watching all these events take place in your life and I couldn’t help feeling so sad for what you had gone through.

It truly was one of the most remarkable books I have ever read. It spoke volumes to me and was so relevant to my life and the lives of many others. I am so pleased you could use your life’s experiences to touch other people and bring wholeness and healing into their lives.

I was moved to tears all the way through and it caused me to further analyse many things throughout my own life and certain behavioral patterns, understanding and recognizing where certain feelings of insignificance and low self-worth were derived from, and why I have allowed people to walk over me. I could pin point certain things in my life that I need to change and where more healing is required.

It is such a tremendous story of discovering yourself, letting go, and being healed of the past; never giving up, but persisting to accomplish your goals and dreams while moving forward to an amazing bright future. Not allowing any circumstances to rule, govern or control your life, and knowing that they DO NOT define who you are.  Any rejection or insignificance you may have felt through unfortunate experiences in life, deep down you knew your true worth and purpose!

You never gave up regardless of what you endured, persevering until goals became a reality. You knew what you truly deserved and managed to break through every hindrance and barrier to accomplish your hearts desires and make a huge impact in the lives of others; never losing sight of your dream, though the journey was long and hard, it eventually came to fruition. You rose above every challenge to become the beautiful magnificent butterfly WITH wings you were created to be; flying and soaring in freedom, fulfilment, joy and happiness.

This is really an AWESOME TESTIMONY, a story of hope, strength, character, endurance, a positive attitude and perseverance. It was ever so gripping and was hard to put down. You talk of so many truths and are enriched with so much wisdom and knowledge. You really do have incredible insight to life.

I was surprised to read you had also suffered with Anxiety and Panic Attacks. I could completely empathise with you as this is something I have also struggled with for many years and know how very limiting, horrendous and disabling it can be, stealing your true abilities. It can really make your life unbearable and miserable, making you feel hopeless and holding you back from your goals, dreams, aspirations and purpose. Your story was a real encouragement to me and will be to many others, knowing we can finally conquer and overcome. I can very much identify with you, regardless of what has come up against me in life through no fault of my own; all the heartaches, tragedies, pain and suffering, and I will not accept or receive it. I shall not give it authority or power over my life, but will persevere with drive and determination; and will to fulfil my destiny and make a difference in other people’s lives. I’ll never give up hope just like you.

I really pray that someday I shall also be able to write my own life story to inspire, help and encourage others. This has also been a life ambition and dream of mine. 

It was so wonderful to read that you turned everything around for good, and have used your life’s experiences to impact and empower others. Throughout your story I could see what a beautiful heart you have. Though you were so wronged with many unfortunate circumstances, you always saw deeper and showed love, compassion and mercy. This is so admirable. You really are an incredible inspiration and example!

I have found that in this day and age the majority of people I know or come across are broken and hurting. They will identify with your story in someway and would benefit greatly from it therefore I would STRONGLY encourage and recommend everyone to read it!! It is a resource that is so valuable and I want to see it get into their hands and touch their hearts and lives.

May God bless you and reward you richly, over and above all you could ever hope and wish for.

Kind regards,
Varvara

Varvara’s letter truly touched me! She let me know that I made a difference in her life, thus proving ‘The Starfish Story,’ and she wants to pass that strength to others through not only my story, but hers as well––a vivid example of ‘The Butterfly Effect.’ We can all make a difference. If only by touching one person at a time, and through perseverance, we can change the world!

\”Healing the Broken Child Within\” (Casi McLean)

Some of the ‘Success Tips’ I mentioned in the interview:
1) You can’t more forward with one foot stuck in the past.
2) Remembering your childhood dreams may help you find your passion.
3) The greatest thing about dreams is they don’t expire. They can lay dormant for years and when you pull them out and dust them off, they shine like new.

4) When you let go of past pain, believe in yourself, and follow your dreams—you can find true happiness!

Jory also requested I share a few of my favorite quotes. As most of you already know, it’s pretty hard for me to narrow down the quotes that have carried me through the turbulent moments of my life and raised me up higher in the best of times. Below are the three quotes I decided to share today. May they work with the conversation between Jory and me to ignite a spark in all of your hearts.
‘When you have come to the edge of all light that you know, and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.’ ~Patrick Overton
‘Whether you believe you can, or whether you believe you can’t, you’re absolutely right.’ ~Henry Ford

‘In everyone’s life, at some point, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.’ ~Albert Schweitzer

Thanks for listening to our show!!

Casi

Source: http://womenfindpurpose.com/healing-the-broken-child-within-casi-mclean/

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Patty was the most amazing young teen, smart, talented, compassionate and beautiful inside and out. I never had any doubt she’d be a great success at what ever she chose to do in life, despite the fact that at 11 years old, she was in a terrible accident that had ripped apart the right side of her face—a lifetime scar that had wounded her soul along with her flesh. But her beauty of spirit radiated through and I felt a connection to her. I encouraged her that year and hoped she would find her passion and use the amazing gifts she possessed to pursue her dreams.

Eighth grade dissolved into high school, then college and I lost track of Patty over the years, but she had touched my heart and I often wondered what had become of her. Last year she ‘friended’ me on Facebook with an incredible email of how I had impacted her life and inspired her to go into journalism. We reminisced and she was so excited I was writing a book, she offered to help me in any way she could. Patty pulled together a photo shoot and is completely responsible for the beautiful pictures of the young woman on the beach surrounded by butterflies and starfish that I use on my website. She continued to tell me how I still inspired her with my passion and purpose and she took time away from her family and career to help me reach out and encourage others. I was so wrapped up in my own life, overwhelmed with trying to survive a relentless economy while working feverishly on book editing, unraveling the black hole of marketing, tweeting and social media, and struggling to find the courage to enter a world completely foreign to me, that I somehow missed the depth of trauma hidden under Patty’s cheerful emails and phone calls. Yesterday, when I read her FB post, I cringed at the thought of how I could have missed her hidden pain. This is what she said:

It’s funny how life is…One day you’re bankrupt, overweight, struggling to stay afloat, considering suicide b/c you don’t think you can take anymore…But you take a step forward, then another, and another…And you wake up on a beautiful Sunday with a job, a roof over your head, 31 lbs lighter…

I always saw Patty as strong, resilient and an inspiration to everyone around her. Despite her tragic past, it had never occurred to me that she struggled. It was hard for me to admit to her how damaged I had been when our paths had first crossed––especially when she told me how much I had meant to her.

But today my student is my shooting star! Not only is Patty an inspired writer, she is an amazing inspiration to every one she meets. The courage it took to share her intimate life with strangers exemplifies what I write about, and my own passion and purpose. Patty’s courage laced with humility is a page in society’s saga that spearheads the power of the ‘Butterfly Effect’. The very story she so humbly portrayed through her photo shoot. So today I share with all all my friends, Patty’s story, excerpts I hope she won’t mind that I pulled from her blog. And I will keep her story on my website as a reminder to never be so wrapped up in my own ‘stuff’ that the haze distorts my view of those around me. I encourage all of you to follow her new blog. She started it to chronicle her weight loss story, but it is truly so much more!! Patty is a shining star who makes a difference in this world and her passion is contagious. Never forget that courage is not an attribute, it is a choice to move forward despite the fears that try to limit you. If you believe in yourself, you can live your dreams.

Casi
PS. Be sure to watch today’s video . . . another inspiration who followed his dreams!

Source:  http://www.pattysmmcjourney.com

Click here to view the embedded video.

Well, for those who’ve already read Wingless Butterfly, you know I’ve had a lot of experience with love gone wrong, but the good news is I’ve learned from my mistakes! Over the next few weeks, I’m going to fill you in on the top 5 reasons relationships fail. You don’t have to take my word for it, do your homework and check out the secrets I’m about to share. You’ll be amazed at how successful your relationships can be if you just change a few things in your life––and if you are already in a relationship, you just might discover some pointers that can make it better or maybe even give you good reasons to rethink your position.

The first thing you have to recognize is that the chemical attraction that feels so great, totally messes with your head and can turn you into a blithering idiot. Your common sense goes out the window. When lust is in the driver’s seat it’s hard to see through the intoxicating haze, so remember this: Past behavior is the best gauge of future performance. People don’t change without a lot of self-searching and hard work, so habits and patterns they’ve shown in the past are a pretty good indicator of what they’ll do in the future.

A leopard doesn’t change his spots––even when he has good intentions. People often make promises they can’t keep . . . If they drink too much, smoke, or indulge in activities you find objectionable, or if they have bad habits you just don’t like, they can promise to change until the cows come home, but don’t invest in their intentions. You may be familiar with Comedian Ron White’s famous statement, “I had the right to remain silent, but I did not have the ability.”  Saying they want to do something may hold them accountable, but it doesn’t make them capable. And if they’ve cheated before . . . need I say more?

Now I’d be the first one to testify that people CAN change, but it isn’t easy––just don’t be fooled into believing that you’re the one person who could change them! It has to come from within them and a proven track record is worth it’s weight in gold! They say love is blind so take off those rose colored glasses. It’s okay to let your heart direct you, but use your head to reign in the urge to dive in head first––and you’ll avoid shallow water!

Casi

If you want to learn more about todays blog, click on the sites below!

Source: Wingless Butterfly by Casi McLean & “The new Rules For Love, Sex, & Dating” by Andy Stanley