Elizabeth D. Gray's Blog
October 6, 2017
Just the Way You Are
Check out an entry from my new title, "Just the Way You Are: Journal Affirmations for LGBT Youth."
Just the Way You Are
It’s not a consolation prize
To be you
It’s a bonanza
Of good fortune
And epic celebration
Because there is perfection
In you
Just the way you are
It’s not a burden
For the people you love
To have you in their lives
It is a privilege
That they get to
Share in your experiences
Because you bring them joy
Just the way you are
Everyone who walks
Beside you
On this journey
Those who never falter
In their support
Their love
Their pride
All of them understand
How lucky they are
To know you
Just the way you are
Just the Way I Am: Journal Affirmations for LGBT Youth
Just the Way You Are
It’s not a consolation prize
To be you
It’s a bonanza
Of good fortune
And epic celebration
Because there is perfection
In you
Just the way you are
It’s not a burden
For the people you love
To have you in their lives
It is a privilege
That they get to
Share in your experiences
Because you bring them joy
Just the way you are
Everyone who walks
Beside you
On this journey
Those who never falter
In their support
Their love
Their pride
All of them understand
How lucky they are
To know you
Just the way you are
Just the Way I Am: Journal Affirmations for LGBT Youth
May 26, 2017
Don't pay it forward...
Don’t Pay it Forward
You’ve been on
The receiving end
You know what it’s like
Been the subject
Of the worst kind
Of attention
Don’t pay it forward
That’s the easy way
Don’t let it filter through you
To become your personal arsenal
You aim on someone else
Don’t pay it forward
Just because it’s
The easy thing to do
Doesn’t mean you should
The worthwhile things
Are rarely easy
Don’t pay it forward
You didn’t deserve it
And neither do they
And you know it
Don’t let yourself
Off the hook
By rationalizing it
Don’t pay it forward
I am not a Bully: Journal Affirmations for Empowerment and Transformation
Most books about bullying are written for those being bullied, which is obviously of critical importance. But this is not one of those books. This book is for those who have engaged in or are showing signs of a tendency towards engaging in bullying. The bullying epidemic will never end until we treat all sides with deepest care and deliberation. This book is meant to be one tool toward this healing process through the use of honest introspection, reflection and the therapeutic process of transmuting thoughts to the written word.
Excellent as a journal for one individual or as a tool to use in a group setting for writing and discussion. Each entry covers a different topic and then allows space for the reader to do their own writing.
You’ve been on
The receiving end
You know what it’s like
Been the subject
Of the worst kind
Of attention
Don’t pay it forward
That’s the easy way
Don’t let it filter through you
To become your personal arsenal
You aim on someone else
Don’t pay it forward
Just because it’s
The easy thing to do
Doesn’t mean you should
The worthwhile things
Are rarely easy
Don’t pay it forward
You didn’t deserve it
And neither do they
And you know it
Don’t let yourself
Off the hook
By rationalizing it
Don’t pay it forward
I am not a Bully: Journal Affirmations for Empowerment and TransformationMost books about bullying are written for those being bullied, which is obviously of critical importance. But this is not one of those books. This book is for those who have engaged in or are showing signs of a tendency towards engaging in bullying. The bullying epidemic will never end until we treat all sides with deepest care and deliberation. This book is meant to be one tool toward this healing process through the use of honest introspection, reflection and the therapeutic process of transmuting thoughts to the written word.
Excellent as a journal for one individual or as a tool to use in a group setting for writing and discussion. Each entry covers a different topic and then allows space for the reader to do their own writing.
January 14, 2017
You are Royal!
You are Royal: Angelic Affirmations for Remembering Your True Heritage
You are Royal: Angelic Affirmations for Remembering Your True Heritage
The sincerest wish of every angel in heaven is that you remember who you are.
Descendant
You are a descendant
Of the most high
Born in the light
Of the central sun
Of creation
The child of a royal line
That stretches beyond
The borders
Of your conceived
Time and space
Your birthright
Endows you
With the eternal light
Of your royal heritage
You stand at a crossroads
A crown in each hand
And now you choose
Will you wear
A crown of duality
And illusion
Or the crown of love
And infinite possibility?
The choice has
Always been yours
Take up your crown
Claim your royal heritage
And remember
Who you are
You are Royal: Angelic Affirmations for Remembering Your True Heritage
The sincerest wish of every angel in heaven is that you remember who you are.
Descendant
You are a descendant
Of the most high
Born in the light
Of the central sun
Of creation
The child of a royal line
That stretches beyond
The borders
Of your conceived
Time and space
Your birthright
Endows you
With the eternal light
Of your royal heritage
You stand at a crossroads
A crown in each hand
And now you choose
Will you wear
A crown of duality
And illusion
Or the crown of love
And infinite possibility?
The choice has
Always been yours
Take up your crown
Claim your royal heritage
And remember
Who you are
October 29, 2016
Gratitude with Attitude!
Gratitude with Attitude! Our newest title is out. Forget flowery notions of gratitude. This one is for women with attitude, the survivors and bad asses, launching their comebacks and breaking glass ceilings. Not your typical gratitude journal. Pick one up for all the fighters, survivors and go-getters in your tribe of besties.
Gratitude with Attitude: Journal Affirmations for Women
An affirmation on its own is a powerful thing. However, flexing the muscle of an affirmation with the conscious expression of your own words, thoughts and experiences is a transformative thing. Use this affirmational journal to not only absorb the powerful messages in each affirmation, but to accentuate them tenfold by the expressions of your own creation.
Glass Ceilings
They were elite forces
Pioneers
The wrecking crews
Shattering glass ceilings
Long before I arrived
Breaking chains
So I would not be shackled
Clearing the brush
For my safe passage
Unbound, unbroken, rising up
Pulverizing that glass ceiling
Into shards so fine
They fell like confetti
Onto my life
I cannot fashion a thank-you
Wide enough to wrap around
Their collective sacrifice
The embodiment of shared vision
And sacred sisterhood
The sweetest destruction imaginable
The demolition of barriers
By an army of game changers
Coalesced in common purpose
And if I've ever lacked a role model
Perhaps my eyes were closed
For they surround me
In memory and history
And this life of mine
Should be worthy of them
Those trailblazers of change
Destroying glass ceilings
So the rest of us could fly
Gratitude with Attitude: Journal Affirmations for Women
An affirmation on its own is a powerful thing. However, flexing the muscle of an affirmation with the conscious expression of your own words, thoughts and experiences is a transformative thing. Use this affirmational journal to not only absorb the powerful messages in each affirmation, but to accentuate them tenfold by the expressions of your own creation.
Glass Ceilings
They were elite forces
Pioneers
The wrecking crews
Shattering glass ceilings
Long before I arrived
Breaking chains
So I would not be shackled
Clearing the brush
For my safe passage
Unbound, unbroken, rising up
Pulverizing that glass ceiling
Into shards so fine
They fell like confetti
Onto my life
I cannot fashion a thank-you
Wide enough to wrap around
Their collective sacrifice
The embodiment of shared vision
And sacred sisterhood
The sweetest destruction imaginable
The demolition of barriers
By an army of game changers
Coalesced in common purpose
And if I've ever lacked a role model
Perhaps my eyes were closed
For they surround me
In memory and history
And this life of mine
Should be worthy of them
Those trailblazers of change
Destroying glass ceilings
So the rest of us could fly
September 29, 2016
Run for your life!
I am Mindful: Journal Affirmations Vol 1
Run for Your Life
When the answers
Aren’t coming
Get up
Move
Feel that thudding heart
In your chest
Take the wind
Into your lungs
Feel the burn
In your legs
Run for your life
Get going
Be as alive
As you can be
In the moment
Exercise your willpower
Push the limits
Exceed your goals
Fight for those
Last few yards
Run for your life
Feel the blood rushing
The earth beneath your feet
Find yourself
In the present moment
Fully consumed
By the rawest sense
Of the here and now
When all else fails
Run
Run for your life
September 7, 2016
Never Underestimate a Girl's Ability to Change the World
I am the Change
I am the Change: Journal Affirmations for Girls
Never let anyone tell you that you are too young to make a difference, or that you aren't the right gender or that you lack the necessary experience to change the world. You are fully capable of creating your unique mark on the world as soon as you make up your mind to do so. Use the notes pages to journal your thoughts as you explore, identify and celebrate your ability to be the change you wish to see in the world.
Use Your Words
Even when it seems as though
You have nothing you can give
You do
Use your words
Say them, write them, sing them
There is infinite power
Flowing in a stream of potential
Inside your very being
And you can unleash it
Anytime you wish
The power to change
The present and the future
Is all within your hands
Use your words
To literally change the trajectory
Of your world
And the people you love
Experiment
Complement
Uplift
Inspire
Imagine
Teach
Create
Ignite
Do not let lie dormant
The indwelling abundance
That is yours to share
The world is waiting
For you
Use your words
Our six book series is designed to empower girls to navigate their way through life with confidence, self-esteem, compassion, creativity, collaboration and joy through the thoughtful contemplation and expression of their own unique perspectives, ideals and experiences.
Each book is excellent as a journal for one girl or as a tool in a group setting for writing and discussion. Topics are particularly relevant today, such as, "Use Your Words." Journal entries do not talk down or issue simple edicts, but respect the intelligence and individuality of every girl.
I am the Change: Journal Affirmations for Girls
Never let anyone tell you that you are too young to make a difference, or that you aren't the right gender or that you lack the necessary experience to change the world. You are fully capable of creating your unique mark on the world as soon as you make up your mind to do so. Use the notes pages to journal your thoughts as you explore, identify and celebrate your ability to be the change you wish to see in the world.
Use Your Words
Even when it seems as though
You have nothing you can give
You do
Use your words
Say them, write them, sing them
There is infinite power
Flowing in a stream of potential
Inside your very being
And you can unleash it
Anytime you wish
The power to change
The present and the future
Is all within your hands
Use your words
To literally change the trajectory
Of your world
And the people you love
Experiment
Complement
Uplift
Inspire
Imagine
Teach
Create
Ignite
Do not let lie dormant
The indwelling abundance
That is yours to share
The world is waiting
For you
Use your words
Our six book series is designed to empower girls to navigate their way through life with confidence, self-esteem, compassion, creativity, collaboration and joy through the thoughtful contemplation and expression of their own unique perspectives, ideals and experiences.
Each book is excellent as a journal for one girl or as a tool in a group setting for writing and discussion. Topics are particularly relevant today, such as, "Use Your Words." Journal entries do not talk down or issue simple edicts, but respect the intelligence and individuality of every girl.
April 28, 2016
It Could Happen to You
The mindfulness revolution is underway. The connection between mindfulness and a greater sense of wellbeing, freedom from anxiety and a connection to the higher self grows more evident every day.
Whether exploring the movement on your own or participating in a comprehensive program, my latest title might be a great addition on your journey.
I am Mindful: Journal Affirmations Vol 1
It Could Happen to You
It is not beyond
The realm of possibility
That you might be still
And in the quiet moments
Discover the unfathomable truth
Of who you really are
It could happen to you
It is not unthinkable
That you might tame your mind
And slow your breath
To experience an awakening
Of your true self
It could happen to you
It is not unrealistic
That you might experience
A form of peace
That you have never known
And that it will reside within you
For the remainder of your days
It could happen to you
It is not unreasonable
That your intentional focus
On the present
Might free you
From a lifetime of bondage
To the pain of the past
And the pressures of tomorrow
It could happen to you
It is not impossible
For you to be free
Once and for all
It could happen to you
Whether exploring the movement on your own or participating in a comprehensive program, my latest title might be a great addition on your journey.
I am Mindful: Journal Affirmations Vol 1
It Could Happen to You
It is not beyond
The realm of possibility
That you might be still
And in the quiet moments
Discover the unfathomable truth
Of who you really are
It could happen to you
It is not unthinkable
That you might tame your mind
And slow your breath
To experience an awakening
Of your true self
It could happen to you
It is not unrealistic
That you might experience
A form of peace
That you have never known
And that it will reside within you
For the remainder of your days
It could happen to you
It is not unreasonable
That your intentional focus
On the present
Might free you
From a lifetime of bondage
To the pain of the past
And the pressures of tomorrow
It could happen to you
It is not impossible
For you to be free
Once and for all
It could happen to you
February 8, 2016
Lovely Girls
Competition among girls prevents so many potentially amazing partnerships and opportunities to lift one another. Promoting acceptance and appreciation of one another is essential to improving the lives of girls.
Lovely Girls
Let the competition stop right now
The comparisons end today
Never more will I look at another girl
And wonder which is better fit
Which of us is trimmer
Who deserves more praise
For their sense of style
We are all of us lovely girls
Let me forever forward
Notice what I find unique about each
What charming quality
I easily take note of
As I look upon them with
More admiring eyes
Today I will consciously endeavor
To see the beauty all around me
In every shape and size
Every wisp of hair
And each unique tone of skin
What could be more beautiful
Than the exquisite truth
Of our perfect individuality?
Let me forever celebrate
The beauty in every girl around me
For we are all of us
Lovely girls
Becoming Me: Journal Affirmations for Girls Vol 1
Lovely Girls
Let the competition stop right now
The comparisons end today
Never more will I look at another girl
And wonder which is better fit
Which of us is trimmer
Who deserves more praise
For their sense of style
We are all of us lovely girls
Let me forever forward
Notice what I find unique about each
What charming quality
I easily take note of
As I look upon them with
More admiring eyes
Today I will consciously endeavor
To see the beauty all around me
In every shape and size
Every wisp of hair
And each unique tone of skin
What could be more beautiful
Than the exquisite truth
Of our perfect individuality?
Let me forever celebrate
The beauty in every girl around me
For we are all of us
Lovely girls
Becoming Me: Journal Affirmations for Girls Vol 1
January 30, 2016
Not a Cookie Cutter Girl
The celebration and validation of a girl's individuality is the most powerful antidote to society's grotesquely distorted definition of the ideal girl. So let's make it a practice to celebrate the uniqueness of the girls we love.
Cookie Cutter
They call them cookie cutter houses
Each looks the same as every other one
Like cookies cut from a mold
They are so similar
That it’s difficult to tell them apart
The message seems to be
That each should appear
Exactly as the others
As though conformity
Equates to quality
But I am not
A cookie cutter girl
Who designs herself
To be like everybody else
I want to be like one of those houses
On an interesting street
That draws your attention
Because it is different in a way
That intrigues you
And makes you wish
You could take a peek inside
I don’t want to build a house
That is so like the rest
That I can’t even tell which is mine
I want to build something
Different than the rest
Because I am not
A cookie cutter girl
I am Beautiful: Journal Affirmations for Girls
Cookie Cutter
They call them cookie cutter houses
Each looks the same as every other one
Like cookies cut from a mold
They are so similar
That it’s difficult to tell them apart
The message seems to be
That each should appear
Exactly as the others
As though conformity
Equates to quality
But I am not
A cookie cutter girl
Who designs herself
To be like everybody else
I want to be like one of those houses
On an interesting street
That draws your attention
Because it is different in a way
That intrigues you
And makes you wish
You could take a peek inside
I don’t want to build a house
That is so like the rest
That I can’t even tell which is mine
I want to build something
Different than the rest
Because I am not
A cookie cutter girl
I am Beautiful: Journal Affirmations for Girls
December 31, 2015
The Heart of a Bully
The end to the epidemic of bullying begins in the bully's heart. As long as we continue to focus our attention only on the results of their destructive behavior, we are missing the point.
The Heart of a Bully
What can be found
In the heart of a bully?
It’s not what you’d expect
Words spoken with feigned strength
In a heart that is afraid of itself
The heart of a bully
Beats in the most irregular way
Unable to cure its ills
It can only express its pain
In the most destructive ways
The heart of a bully
Points to others
So that they themselves
Might not be seen
Terrified to reveal
The ugliness of their own pain
The heart of a bully
Has not the courage
To confront the destruction within
Instead wielding their pain
To produce heartbreak in others
The heart of bully cries out
Unable to recognize
That even as it wreaks havoc
It too cries out for mercy
Too ashamed to ask for help
The heart of a bully
Boasts not strength
But the despair of utter brokenness
Becoming Me: Journal Affirmations for Girls Vol 2
The Heart of a Bully
What can be found
In the heart of a bully?
It’s not what you’d expect
Words spoken with feigned strength
In a heart that is afraid of itself
The heart of a bully
Beats in the most irregular way
Unable to cure its ills
It can only express its pain
In the most destructive ways
The heart of a bully
Points to others
So that they themselves
Might not be seen
Terrified to reveal
The ugliness of their own pain
The heart of a bully
Has not the courage
To confront the destruction within
Instead wielding their pain
To produce heartbreak in others
The heart of bully cries out
Unable to recognize
That even as it wreaks havoc
It too cries out for mercy
Too ashamed to ask for help
The heart of a bully
Boasts not strength
But the despair of utter brokenness
Becoming Me: Journal Affirmations for Girls Vol 2
