Stream Blog - Janet PearlmanJanet Pearlman | Living in the Stream of Yes

February 4, 2026
by Janet Pearlman
0 comments

Overcoming Fear with Focus

The more we practice personal growth, the more we recognize when we are afraid. We are all ready to notice literal shaking in our boots. Over time we catch ourselves with our thoughts that arise from fear.

Thoughts laced with fear are misguiding us, our perceptions are distorted. Isn’t it great to practice more ways to overcome fear! We learn how we all have that power as we turn our attention toward what we DO WANT bit by bit.

Ode to Urs, 20 x 20, Acrylic on Canvas, $425

At first when we feel a trepidation strong and pulsing, we may want to run or hide.

Instead, with practice and commitment, we can put our focus on WHAT WE DO WANT. And move in that direction.

Janine’s Example

Janine received notice that her current situation for storing her possessions could not continue: she would need to find other accommodations for her stuff. Oh my! This woman felt a flood of panic and dread. Wow she felt so threatened! Yikes!

How would she ever accomplish this clearing out? To respond here represented a lot of work. The new plan for storage represented a mini-move that would take some weeks.

Her Approach

The Star reached for soothing herself. She knew it would involve allowing the strong feelings, fear, insecurity, and more, to pass through her while calling on wisdom and powerful techniques.

A voice inside her spoke, “The beliefs behind this fear are outdated. Last time I got this scared there was not really any danger,” recalled Janine with a smile.

Our protagonist could not shift her strong flow of emotions on a dime. No human can. Let’s all recognize that and make it ok.

With kindness towards self, when our heroine felt strong negative emotion rising up, she employed these tools from her self-care toolkit:

Focus on what she DID WANT.
Ask Inner Guide for next steps
Follow the guidance received
Seek and receive support from friends
Enjoy walking in nature
Read a novel
Visualize the flow of Love and Protection coming in.
Rest and rejuvenate

As she could, Janine worked her agenda. Each day this dear woman became clearer and more energetic, doing step by step the tasks of the project.

Before too long friends with trucks volunteered to assist her. She got assistance in many forms. She made it ok whatever time it took.

Outcomes

Many folks received some new treasures, charity shops benefited. J enjoyed the openness and space resulting from the clearing effort.

Janine stood tall, basking in her aliveness, more able to take life as it comes. The dear woman enjoyed perceiving her greater strength in addressing fears as they arise. How relaxing and satisfying!

Do you have a story when you stood by your commitments, moving through your fears to your brighter future? What worked for you to make that passage? Please comment. Let’s share our wisdom!

About the Author

Janet Pearlman is a spiritual teacher, counselor, healer and artist. These posts demonstrate everyday applications of the path to greater self knowledge and mastery. Opportunities for greater empowerment abound in the moments of our lives. As we all go for operating from a centered and loving space, we are creating a world where peace can prevail. In her forty-seven year journey of self-discovery, Janet has deeply studied the teachings of Abraham-Hicks, Ernest Holmes, Inayat Khan and more. Janet offers individual sessions by phone and in person. Please contact her at jpearl555@earthink.net to arrange an appointment.

January 28, 2026
by Janet Pearlman
0 comments

What Recovery Looks Like

We all experience unwanted incidents, some more traumatic than others. We understand that these circumstances happen to most of us. As we keep going, we can exercise more awareness in our responses and more loving kindness for ourselves and all concerned.

A Tale of Recovery

Bright Future I, 24 x 30, acrylic on canvas, $595

Going to a routine appointment driving in the pouring rain, Barbara turned into a parking lot where a car was paused in an unexpected location. B could not stop in time and hit it.

It seemed no one was hurt; B and the other driver were walking around and attending to exchange of information, calling police, tow trucks, insurers, etc. Though in shock, this heroine attended to the business at hand.

Immediately Blessings Showed Up

As Barbara processed, she was able to notice some kindness flowing: the man nearby who offered his office as a haven out of the rain, the police who came and said “accidents happen.” Upon reaching home, our valiant soul reached out for support and got some relief. Many voices saying she was ok.

Not surprisingly, inside B guilt and shame continued to well up as she revisited the trauma. The dear woman had never before been responsible for such a serious accident.

Allies Appeared

The next day the star called a new friend, Paul. In the course of the exchange she told him about the accident. That lovely gentleman offered to come up to see her that very day– and did :). Paul set his sights on helping her to get her mind back on some fun. It worked!

Focus on Positive

From the focus on inner development, Barbara knew that to help oneself recover, she put focus on thoughts that were grounded and positive. B observed that her mind kept coming back to review that upsetting moment with sound and jolt of crunch.

The energy of that incident was so present. So valuable to rest in the knowledge that she was ok, that it was ok to flow with these powerful feelings and ok to let time help them subside.

Self-Blame Thoughts Ran

In the moments feeling the painful emotions, fun was not within feeling reach; it seemed impossible. Importantly she had trained herself to realize: the run of habitual thoughts are not true! Just after the experience stress like that fills the whole inner screen– briefly– but pleasure and good are still around. Phew! B still had access to good!

Resilience

In a couple of days Barbara felt her liveliness returning. Isn’t it great that she could feel awful and find her way to feeling much better again! Even though over the next two weeks she did tap into the distress repeatedly, each time with greater ease this protagonist returned to feeling the joy of living for big stretches of the day.

One day B was chatting at a meeting, recounting her recent drama. Wisely Barbara related to this colleague that her biggest challenge involved forgiving herself.

“Tell me about it,” said this dear person who was suffering from a serious health challenge. I could have gotten a screening test for the disease I have but I chose not to do so.” Now his body has an advanced case.

Barb thought, “Wow maybe this car blip is not that big a deal after all. That puts it into a bigger perspective. I am a good person, I am, I am. :) “

Noticing the Hidden Blessings

Barbara observed she was able to:

Could stay in present time to handle various reports, vehicle appraisals.

When feelings of shame came up, more and more quickly B could find a fresh view again, some fun, some relief.

Reap benefit of Forces of Good sending her assistance. She got help releasing her negative self talk.

Resilience, shorter periods to bounce back to recovery and satisfying moments.

More robust and quicker release of guilt and shame.

Greater agility with surrendering the judgmental havits and more trust that Good prevails and life flows.

Was this article helpful? Please comment and let me know. We are all connected. Sending Love.

About the Author

January 21, 2026
by Janet Pearlman
0 comments

Accepting Ourselves Bit by Bit

We might have someone direct criticism at us. It can happen. In how we react we can gain deeper awareness of ourselves. Then, however we react we can make that ok. We can see what habits of thought are operating in this moment and then shift as we have new insight.

Darlene’s Example

Darlene holds a professorship at a nearby university. Recently a student in one of her classes quit. This person did not merely walk out: She hurled some mean-spirited comments to Darlene on the way.

“You have anger problems,” the exiting student screamed at the teacher. “You are obsessed with defending yourself.”

Inside Darlene, those statements hurt. Then D felt disappointed with herself that she would let that kind of thing bother her.

Our star called Wise Counsel (WC) for support.

Darlene: “Why do I care what that student thinks of me?

As I processed the incident, I began to worry about my career. I started feeling overwhelmed and that I never get enough done. I feel miserable!”

WC: “Most importantly, I recommend that we be kind to our dear selves. We all feel uncomfortable when someone points out unwanted qualities about us! Isn’t it quite human to have some reaction. Let’s accept that. Let’s make that ok.

Yes, you have been working on shifting some outdated patterns of thinking, one’s like blaming. One good thing worth noting: in this instance you did not start to call her names! You controlled yourself. No blame to the one who criticized passed your lips.

You had thought, ‘Why do I care what that student thinks about me?’ Isn’t it great that immediately you realized you did not take her word as being true about you! You would rather feel balanced. That is a step toward higher consciousness, a positive aspect.

In this story, someone blamed you and then you blamed yourself for getting triggered. Since we know most humans would feel some reaction, let’s make it ok that you felt your response. Let’s ACCEPT this human process.”

Darlene: I can get lost in the habit of self-blame and then, in feeling overwhelmed.

WC: Yes, you have identified those well entrenched habits of your thought. You are already on your way to shifting them. Good for you that you persist. Good for you that you recognize the habit!

Let’s ACCEPT that this is what the process of changing thoughts looks like. Noticing the habit and then bit by bit reaching for a new thought.

Such an important milestone to shift from self-blaming to self-accepting! We can say “Uh oh I am doing that again. Isn’t it great that this time I am noticing!”

Simple on one hand, yes. And simple first steps are like planting an acorn. Innocuous seeming action—and wow what a magnificent oak of a being we are growing!

Do you have a story to share? Please comment! We all benefit.

About the Author

January 14, 2026
by Janet Pearlman
0 comments

Feeling Good About Self

We love to receive praise from our loved ones, our bosses, our professional societies and more. That recognition feels good! As we experience the Source Love always inside us, we find happiness and satisfaction on our own. We feel less needy for appreciation from others.

An Illustration

Salome enjoyed a good relationship with her brother, Kent. They could enjoy passionate discussions involving their spirituality, inner struggles and discoveries. S earnestly focused on shifting her habits of thought over many years. Sometimes she could offer a tip that was useful to him.

In their conversations, Sally listened compassionately to what Kent shared. To stay in harmony with him, she focused herself on primarily listening and appreciating the parts that felt good for him and that he could appreciate. She could cheer him on when he saw progress. This even in the face of noticing that her dear brother criticized himself a fair bit and felt much frustration.

On her path unfolding, Salome became awake to how much she longed for her brother’s belief in her. He stayed kindly for sure, and mostly reported his story. He was less interested in her approaches, tips and setbacks.

What did she do?

During her contemplative time, our star tuned more deeply into herself, toward receptivity and stillness. She listened into the divine presence within her, her inner guidance. Salome soothed herself with appreciations and with more recognition of her own value.

Truly what she received in that way became more and more satisfying.

On one hand, Salome had wanted laudations from her brother: to soak up his appreciation and then feel validated. Instead, she continued building her inner worth. S accepted and appreciated Kent on his path. The dear woman took responsibility for her own self esteem.

One day Salome received a profound new perspective: Kent who did not love himself unconditionally, could not love her in that way. “Oh it’s nothing personal,” thought our protagonist, “It has not one thing to do with me.”

The next year Kent and his family sent S a box full of offered treasures at Christmas. It included a holiday card with a note. Kent the brother, wrote many and beautiful appreciations of his dear sibling!

Salome read the missive and wept. K now articulated a list of what he praised in his sister, many positive attributes. This expression was just what S had longed for many years to read

Then, soon afterwards, Kent wrote about his reaction to a spiritual book she’d sent as a gift. The book is entitled A Story Waiting to Pierce You[1] . With enthusiasm, K explained that while the reading this tome he had had a break through. “Oh my God,” exclaimed, “I see the preeminence of each moment and the dazzling beauty there. That’s all I have to do.”

In earlier times Salome yearned to be told from an outside other that she is precious, loveable and with enormous value. Now she claims her own power to let in the love from her own Source Connection.

When her brother felt his own value, he could then honor it in her.

Take Away:

Allow our own dear self to feel the outpouring of love from Source Connection.

Love the others wherever they are in their process of unfolding.

Comments or Questions? Stories of Fostering Self Love? The author welcomes your input.

About the Author

[1] Kingsley, Peter, A Story Waiting to Pierce You (The Golden Sufi Center, 2010)

January 7, 2026
by Janet Pearlman
0 comments

Blessings from Unwanted Body Blip

We want to notice the flowing Good around us. Yes, it is more challenging when some part of our body feels uncomfortable. We can focus more carefully, putting attention on what we can enjoy and learn right now. We can experience so many blessings as we choose to shift our attention to appreciation.

Blessing: Practice Sharpened Focus

When in distress, we may find ourselves reviewing what unwanted situation is presenting. We easily can review how much an injury hurts or the emotions around it. Instead, what else could we do?

This past week Marley noticed her walking gait was somewhat awkward and slower than usual. She started scanning for what she did “wrong” to “cause” this. In her mind M reviewed the leg physical discomfort and realized she flet depressed.

Then Marley switched to inspiring herself. Instead of bemoaning her fate or worrying, this star wanted to marshal the fuel of the inspiration.

The dear woman treated herself to a Feldenkrais (body awareness in motion) session. She basked, “Boy did that feel great—freer movement, more energy and a lighter mood. I love turning points!”

Blessing: Take Time for Ease and Rest

Marley said to herself, “As I move through my life, I will have some discomforts. As I make this ok, I enjoy the slowing down, sleeping more, relishing my food, reading for pleasure. I surrender to Divine Protection.”

M continued through her day, “What can I notice? I loved the way I felt after yoga class, the revitalization coming through a mist of discomfort. I felt peace as I gazed at the frost on the freshly mowed grass. Wow isn’t it cool how many singing birds I hear, glad I slowed down enough to take that in. I envision walking with ease.”

Rocket Fuel of Inspiration

Before too long Marley experiences more ease in walking. After a period of tension, fear and drag with a body disharmony, our heroine loves the forward movement and feeling extra good!

Our heroine surrenders to the Well Being Pouring Down All Around. She soaks in the new sensations. Sometimes M moves slower than usual and smiles at seeing that bird perched on the very top of that fir tree.

When her mood dips, she shifts. Maybe M might revitalize with some breathing or yoga postures. Her life is enriched!

What stories of recovery do you want to share? How did you help yourself? Please comment. We benefit from others insights.

About the Author

December 31, 2025
by Janet Pearlman
0 comments

Processing the Past to Clear the Present

12 25 25

When we do not feel good in the present moment, we can ask ourselves what is going on with us?

Example

Recently, Larue had an opportunity to have dinner with a new male prospect. Before too long she found herself annoyed and disappointed by some of his qualities.

Then she awakened to how she felt tight and judgmental. “I don’t like when I am finding fault with a new acquaintance. It does not feel good. I am the one out of the flow right now.

I feel angry with myself.”

L’s upset increased as she saw the gap between how she wanted to be processing this experience and how poorly she was feeling. She judged her discomfort, and, as she focused on her tension, she got more tense. Drat! She had spent only three hours with the new man.

Larue would prefer to open her heart.

Time to Process

That evening in a group meditation, this protagonist asked herself how she had been hurt and if there was a story there. She accessed Unconditional Love for herself. She wanted better attention from this man.

The traumatic memory rose to consciousness: a conversation with her father during the parent’s divorcing time and he did not acknowledge her feelings.

“Oh my. I have grown to be the adult who can offer love and acknowledgement to that hurt place in the past.

In the past I had condemned myself for the hurt experienced by both my father and me. It felt like I had caused his pain. That self-judgment had the sting”

Larue spent hours that evening feeling and releasing that old stuff. From here and forward L knew she could stand strong bearing witness to her own times of feeling poorly. It felt like a forgiveness bath for all the players in that drama from years ago.

Now the dear woman could feel the pain lessen, and she could validate that she was completely ok, then and now.

Refreshed

After a few days, our heroine realized that she had more tolerance for the new man. L wrote a note to make contact again and soon they were setting up the next visit. This star relished feeling a fresh beginning under way, feeling easier and more confident.

She loved the light hearted sense inside and the presence now of her playful spirit.

Appreciations

This gal appreciated much in what had transpired, she:

Had noticed her “not feeling good”.
Dove deeply into processing this blip.
Brought a soothing presence to herself
Used her personal power to clean up an outdated hurt.
Cleared a past hurt that had plagued her for years.
Enjoyed noticing the growth she attained in her dating adventures, popping up to awareness over several days

Undoubtedly, most readers have released past hurts and felt relief. Do you want to comment or tell one of your stories of making yourself good when the outdated inner messages labeled you? We will all benefit.

About the Author

December 24, 2025
by Janet Pearlman
0 comments

Grow our Power

We have been deeply trained to monitor ourselves for our transgressions; watch for our breaking rules, etc.

At a certain incident, we may notice ourselves flooded with uncomfortable feelings of fear, loathing, anger and more.

To recover, let’s train ourselves to accept the thoughts and feelings that have arisen. In making it ok, let’s rest in presence and as we can turn to our perception of the abundant Good. We take on the frame of a human growing in unconditional love.

Tuning into that core of unconditional Love, we acknowledge our own Good and perceive more readily the Good in others.

The Fear Reaction

Gaynor was following one teacher on line and enjoying the inspiration and growth the woman sparked inside her. G listened to one podcast recently, and inside she felt her emotional reaction. She felt some fear.

Gay understood and resonated with the speaker’s core message: encouraging the listeners to do inner work, reaching past hurts and acculturations, aligning more and more with pure love. In the most recent speech, this leader appeared to recommend very specific actions from her followers with a warning of dire consequences if the advise was not acted upon.

Gaynor felt a withdrawing and tightness. G thought, “The leader is perceiving danger for us and recommending specific actions that are arduous for me. I want to use my energy in other ways.!” Then, this star pulled back from the speaker.

Earlier the leader had crafted messages wanting each “student” to think for his or herself and screen recommended actions with their discerning internal intuition.

Our heroine felt confused, uncomfortable, threatened.

What Next?

What did our heroine do? First of all, Gay made it ok to feel those uncomfortable feelings which lasted more than a day.

The protagonist distracted herself intentionally shifting focus to a walk in the woods, interesting novel, delicious meals and more. Additionally, this Star employed other mood lifters: listing supportive friends, and reviewing her own treasured qualities expressed for this world.

As she did this, the dear woman felt better and happier.

And after several days Gaynor listened to that particular lecture again, assimilated what she could use and discarded the rest. She breathed in her power and felt strong.

Resolution

Experiencing this passage, Gay dropped her fear and gained confidence. grew stronger. She updated her thoughts where she had felt threatened and judged herself: those reactions were not “who she really is.”

Instead of believing the fear message, the Star tuned to the Abundant Good, and in that, accepting herself on her human journey. In this it is easier to accept others wherever they may be on their life path.

Do you want to report on an occasion where you accepted yourself and then were able to shift your thinking? Please share!

About the Author

December 16, 2025
by Janet Pearlman
0 comments

Reboot Self Blame

We can choose to think as positively as we can. Yes, the process will involve noticing some upsets, negative thinking and all that. Best way to proceed is to notice ( it can feel overwhelming) and to keep going anyway.

Oh my we come to notice we have been focusing on what we do NOT want and we can shift that pattern.

Jenny and Self Talk

Jenny received some money from her sister, invested it and lost a chunk of it. J blamed herself thinking, “I could have bought a lot with those funds that slipped away! I feel awful!”

This dear woman’s fear about money got stimulated and hurt came up about past financial projects that did not go well. J felt loaded with fear most mornings.

Our heroine sought help to renew her belief in abundance and to recall how to make this shift.

Enter the Mentor

The Mentor responded,

“It’s such good news that you want to clean up the thought pattern that calls you names, makes you wrong and creates more of what you do not want. How wonderful that you notice! So constructive that you want to turn to more positive thinking.
You can make it ok, however you feel at this moment.

You are now cultivating compassion for yourself.

Practicing new thought patterns is such a worthwhile undertaking!
How about appreciating whatever you can. How about taking time each day to purposefully notice what is going well?

You can practice flowing with what is easiest and in allowing plenty of rest in your day.
Remind yourself that what you are doing is enough!”

Jenny felt better as she breathed in the Mentor’s positive statements.

Updating some recurrent thoughts

Number #1 “It is taking me so long!”

This is not taking too long! It is what growth looks like for everyone!

Our heroine realized she was on a journey of changing deeply held habits of thought and that shifting these will take some focusing over time.

Number #2 “I should be giving more service to the world”

Jenny told herself this self blaming thought. When she thought it she felt awful.

Instead, Jenny can know that she is one with humanity and when we thrive we contribute mightily. She was embarked on the human journey to thrive!

When we are feeling frisky, full of life, feeling good, flowing and creating—tuned in, tapped in, turned on—we are giving abundantly to this dear planet.

Feeling Success

Notably this protagonist felt great relief as she shifted her thinking. J tasted the ease that is possible. For additional help she received some Jin Shin Jyutsu and knew profound release in her body as well. And she supports herself with the directive; “Keep Going!”

Please share your stories of lifting your own self talk. Do you have a question? Please ask it! Together we are creating a more satisfying journey!

About the Author

December 10, 2025
by Janet Pearlman
0 comments

Belated Thank You Appreciated

We value one another more than it may seem on the surface. Below an illustration of how one woman received an opportunity to express gratitude for several kind acts done for her 10 years ago. All benefited.

Woman with Dream, 10 x 10, with Texture, SOLD

The Story

Carrie May received an invitation to a pop up store offering art and earrings in the holiday season. The notice came from a woman who she had known in an earlier chapter. CM felt a pull to check out this shop in a new location this year, a place much more convenient to her activities. CM followed the directions and went in.

Right away Carrie greeted the proprietor, Ginger. The two hugged and exclaimed how long it had been since seeing one another. Soon CM was perusing the merchandise as possible offerings to a few women on her list. Score! She found a pair for a dear friend.

As she was checking out, she realized this was her chance to speak her mind. “You know, Ginger, I have wanted to thank you and have not done so. About ten years ago, you facilitated my having an art show at a women’s counseling center, one where you were volunteering. I had the exhibit. Then you purchased a piece that you donated to the center.

Additionally, a senior staffer bought a piece. Not only that, a couple who viewed the show identified a piece they really wanted but could not afford. Later, I gifted those people, my auto mechanics, with that piece for their kindness to me. I had learned which piece was their favorite!

Lastly, the center’s staff decided to use an image from a painting, a woman striding into the future, as a feature of that year’s annual report document.

All that flowed to me because of your generosity and recognition of my art.

Thank you so much.

Atmosphere of Good

And isn’t it fun to know that there are people you have helped continue to appreciate you more than you realize! You create an atmosphere of Good!”

Ginger smiled broadly. She felt overwhelmed and had no idea she had contributed so mightily to another that time ago.

Carrie May felt great! She loved appreciating and expressing what she had held in her heart for a good while.

The proprietor’s friends assisting the vendor were moved. One wrote down about how we are appreciated more than we realize. Good flowed and all breathed it in!

Do you have accounts of expressing gratitude that felt great? Please share the stories with us!

About the Author

December 3, 2025
by Janet Pearlman
0 comments

Mind on the Good

We can live our lives noticing what is going well. This practice includes observing the wonders of “everyday” phenomenon: the beauty of the trees without leaves, the raindrops on branches, the crisp chill of the air. The wonders of how our body moves and heals. So much.

And letting go of annoyances, grievances, stumbling blocks and stubbing our toe.

We can try this and bask in the pay offs.

Example 1

Lane followed an impulse to shop at Goodwill. Though short of time, L poked around. The store was crowded. First, this dear one had candles on her mind. She scooped one up in good shape.

This protagonist found nothing satisfying among the tops. Then L glanced at her time piece and discovered—oh, not much time. She glanced over at the check out line—uh oh, line too long. Down she gazed at her candle and made the call- not buying this now. Retracing her steps, Lane put back the candle and headed out to her car.

It was three full days before L could return to the store.

Could she find that same candle? The store bustled with shoppers. Our star scanned for the candle—did not see it. Next, L perused the aisle where pants and leggings hung. Score! She found two pairs which worked.

Before walking to check out, Lane reviewed the small rugs and then swung by the junk area. Yes, included on those shelves were candles—in amazement she spotted and grabbed the one she had returned. Wow it was there for her! L got a spike of happiness. 😊. What were the chances among all those bargain seekers?

Example 2

Daisy participated in sharing a treatment space with two other women. One colleague was soon holding a workshop and requested that all the equipment from the other two be moved out of the room for the day of her workshop. Daisy and the third person, Kim, knew how important this meeting was and wanted to comply.

Kim had had surgery and her ability to lift was less robust than prior to the operation. Daisy planned to do that task for her. Then the time was upon them to discuss the details of clearing the space.

Daisy wrote an email explaining all that she planned to move. In response, Kim piped up that she would do her own moving and ignored what Daisy had offered.

At first Daisy felt unacknowledged and a bit sad.

Then D realized she had slipped away from appreciating. She said to herself, “I admit I had gotten into taking responsibility without directly asking K what she needed and beyond what was asked of me. I was sacrificing myself without any request for that. This represents an outdated habit in me. Wait a minute” Daisy realized all was well and she now had less work to do. And, Kim was recovering better than D had imagined.

The next day D and K had a phone call to clarify the details of the plan. D was focusing on things going well. On the call the two easily made a good plan and enjoyed one another. D’s attitude carried the day—really helpful to release hurt and refocus on good.

Do you have similar stories to share? Please so. We all benefit!

About the Author