tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319892232003950332024-03-05T15:30:48.041-08:00Wise Woman AlchemyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-40226773658970965712016-07-14T02:00:00.000-07:002016-07-14T02:00:27.916-07:006 Ways to Live a Life of Abundance<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJZGKEgsI3dsHzwGKr_QrcHnJq3pwT9E-u38o7ZEoP-LbZILR61jzAi2SZINofmT7MOGzrj1J2_aZErHkK1owHbZsRMcatzyclbyCUTaYo9ouH92W8fg9nJdcA4S0fAwVG6-O3mokXB8F/s1600/simpleliving1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJZGKEgsI3dsHzwGKr_QrcHnJq3pwT9E-u38o7ZEoP-LbZILR61jzAi2SZINofmT7MOGzrj1J2_aZErHkK1owHbZsRMcatzyclbyCUTaYo9ouH92W8fg9nJdcA4S0fAwVG6-O3mokXB8F/s400/simpleliving1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vision of an Ideal Life</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When I was in my 20s, I had a vision of being a stay-at-home Mom, where I would spend afternoons with the kids, make healthy meals for the family, tend a garden where most of our produce came from, and hang the laundry on the line to capture the soft breeze that blew over the meadow.<br />
<br />
Idyllic, right? It didn't happen that way at all. Life rarely works out the way you envision. Don't get me wrong! There is nothing wrong with dreaming, but to get caught up in the details of this ideal future is an effort in futility. It also drags us down, creates stress, evokes anger and frustration, and keeps us stuck.<br />
<br />
So, what do you do when you want a simple life with all the juicy details? Here is what I have discovered:<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4arTJtLtj8x5KMjKupYItUIQPuuTGvNkjP5dV2HZw5xHid_BU8teJGt9LPBBLEHJPbd2XEVidUZMEtUUD-3-CLjcqIBdLsjXYHH8z8G2q4TbJMP-0hggdyKuNqRDnVIwrcbIXtMHh1287/s1600/writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4arTJtLtj8x5KMjKupYItUIQPuuTGvNkjP5dV2HZw5xHid_BU8teJGt9LPBBLEHJPbd2XEVidUZMEtUUD-3-CLjcqIBdLsjXYHH8z8G2q4TbJMP-0hggdyKuNqRDnVIwrcbIXtMHh1287/s400/writing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live the life you want today</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>1. Live the life you want today.</b> If you want a simple life, how can you live that life today? I couldn't be that stay-at-home Mom, but I could do some of the things I dreamed about. I hang laundry on the line. I have a small garden. I also make healthy meals for my little family. What can you do today to live the life that <b>you</b> want?<br />
<br />
<b>2. Don't get caught up in the details.</b> The details are were we get stuck. We're so focused on that future vision that we forget that life is happening right now! That makes us angry and frustrated today, which adds stress. The Universe is a place of infinite possibilities. Be careful about getting so caught up and focused on the details that you miss the opportunities that will lead to something better than what you envisioned.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWQzcPhQ8EWQURzrRbqyEX7HnxJID3YyAimz-tt52lhsOWlnHd7lIvlrx20mt2VEUClUE7bTp20OcbRlkN3VKvSvqPxbk6tkFB92pm-xE9B4FOCX9NEcdy7rMZAMkuq6jw3rFTIw-Ugod/s1600/SimpleAdventure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWQzcPhQ8EWQURzrRbqyEX7HnxJID3YyAimz-tt52lhsOWlnHd7lIvlrx20mt2VEUClUE7bTp20OcbRlkN3VKvSvqPxbk6tkFB92pm-xE9B4FOCX9NEcdy7rMZAMkuq6jw3rFTIw-Ugod/s400/SimpleAdventure.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be mindful of your choices</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b>3. Be mindful of your choices.</b> I often hear from people who want to write a book, paint a masterpiece, lose weight, or go on a grand adventure. The thing I hear most often, "I don't have the time." <i>So, it's time for a little tough love.</i> Yes, there is a limited amount of time each day, but we get to choose how we spend a majority of it. It may not seem like a choice, but it really is. For instance, you can watch TV or you can write your novel. You can go to bed early so you can get up early to go for a walk. If it's important to you, be mindful of the choices you are making.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"Get really real with yourself."</b></i></span></blockquote>
<br />
<b>4. Watch for Fear. </b>Fear is a great motivator or a great way to keep us stuck. Sometimes we unconsciously make decisions based on fear, but attach the decision to some other outside force. For instance, I couldn't be a stay-at-home Mom because I needed health insurance and a steady stream of income I had two little people looking to me to provide. All of the decisions I made were based in this fear that I took on from society and attributed to outside sources. I could have created a thriving business where I could work at home, but I made the choice, based in fear, to go a different route. Eh, you live and learn. If you make a decision like this, don't dwell on it. Look at your choices again and move forward.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFA5iwJmIeogzBFbNa7zb1eVCXwB4N9ADifbmMjDCQx_cs1ExqGla7MPgmMibu1zJ95rcOkwfjB-6kVRjPEcAiPRpLYge5ljWJIntnoncRlxfPryo6Byhyzf6-aAzzsb-g_tl6LHuZLpbn/s1600/writing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFA5iwJmIeogzBFbNa7zb1eVCXwB4N9ADifbmMjDCQx_cs1ExqGla7MPgmMibu1zJ95rcOkwfjB-6kVRjPEcAiPRpLYge5ljWJIntnoncRlxfPryo6Byhyzf6-aAzzsb-g_tl6LHuZLpbn/s400/writing2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All roads and all decisions lead you where you need to be for your highest good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>5. All roads lead you where you need to go.</b> I don't like the premise of being "off path." Personally, I think this creates a lot of stress. I don't think you're ever off path. You may have made a decision that took you down a different road, but you are still on <b>YOUR</b> path. And all roads, based on decisions you've made, will lead you where you need to go for your highest good. With this thought, making decisions becomes less stressful. No matter what your decision, you are still heading in the direction you need to be going. I've taken some really funky roads in my life from moving to the Caribbean because I didn't want to leave from a vacation to leaving a perfectly good job of 15 years. All roads and all decisions lead you where you need to be for your highest good.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Stay in the present moment.</b> This idea goes hand-in-hand with Number 1. The more you stay in the here and now, the simpler and less stressful your life will seem. If you find yourself drifting to the past (when you feel anger and frustration) or to the future (when you worry), it's time to take a moment for yourself. Close your eyes and breath deeply for a moment or two. Then, open your eyes and name everything in your immediate vicinity. This grounds you back into the present.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxC-LKmPJw2lIV4pEnfW3Ec-tlD8Gx20qi48ps_VihMentD1MuebqIUexJf4G_lR31HzPXuxhLlQyWQzdJHDxb5c_l9ADFzZxC7bcG7Ym79rxWGK2ZVXFIfsWoKyojP-QSIuCSjWG_BTCz/s1600/clothespinSimpleLiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxC-LKmPJw2lIV4pEnfW3Ec-tlD8Gx20qi48ps_VihMentD1MuebqIUexJf4G_lR31HzPXuxhLlQyWQzdJHDxb5c_l9ADFzZxC7bcG7Ym79rxWGK2ZVXFIfsWoKyojP-QSIuCSjWG_BTCz/s400/clothespinSimpleLiving.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are you being mindful?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Life is fun if you allow it be that. A life of abundance will mean different things to different people, but the process of getting there is the same. Look at your life. Are you being mindful of your choices? Are you getting caught up in the details? How can you stay in the present moment? What tools do you use to create a juicy life? <b>Tell me in the comments below. I'll bring the tea.</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-37102883466362250962016-07-11T02:00:00.000-07:002016-07-11T02:00:11.116-07:00Love Note #14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67lTMGujIn38O_rVmVlHZsJFI1AzHLUFv4tTYu6XYomGw7xXs5E5F1Xr2EsRwuA74h-Z3nKq8uvBbN_WRojioA45rG1eJPCQ9dskfxatnOJww4aW2plgZjs9JBQmE7WOpGVtqlUwNGqrV/s1600/AllLivesMatter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67lTMGujIn38O_rVmVlHZsJFI1AzHLUFv4tTYu6XYomGw7xXs5E5F1Xr2EsRwuA74h-Z3nKq8uvBbN_WRojioA45rG1eJPCQ9dskfxatnOJww4aW2plgZjs9JBQmE7WOpGVtqlUwNGqrV/s400/AllLivesMatter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
It's been a rough couple of months...years...decades...centuries! Is it true that we, as a society are inherently violent? Are we in a violent time? You would think so because we're living
through it. However, historically speaking this is the least violent
time in history.<br />
<br />
That someone, anyone would be targeted as less-worthy because of the color of his or her skin, sexual orientation or religious beliefs, does not click with my mind, heart, or soul. As a white woman, who has been profiled to be every possible religion, race, color, and sexual orientation...I know what it is like to be different. I've never understood it, but I have felt it.<br />
<br />
Are we that afraid of differences? Have we always been afraid of differences?<br />
<br />
Let's look to the children. They don't see skin color, religion, or gender. They see another human being, a life that they want to get to know. Therefore, we are taught hatred, and it is up to each of us to cull this hatred from our lives and replace it with love.<br />
<br />
<b>Maya Angelou said</b>, <i>"Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet."</i><br />
<br />
<br />
I've cried a thousand tears over the senseless deaths throughout my life, (from 9/11 to Sandy Hook and the Indigenous mass killings to Black men being shot for just "being." None of these affected me directly, but affected me none-the-less. I have to clear the negative energy from my Being—Every, Single, Time!<br />
<br />
It's time we look at the wo-man in the mirror and ask..."Is there hatred
and violence in my life?" and "Where do I need to show more Compassion, Empathy, and Love?" When I asked these questions of myself, my answer was, "No way! I'm a person of peace and understanding. I'm not filled with hate." <br />
<br />
<b>But then...</b><br />
<br />
<b>...I really looked deep.</b> I have walked across the street to avoid a Black Man coming toward me, instead of walking by and saying "Hello." I have watched violence on TV and in the movies, because it's only make-believe, right? I have a burning hatred for those who spout hatred and racism. But am I in the right? I have bashed another person's religion because they bashed my own beliefs. Does that make me right? <br />
<br />
The problems we face as a society are systemic. However, each of us, as individuals, has to be mindful and willing to look in the mirror and really examine our life. How are you adding to the growing problems in our society?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If we are more mindful and loving toward one another, perhaps we can get some momentum going and change the systems. What do you think?<br />
<br />
<b>How will you be more mindful of the hatred that creeps into your life? Tell me in the comments below. </b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-42522813949911163932016-07-09T02:00:00.000-07:002016-07-09T02:00:24.644-07:00Pass the Story<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWK51rYNcJL15dQcWQet7pfdCJbJWnjdgOHqX8EGCk1McZ31iEukVrjAbdyzLb7maqZ5pNGU7WyjPCOTSjCn8QgXBYWBtsPzHE0uAlLRKaVUQIrZJLVCt35k3PVWIg_l98tqubOaoS_SaJ/s400/PasstheStory+Prelim+coverFB.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heatherdakota.com/books.html"><i>http://www.heatherdakota.com/books.html</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I just received the proof for Pass the Story! A dream that started almost three years ago has come to fruition. Cheers to "Wo-manifesting!" I wanted to share a little bit of its history, and of course, a story!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9tlVJpyzKmaLpEHgVwVTMJ9z1v8Lp3mXNd_R_ER1j0d9q8QvUcWKAWYZ-_T6H44zjJxRhNYmIRxFyeUM0EHUtokVGbDidorjRmJchUEb2HZdZVRFvFD_ChyT1FYcFL9hty_6dpBt_44c/s1600/bonfire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9tlVJpyzKmaLpEHgVwVTMJ9z1v8Lp3mXNd_R_ER1j0d9q8QvUcWKAWYZ-_T6H44zjJxRhNYmIRxFyeUM0EHUtokVGbDidorjRmJchUEb2HZdZVRFvFD_ChyT1FYcFL9hty_6dpBt_44c/s320/bonfire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Several years ago, I was sitting around a campfire with a group of women I didn't know. Quite frankly, I had very little regard for women. I thought all of them were bat-shit crazy, backstabbing bitches, including myself. None of us was good enough, worthy enough, smart enough, or beautiful enough. <b>WE</b> weren't enough...period...end of discussion. These were my experiences, my words, and my story. All of our stories become filters through which we see reality.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
While sitting in this circle, I felt nothing but love, understanding, and compassion from these women. My words and my story melted into tears of healing. I cried for five days straight. This circle of women allowed me to step out of my story for the first time in more than 40 years and see a reality mixed with the Divine. In this Sacred Space, I was enough. We were all enough. You are enough.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4A4uQFqwbV7fdtTJe-r1j1GU3NXbqAGj6-9lDAEdeG-sJh1LeHhtm9dvORLaXcjPTw4-hKnilxaVfN6mzvVx6DKNh0c2e2heRHNZ7Fx55wRNanyw1jV6EaEkv-yw3G9ArdGrMSKx0pWR7/s1600/PTS_P12_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4A4uQFqwbV7fdtTJe-r1j1GU3NXbqAGj6-9lDAEdeG-sJh1LeHhtm9dvORLaXcjPTw4-hKnilxaVfN6mzvVx6DKNh0c2e2heRHNZ7Fx55wRNanyw1jV6EaEkv-yw3G9ArdGrMSKx0pWR7/s400/PTS_P12_13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork by <a href="http://healingandretreats.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Catherine Beerda-Basso</a>, Story by <a href="http://www.toilynnwyle.com/" target="_blank">Toi Lynn Wyle</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Words can wound. Words can heal. Words are powerful beyond measure. All the words you've ever stated or heard are carried with you and make up your stories and create your realities. It is what we do with these words and stories that ultimately shapes our Universe. We are a part of the words and the words are part of us. They are how we connect with each other, and this, too, makes up our stories.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02e04tpHYVoPvfZRGPx7mjZY7l2Vl3_8KzLsr_IbhTCcaWyhYZkC7vUGS5DIIzpMKnriNLZjsYK9GGCSxFGV7vMp6clrDDS97LbmW0UTK_xt_I7Gp2jpWfPM8sbMM31U_lPafU9X5Wb6a/s1600/PTS_P16_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02e04tpHYVoPvfZRGPx7mjZY7l2Vl3_8KzLsr_IbhTCcaWyhYZkC7vUGS5DIIzpMKnriNLZjsYK9GGCSxFGV7vMp6clrDDS97LbmW0UTK_xt_I7Gp2jpWfPM8sbMM31U_lPafU9X5Wb6a/s400/PTS_P16_17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork and short story by <a href="https://www.kimberlyheil.com/" target="_blank">Kimberly Heil</a>; Story by Grace Morningstar Hamilton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The reason I felt compelled to gather these stories is because every story is worth telling, sharing, and hearing. Really, all we have are our stories. The offering of your story is as important to your healing as it is to the people who hear it, as is hearing someone else's story.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGWtsiaSs7apS_3B5h-HaLfdOX6L5vzblMmGvI5561NCJ5_7hPoSLxojQsz4OHuMtcv6xwrLK4C83jVsW6j7XcPOr9Dxj2TKHXEvIEHLh27nLH8B8Ppdqi9K4vW6psiQ97LtWbf7910HC/s1600/PTS_P46_47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGWtsiaSs7apS_3B5h-HaLfdOX6L5vzblMmGvI5561NCJ5_7hPoSLxojQsz4OHuMtcv6xwrLK4C83jVsW6j7XcPOr9Dxj2TKHXEvIEHLh27nLH8B8Ppdqi9K4vW6psiQ97LtWbf7910HC/s400/PTS_P46_47.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork and Story by <a href="http://www.pixielighthorse.com/" target="_blank">Pixie Lighthorse</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The women in this book, who shared their stories of nighttime dreams, journeys to Non-Ordinary Reality, and Ancient Tales, believe that words and stories can be changed and healed by listening with compassion to one another's stories. They offered their stories with love and compassion for each person who reads their words and sees their art.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rgRw1YwY1rp3aH5TMls39Wn3kMlK1_pxmz-6AlrsDJErsZWbEziIkXBTF-iCfCHMI569FhbSy0TxGyBtQQDGv8V_HI7PZEsTdDz7kxqeBZiW52pmKJ3paw_ANAOdnGJ2Nl-XoE4i-ePr/s1600/PTS_P48_49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rgRw1YwY1rp3aH5TMls39Wn3kMlK1_pxmz-6AlrsDJErsZWbEziIkXBTF-iCfCHMI569FhbSy0TxGyBtQQDGv8V_HI7PZEsTdDz7kxqeBZiW52pmKJ3paw_ANAOdnGJ2Nl-XoE4i-ePr/s400/PTS_P48_49.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Catherine Beerda-Basso; Story by <a href="http://www.jenniferparde.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Parde</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It is our hope that our words and stories in images will heal a story within you, allow you to use new words to create a new story for your life. There is healing in these words.<br />
<br />
I encourage <b>YOU</b> to Pass the Story. There is healing in your words, too.<br />
<br />
<b>You can <a href="http://www.heatherdakota.com/books.html" target="_blank">Pre-order <i>Pass the Story</i></a> until August 1st. You'll get a signed copy and the PDF version as well. It will be available to everyone on August 15.</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you are interested in sharing your story on this blog in the hopes of healing a wound within you and others in the process, you can download the <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kZjuT7Wpt1yssd_YeKvAllruLyInTYVVoMfDl-6lFO4/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">guidelines here</a>. I encourage you to Pass the Story!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-54041947669612348312016-07-08T09:31:00.000-07:002016-07-08T09:32:17.483-07:006 Secrets About Climbing that Mountain<i>"Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life." </i>~Eckhart Tolle<br />
<br />
Hello Beautiful,<br />
----------<br />
After the last post, I want to thank everyone who reached out. You made me feel loved and accepted exactly where I was. <br />
<br />
The reason I wrote my story was because too often, especially with social media, we're bombarded with perfect scenarios and everyone else's life seems to be way better than our own. Well, I just wanted to point out that it just isn't true. We all go through the ringer a time or two in our lives.<br />
<br />
I was actually not going to post anymore. Then, all week I kept hearing (from many different sources) "Don't quit before the miracle."<br />
<br />
Well, I just got back from a seven-mile walk to the post office. There is nothing like a good walk in the fresh air to get clear on what needs to be said. <br />
<br />
On my seven-mile walk, the first half was downhill. Perfect, I got to look around, take in the scenery, listen to the birds, and hoof it down the mountain. It was Beautiful! I made it there in 20 minutes. There was a breeze, shade, and no problems. Life is like that sometimes.<br />
<br />
<b>But then...</b><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<b>...You have to head uphill.</b> Just like in life! This is what I'd like to focus on, because there were so many lessons.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fypWcpH45uDXmj1UF3bNLPaZPQ59RNIz_y9UAp4gwf2bM0Cmm25rOtku1MYppPNbA9dkYxSho1SEKOn5gji7ShVJjGTuds4lHRh7yuuDRiHW2OspNF3eL_PZ6uPIUwIgKlkBQIjycqhE/s1600/chollacactus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fypWcpH45uDXmj1UF3bNLPaZPQ59RNIz_y9UAp4gwf2bM0Cmm25rOtku1MYppPNbA9dkYxSho1SEKOn5gji7ShVJjGTuds4lHRh7yuuDRiHW2OspNF3eL_PZ6uPIUwIgKlkBQIjycqhE/s400/chollacactus.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>1.</b> Sometimes when you're headed uphill, you run into prickly bits that needle at you. But those little needles are there to get you to grow in some way. If you ignore them, they'll keep needling. If you embrace them and really look at them, you'll see the beauty in that growth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBzi8flLr3bn7PY7-FTRO_J38KWb9gRrFBMOIiY2Vhc_wNhyphenhyphenRx0f_g6xoIW941BrotT59HgROsiUKzhjPH9KOKglm9mYEc3j3qa9SZV4YnPdszObbn21tHODVPimAgoxn9O7NLUfm0fBm/s1600/cottonwoodtree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBzi8flLr3bn7PY7-FTRO_J38KWb9gRrFBMOIiY2Vhc_wNhyphenhyphenRx0f_g6xoIW941BrotT59HgROsiUKzhjPH9KOKglm9mYEc3j3qa9SZV4YnPdszObbn21tHODVPimAgoxn9O7NLUfm0fBm/s400/cottonwoodtree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>2.</b> On your uphill climb, look for the shady areas and places to rest and restore. This is where you really learn to love yourself. You don't have to keep pushing passed your limits. Take your time, just put one foot in front of the other. When you need to, take a break.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5zwcgDXQN5z6wM7azvQ37waMYeQkKQNEse-g0qTrCYp61yK7M8R3I22OJ3S3brYommobdPS0bd3fddhyJA-BtrgXY_5QGOs7Eu8UnesRQg2QQXQOFpYkEyGgRugmEIt0btXaYCznD50S/s1600/lavenderbee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5zwcgDXQN5z6wM7azvQ37waMYeQkKQNEse-g0qTrCYp61yK7M8R3I22OJ3S3brYommobdPS0bd3fddhyJA-BtrgXY_5QGOs7Eu8UnesRQg2QQXQOFpYkEyGgRugmEIt0btXaYCznD50S/s400/lavenderbee.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>3. </b>Sometimes you have your head down, doing, doing, doing, and forget to look up and admire what other relations are doing. This doesn't mean comparing, but genuinely being grateful for other soulful beings in your life who are doing their thing. "I see you" or "I hear you" are so beautiful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGH-Pg3fEC4reP7ut4HxnNIzKSBOD-TZalarWpBXM6HL8MzQHIOb9xIAg0iBmipznfR5Zv7cN69j5FiRIgTBkw1BHHLJcs-QZvC5tJPwZYN5nUyPs1C-mnyXHnC48amkZ_qLWif4W8bnbJ/s1600/climbing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGH-Pg3fEC4reP7ut4HxnNIzKSBOD-TZalarWpBXM6HL8MzQHIOb9xIAg0iBmipznfR5Zv7cN69j5FiRIgTBkw1BHHLJcs-QZvC5tJPwZYN5nUyPs1C-mnyXHnC48amkZ_qLWif4W8bnbJ/s400/climbing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>4. </b>We are all capable of doing difficult things. Be sure to look back for just a second to marvel at how far you've come. Then, face forward and keep walking.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CnLW6LW9nIat5keI6BjRa7OWH27Du8i5SkUhf8Kh-XxONtpx4fG6axHSobeJdkBohx4qp2F9ymX_Bd_AUjad2WRXi9hZsCTT5fbocWDpWSNGoEbY0CQLjvhb_W8yCH6xJv8E-r9d3Xze/s1600/bouldering1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CnLW6LW9nIat5keI6BjRa7OWH27Du8i5SkUhf8Kh-XxONtpx4fG6axHSobeJdkBohx4qp2F9ymX_Bd_AUjad2WRXi9hZsCTT5fbocWDpWSNGoEbY0CQLjvhb_W8yCH6xJv8E-r9d3Xze/s400/bouldering1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>5.</b> At the top, you might be sweaty, tired, and out of breath, but you've gotten there with EASE, PATIENCE, SELF-LOVE, and PERSEVERANCE.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIxgTjMEL4g5lOUG3vkXU2WHAxO6B3RTmk6Ptkb022nepxf0h0wykvWuP7H58mlpX1YO3CbZnNKNk7acM0NiXKn6IOvrJUnpPR8Hty4LcPgbHRUIxK3unswODAmYO8-7BjHPWevamRAJj/s1600/sittingspot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIxgTjMEL4g5lOUG3vkXU2WHAxO6B3RTmk6Ptkb022nepxf0h0wykvWuP7H58mlpX1YO3CbZnNKNk7acM0NiXKn6IOvrJUnpPR8Hty4LcPgbHRUIxK3unswODAmYO8-7BjHPWevamRAJj/s400/sittingspot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>6. </b>When you get there, reach your goal, or climb your mountain, you'll find Peace...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3asD3y1MRncOlMs66e27EVX5mrXFriFwT6wPQYWVqrk3mZXUsgjcHbKIm6p87mVVY_iu2EL4x5cBzAOfNvAUNeIWDDkU7poMb2QjY3p0dVue-mc-VimS1bCKTULKtgIzu-QkB4EPWlnk/s1600/StuffedSopapilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3asD3y1MRncOlMs66e27EVX5mrXFriFwT6wPQYWVqrk3mZXUsgjcHbKIm6p87mVVY_iu2EL4x5cBzAOfNvAUNeIWDDkU7poMb2QjY3p0dVue-mc-VimS1bCKTULKtgIzu-QkB4EPWlnk/s320/StuffedSopapilla.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
...and maybe a giant-stuffed sopapilla with a Guava Goddess Kombucha...oh and a shower to clear and cleanse.<br />
<br />
<br />
The idea is not to quit before the miracle. I won't, and I hope you don't either.<br />
<br />
xo Heather <br />
<br />
<b>How are you doing on your climb? What are you doing to take care of yourself?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>PS</b> <i>You are beautiful, powerful, and worthy no matter where you are on your climb.</i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-67233109193168704132016-06-17T11:06:00.001-07:002016-06-17T11:06:53.521-07:00Book Review: Henrietta the Dragon Slayer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Henrietta-Dragon-Slayer-Beth-Barany-ebook/dp/B004P8K292" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7be2MWorzGk7XQl3rtuPXE4iqPO_Jo9i50gB1KOq_eHNoMxm2NJMid6cdM16LALOCbjhEWceLTSMrw1JP0gbRddMsYNsmaVxoYJJ8u7aZHKZwNoxZGpqXEZCHHLCGqf6NUpdEeG5Iqy1b/s400/Henrietta%252BThe%252BDragon%252BSlayer%252Bcover.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Henrietta-Dragon-Slayer-Beth-Barany-ebook/dp/B004P8K292" target="_blank">Henrietta the Dragon Slayer is filled with action and intrigue!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One thing I really love to do is help other writers and entrepreneurs reach their dreams. Recently, I had the chance to read Beth Barany's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Henrietta-Dragon-Slayer-Beth-Barany-ebook/dp/B004P8K292" target="_blank"><i>Henrietta the Dragon Slayer</i></a>.<br />
<br />
What a wonderful story and cast of characters! Beth weaves the story through a fantasy world where the main character has slayed dragons and has seen her fair share of war for such a young woman.<br />
<br /> As Henrietta stumbles out of a tavern after hearing tales of her heroics, she meets a pushy knight named Franc, who insists that she return with him to the Islands of Oro to face the Emerald Dragon, Mimoto. However, Henrietta has other plans when she hears that her master has fallen ill and only the Dragon’s Dracontias stone can save him.<br />
<br /> Henrietta is a strong female role model who is on her hero’s quest with some unexpected and unlikely traveling companions. The young witch, Paulette, adds personality and innocence to the band. The pushy Knight, Franc, is stoic and harsh, yet finds his compassion in this quest. The Jester, Jaxter adds comic relief and helps blend all of the characters’ personalities. Beth creates a story of intrigue. The book is an action-packed fantasy with moments of real human emotions and turmoil. I adore Henrietta’s no nonsense, warrior ways. She has a sharp tongue and attitude befitting her legendary status as a dragon slayer.<br />
<br /> Henrietta the Dragon Slayer flows and is easy-to-read. You won’t find offensive language or sexual content, though there is some mild violence that stirs the action, but no overwhelming details. Throughout you’ll hear Henrietta mention in thought and deed that she is tired of killing. Beth’s fantasy world is detailed to the point that you can picture yourself in the tale, the mark of a good fantasy writer, yet she doesn’t get the reader mired down in too much fluff.<br />
<br /> As far as young girl fantasies goes, this is a GREAT read! Super-empowering for females of all ages. Perfect for your summer reading list! I can’t wait to read book 2: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I54CZII/ref=series_rw_dp_sw" target="_blank"><i>Henrietta and the Dragon Stone</i></a>! <br />
<br />
<b>What are you reading this summer? Tell us in the comments below.</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>About Beth Barany</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Award winning author, Beth Barany writes in two genres: young adult
adventure fantasy and romantic fantasy. Inspired by living abroad in
France and Quebec, she loves creating magical tales of romantic
adventure to empower women and girls to jump into life with both feet
and be the heroes in their own lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> In her off hours, Beth enjoys walking her neighborhood, gardening on
her patio, and watching movies and traveling with her husband, author
Ezra Barany. They live in Oakland, California with their cat named Leo, a
piano, and over 1,000 books.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
When not writing or playing, Beth runs her own company helping
novelists as a book midwife, coach, and teacher to help them write,
market, and publish their books.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">PS. This is not an affiliate link. I just really loved the book.</span><b> </b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-85941633167177390382016-06-10T02:00:00.000-07:002016-06-10T02:00:13.281-07:00It's Always a Good Day When...<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Do what you LOVE, LOVE what you do."</i></h4>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvALioCZHkMS5wLlwe7KPykODLM6wZ5My2Z9AUX34JtAMhc3S9cTXsQc-6CvZ07o2GGaSswvt5sCSJ3X35JAn5aRInY-U4irJ_sa6Gr7ey4UCYZmebAI0vVFfunBi_00sL5vMPkfn2qfL/s1600/PolarBearMagicCOVFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvALioCZHkMS5wLlwe7KPykODLM6wZ5My2Z9AUX34JtAMhc3S9cTXsQc-6CvZ07o2GGaSswvt5sCSJ3X35JAn5aRInY-U4irJ_sa6Gr7ey4UCYZmebAI0vVFfunBi_00sL5vMPkfn2qfL/s400/PolarBearMagicCOVFB.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1UpN9QD" target="_blank">Polar Bear's Magic</a> by Tracy Whichard What's your magic?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I absolutely LOVE that statement, because it sums up how I feel about my work in the world. As a book and website designer for <b>Artists, Authors, Healers,</b> and <b>Magic Makers</b>, I get to meet some amazing people.<br />
<i> </i><br />
This week, I'd like to introduce you to Tracy Morgan Whichard! She is a newly published author.<br />
<br />
Tracy came to me with big dreams of publishing a children's book. In her words, "I didn't have a clue what I was doing." I helped her write the story and then designed the book for her. We walked hand-in-hand and step-by-step through the entire publishing process.<br />
<br />
<b>Tracy is now a published author!</b><br />
<br />
Her book <i><b>Polar Bear's Magic</b></i> is available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Bears-Magic-Tracy-Whichard/dp/1532753217?ie=UTF8&keywords=Tracy%20Morgan%20Whichard&qid=1465495359&ref_=sr_1_fkmr0_1&sr=8-1-fkmr0" target="_blank">Amazon</a>!<br />
<br />
Come on an adventure with Polar Bear to discover the
magic of each animal from Owl to Buffalo and Seagull to Honeybee. Polar
Bear learns that there are no mistakes and that everyone has a
different kind of magic. <br />
<div id="iframeContent">
<li>Whimsical and fun illustrations </li>
<li>Perfect bedtime story </li>
<li>Great for beginning readers </li>
<li>Repetitious sounds </li>
<li>Adorable animal characters</li>
</div>
<br /><b>What's your magic?</b><br />
Join me in throwing the confetti and having a virtual glass of champagne by leaving a comment and congratulations for Tracy below! Woohoo!!!!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>About Tracy:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tracy is an experienced mixed media artist and the founder of <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FearlessGirlArt" target="_blank" title=""><span style="color: #f92705;"><u>Ladybug Studio</u></span></a></strong> and <strong><em>Fearless Girl Art</em></strong>
(art expression for kids), "I feel compelled to share my passion for
art, animals, and nature through creativity, intuition, and
self-expression." Tracy encourages children (adults, too) to believe in
themselves through a sense of "wide-eyed" magic and wonder. She is constantly
dreaming of ways to make art fun for all ages. "I believe the need
for laughter and humor is a <u>must</u>!"</span><br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-1970424586058418732016-06-09T01:00:00.000-07:002016-06-09T01:00:11.498-07:00Face-to-Face with YOU<i>"Fear keeps us focused on the past and worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay."</i> ~Thich Nhat Hanh<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyUmfk105y9WJLxlPSPHHny-34s3C3BNdMv4SrrtQLNR9jUPImrnYcrNkla_EzdVSQCz-gRpXlWA6ArowezpUUa_y95c9pditkB_tR-0HP6igOZSEXCSoqS1NYYeLI6n9ChcXOWh12vr6/s1600/canadian-porcupine-381299_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyUmfk105y9WJLxlPSPHHny-34s3C3BNdMv4SrrtQLNR9jUPImrnYcrNkla_EzdVSQCz-gRpXlWA6ArowezpUUa_y95c9pditkB_tR-0HP6igOZSEXCSoqS1NYYeLI6n9ChcXOWh12vr6/s400/canadian-porcupine-381299_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porcupine brings a sense of joy and curiosity to bring you out of the muck of grief. <br />Engage Porcupine Medicine to help you stay afloat through troubled waters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />When I lived on a farm in Kentucky many years ago, we had a cistern for our water needs. About once a month or so, we had to put a stick into the cistern to see how much water we had left. There were various measurements on the stick to determine the amount of water in the cistern. <br /><br />In the last month, I did a test on myself and found that my Energy Cistern was running on low or very low, which invited a big bunch of Fear to come visit me. It was the general sticky like Velcro kind of Fear. I worried. I had anxiety. I couldn't sleep. I was in full-blown panic mode. Two weeks ago, my warrior-Self was ready to do battle with this monster. It was almost an obsession to "get to the bottom of why I was feeling these feelings." That's a lot of "doing" and not a lot of "being." Sitting with Fear is no joke. Luckily my intuition stepped in and made me realize that I had to get very clear on what is real and true for me in this moment. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />For me, I've always considered myself a warrior, brave and courageous, and a wise adventurer. There is no room for Fear in these parts, until it happens. Georgia O'Keeffe once said, <b><i>"I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life, and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do."</i></b> That's who I thought I was...<b>Was I fooling myself?</b> This warrior was filled with anxiety about life and where my life was headed. I think big dreams have a way of doing that to you.<br /><br />
<h4>
In the last couple of weeks of sitting in the shit pile, I've learned a couple of things:</h4>
<ol>
<li>Fear is a sense of being inadequate in some way. Yep, "not enough."</li>
<li>It is a feeling or belief that we may not be able to deal with the challenges that we face in our day-to-day life or not be able to achieve our big dreams in the future. These are the stories we tell ourselves based on our experiences.</li>
<li>There is no sense of joy in the Fear. It is filled with a power all its own that complicates our lives. And our words feed this power. We need to wisely choose our words.</li>
<li>Flowers grow from this muck.</li>
</ol>
<br />As I sat in the primordial goo, I brought my mind, body, emotions, and soul together for a PowWow. The move to New Mexico (while joyful) had thrown my life into chaos. I was facing grief from the breakup that I thought was easy, and the fact that I had complicated my life with a multi-dimensional business didn't help matters. I could no longer deny the Fear or conquer it. Feelings of doubt rose to the surface to be seen and heard. <br /><br />For more than a week, it was all I could do to get out of bed. Fear, anxiety, and doubt had a grip on me that I had never felt before. My mental state spiraled down into the dungeons. And this was despite the fact that I'm in a place that my soul calls "home." It didn't make sense.<br /><br />What I had to do was embrace the Fear. I read a lot. I cried a lot. I went up into the mountains to be held. I also looked at My Stories of Not Enough. I looked at my inner self, my life, and my business honestly. My life had changed...and so had I in all aspects. So, what do I need now? Where is my joy in this new reality?<br /><br />As in all things, whenever you reach a place of incredible breakthrough or a new level of consciousness and power, there is always a "stuck in the muck" phase. This is the time that I nearly give up and throw in the towel. It takes so much strength and energy to stick with it and embrace the frustrations, griefs, and "not enoughs" that the Ego sends out. I know in my heart that there is a beautiful space of profound love beyond the muck. I try to remember that it's not about the next story, the next client, or the next design. It's about the journey. The process is the web that connects you, me, and all of life with Love.<br /><br /><b>What do you do when fear has you in its grips? Where are you on your journey? Tell us in the comments below. Your story can heal the wounds of others.</b><br /><br />xx<br />Heather<br /><br />PS <i>"Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live."</i> ~Dorothy ThompsonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-70031187379310770352016-05-11T16:03:00.000-07:002016-05-11T16:03:53.107-07:00How to Go Where Spirit Leads<h2 align="left" style="color: #62325e; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left;">
</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1IKmu2gn62K7aW2tKawVs2hRz7HielAi9zne7ELnAbPspuk9pbcQqNSqJK3ZH9We3vvx5QSxDKRDvnHrFgduJYdMtbe2LAUJjZ2eZVIBMYuGFBlR3h3THbDTLjE8cQgz3tNJ9R140pXm/s1600/raven-1269042_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Your Path" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1IKmu2gn62K7aW2tKawVs2hRz7HielAi9zne7ELnAbPspuk9pbcQqNSqJK3ZH9We3vvx5QSxDKRDvnHrFgduJYdMtbe2LAUJjZ2eZVIBMYuGFBlR3h3THbDTLjE8cQgz3tNJ9R140pXm/s400/raven-1269042_1280.jpg" title="How to Go Where Spirit Leads" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How to Go Where Spirit Leads...Wo-manifesting Your Dreams!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 align="left" style="color: #62325e; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 align="left" style="color: #62325e; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left;">
Hey There Soul Sister,</h2>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
Holy-schmoly
what a month! I just packed up my entire life and my young bloods and
moved across the country. It was freakin' scary. I did it anyway!</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
If
you missed last month's newsletter, I explained that a move had been in
the works for a while. I talked about the heartbreak and synchronous
events that led to the big move.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;">Would you like to hear the "why?"</b></div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
When
I was in my late 20s, I was living in a teepee in northern New Mexico.
One dark night, we were visited by a bear. Strong earth medicine, no?
She was and is my healer and protector. She connects me to the Great
Mother. That night, I had a dream about a beautiful piece of land that I
remember in detail to this day.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
There
was a small simple cabin with fruit trees, a garden with herbs and
vegetables, some animals, and a small river behind the cabin. I saw
myself walk out of the cabin toward the gardens. My hair was long, gray,
and braided down the back. It swayed in the wind as I walked. There was
peace in this place and within me.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
I
intuitively knew that there had been an apocalyptic event, but it
didn't seem to matter in this sacred place. I looked up from my
gardening chores and noticed a rag-tag group of people coming toward me.
They were skin and bones. It was obvious that they had not eaten in a
long time. I welcomed them in and had them sit around a fire to warm up.
I gave them fresh baked bread, dried fish, cheese, and handmade
blankets.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
Then,
I looked up on the mountain where three men stood. Two of them I knew
were my sons. The other man was unknown (and still is). They all had
long hair and beards. They had killed a deer and brought it back to
camp. There was enough for all of us. I gave thanks to the Deer and
Great Spirit for this clean kill and food to nourish all of us. And the
dream ended.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
I
have never forgotten that dream. When the dream took place, my twin
boys had not been born. I wasn't even pregnant. Sometimes the dream has
been on the back burner simmering as other things in my life took place.
In a recent journey, Spirit reminded me of this dream and said "it is
time."</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
So,
I began plans to move where Spirit led me...New Mexico. Even as a
child, I was drawn to the southwest and perhaps now, I know why.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
To me, it's important to follow where the Great Mystery leads me, even though I often question the method and choices.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
This
is why I moved. I know it's time. The land, Mother Earth is calling me
in a very insistent way. I know in my heart and soul that this retreat
center will happen and probably not in any way I can possibly imagine.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
Any
thoughts and prayers for its manifestation are greatly appreciated. May
it be a place of refuge for all sisters and brothers.<br />
<br />
How do you wo-manifest your dreams? Tell us in the comments. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-34642369659834626582016-05-11T15:49:00.000-07:002016-05-11T15:53:30.075-07:00Find Your Place and It Will Nourish You<h1 align="left" style="color: #80a432; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left;">
</h1>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgool8ofwdL0y9ljfWyzEI8DHWQOsIWM-58t5QP6Ft-r3It928RVCbBf8Q84ICbwtQNeYf9kGAnFmMTYfGg76vCimcli4xhqWxkWC1WPymrJgMya7Gj9BJGpFQuU2Gbk_GrhOspVn_sAlIV/s1600/hummingbird-71771_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="wo-manifesting dreams" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgool8ofwdL0y9ljfWyzEI8DHWQOsIWM-58t5QP6Ft-r3It928RVCbBf8Q84ICbwtQNeYf9kGAnFmMTYfGg76vCimcli4xhqWxkWC1WPymrJgMya7Gj9BJGpFQuU2Gbk_GrhOspVn_sAlIV/s400/hummingbird-71771_640.jpg" title="Find Your Place and It Will Nourish You" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hummingbird Medicine brings Joy, Happiness, and Love. Find your place and it will nourish you.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;"> "We are Divine enough to ask, and we are important enough to receive."</i> ~Wayne Dyer</div>
<h2 align="left" style="color: #62325e; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left;">
Hiya Gorgeous,</h2>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
Phew...what
a month it has been! Spring is showing me what rebirth is really all
about, and it's not necessarily all sunshine and roses. I've been in a
releasing and death phase for the past two years. Finally, the Phoenix
is rising from the ashes of my former life. The stories I believed in
are no longer valid, and I had to break my heart in order to regain my
soul.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;">Last year was a test of human endurance, confidence in myself, and trust in the Divine.</b><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
As
you may remember, I quit my full-time job to pursue my dream of running
my own business. About the same time, my sons and I decided we were
going to move out of Florida. The where and when were sort of up in the
air, but April 2016 was our target month. So a tentative plan was set in
motion. I sent tobacco prayers on the wind and prayed to the four
directions that all works out for our highest good, and that the where
and when would be shown to me over time.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;">I showed up, did some research, had some preliminary discussions with key players in my life, and watched the signs.</b></div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
Then
all of a sudden a series of life happenings seemed to derail the entire
dream. One of my sons was arrested on conspiracy to sell and distribute
a controlled substance. He worked in a shop that sold Hemp Oil, or so
he thought. His mugshot was plastered all over the news. I was
embarrassed. He was embarrassed and scared. But we vowed to stick
together despite some people turning on him and thinking he was a drug
dealer. He learned a lot. I learned a lot.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
Then
my 7 year relationship began to fall apart. We tried to keep it
together, and I love him deeply. Ultimately, our lifestyles are too
different to be in it for the long haul. I'm a wanderer. He's not. He
didn't want to move. I didn't want to stay. I learned a lot. He learned a
lot. Love is weepy.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
My
other son was going to move in with my brother after his lease was up,
(while we waited for his twin brother to finish his community service
for his brush with the law). My brother seemed to have a lot of rules
and requests that were unreasonable (in my humble opinion). My
youngblood decided against moving in. We both respect my brother for
stating his needs, even if that wasn't what we wanted to hear.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;">Heartbroken. Now what?</b></div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
My
youngblood decided to move out west. I decided to go with him with a
minor adjustment to the plan. I wasn't going to ride my bike the whole
way. Then his twin brother received word that he could do his community
service out of state. He was able join us. All of this fell into place
within two weeks and started a month after I chose the
place...Albuquerque.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
The
Universe had heard my prayers and was conspiring with everything and
everyone to make it happen, even the fact that April is when we're
moving. Funny how that works, huh?</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
So
the week of April 18th, I am packing up a truck with our minimal
things, a snake, a cat, and a one youngblood, and heading to
Albuquerque, New Mexico. The other son will join us a few days later.
It's a whirlwind of a move back to a place that nourishes my soul, and
where my sons were born. It's an amazing kind of rebirth.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
It
has also been a great lesson for me in trusting Great Spirit. It, He,
She is working for your highest good. All you have to do is pray and
show up.</div>
<div align="left" style="color: #555555; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; padding-top: 0; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b>Have you ever had a dream that you thought wasn't going to manifest, but eventually did? I'd love to hear. You can tell me in the comments. </b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-51588352681355137152016-05-04T08:49:00.003-07:002016-05-04T08:49:44.155-07:00Love Note #13<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqa3tqLkFY6uf-CkxPdf3JGacghm8l6cnwCe6atWregqZKS7o-NW6C0ivcLDHqFGhberuEAWbupxo7SZRSKIgaJXuGkxn3lGtec8OMb5FCCbuzL0jJxgJmuLJflVIkXz1zs2HJVoCHR_H/s1600/LN13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqa3tqLkFY6uf-CkxPdf3JGacghm8l6cnwCe6atWregqZKS7o-NW6C0ivcLDHqFGhberuEAWbupxo7SZRSKIgaJXuGkxn3lGtec8OMb5FCCbuzL0jJxgJmuLJflVIkXz1zs2HJVoCHR_H/s400/LN13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are you ready to be a disciple at the feet of your own heart?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You are on the path that is meant for you, because the path doesn't matter. All paths will lead to the destination of your truth. <br />
<br />
PS. Your heart knows what is true for you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-69218093554426673802016-04-07T02:00:00.000-07:002016-04-07T02:00:04.771-07:00Find Your Place and It Will Nourish You<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJmurvzN3SlcvfF1oPsQU0B-zVPljSff3cLSDeBB6UDNQOKP9lhWurFvhK0CL0ZAZvyUj1yieXzUTGXQeddIgy3ve8v-__Oi01H_-yu3qG-uubMyHc-yrV7YDtahbMfh3vopD2rKcWB3v/s1600/calendula-185322_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJmurvzN3SlcvfF1oPsQU0B-zVPljSff3cLSDeBB6UDNQOKP9lhWurFvhK0CL0ZAZvyUj1yieXzUTGXQeddIgy3ve8v-__Oi01H_-yu3qG-uubMyHc-yrV7YDtahbMfh3vopD2rKcWB3v/s400/calendula-185322_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find Your Place & It Will Nourish You</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<i>"We are Divine enough to ask, and we are important enough to receive."</i> ~Wayne Dyer<br /><br />Phew...what a month it has been! Spring is showing me what rebirth is really all about, and it's not necessarily all sunshine and roses. I've been in a releasing and death phase for the past two years. Finally, the Phoenix is rising from the ashes of my former life. The stories I believed in are no longer valid, and I had to break my heart in order to regain my soul. <br /><br />
<b>Last year was a test of human endurance, gaining confidence in myself, and trusting in the Divine.</b><br /><br />As you may remember, I quit my full-time job to pursue my dream of running my own business. About the same time, my sons and I decided we were going to move out of Florida. The where and when were sort of up in the air, but April 2016 was our target month. So a tentative plan was set in motion. I sent tobacco prayers on the wind and prayed to the four directions that all works out for our highest good, and that the where and when would be shown to me over time.<br /><br />
<b>I showed up, did some research, had some preliminary discussions with key players in my life, and watched the signs.</b><br /><br />Then all of a sudden a series of life happenings seemed to derail the entire dream. One of my sons was arrested on conspiracy to sell and distribute a controlled substance. He worked in a shop that sold Hemp Oil, or so he thought. His mugshot was plastered all over the news. I was embarrassed. He was embarrassed and scared. But we vowed to stick together despite some people turning on him and thinking he was a drug dealer. He learned a lot. I learned a lot. Life is full of unexpected surprises.<br /><br />Then my 7 year relationship began to fall apart. We tried to keep it together, and I love him deeply. Ultimately, our lifestyles are too different to be in it for the long haul. I'm a wanderer. He's not. He didn't want to move. I didn't want to stay. I learned a lot. He learned a lot. Love is weepy.<br /><br />My other son was going to move in with my brother after his lease was up, (while we waited for his twin brother to finish his community service for his brush with the law). My brother seemed to have a lot of rules and requests that were unreasonable (in my humble opinion). My young blood decided against moving in. We both respect my brother for stating his needs, even if that wasn't what we wanted to hear.<br /><br />
<b>Heartbroken. Now what?</b><br /><br />My young blood decided to move out west. I decided to go with him with a minor adjustment to his plan. I wasn't going to ride my bike the whole way. Then his twin brother received word that he could do his community service out of state. He was able join us. All of this fell into place within two weeks and started a month after I chose the place...Albuquerque.<br /><br />The Universe had heard my prayers and was conspiring with everything and everyone to make it happen, even the fact that April is when we're moving. Funny how that works, huh?<br /><br />So the week of April 18th, I am packing up a truck with our minimal things, a snake, a cat, and a one young blood, and heading to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The other son will join us a few days later. It's a whirlwind of a move back to a place that nourishes my soul, and where my sons were born. It's an amazing kind of rebirth.<br /><br />It has also been a great lesson for me in trusting Great Spirit. It, He, She is working for your highest good. All you have to do is pray and show up.<br /><br />May the Divine work miracles in your life, too!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-74042778035668271482016-03-21T02:00:00.000-07:002016-03-21T02:00:11.236-07:00Love Note #12<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4seGipD_9eIY-0ocf_MA7fjTvGy9cnvciZgdblhyphenhyphenmUc0wN8T_pY0WdIK5sl23HopBGsDMVlAo95A9y7Y91Qz0YmIwUktFG_8vujeIXSGjRXEiQsCxLnLvwg9HrrCiAYdRi3LxtM8-P9G3/s1600/LN12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4seGipD_9eIY-0ocf_MA7fjTvGy9cnvciZgdblhyphenhyphenmUc0wN8T_pY0WdIK5sl23HopBGsDMVlAo95A9y7Y91Qz0YmIwUktFG_8vujeIXSGjRXEiQsCxLnLvwg9HrrCiAYdRi3LxtM8-P9G3/s400/LN12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Note #12; Wise Woman Alchemy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Pick a direction and take action. If you stay with indecision, you will get wet.<br />
<br />
P.S. And it really doesn't matter which direction. All paths lead back to love! Cool, huh?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-35727618271944305532016-03-14T02:00:00.000-07:002016-03-14T02:00:11.502-07:00Love Note #11<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF29LspJsMFOf4i4LAIgwtwGJr9x1aSDyRnem6QcjXCGgCoLnciTnZDNqtslocFKATq_SOBROXurmwM0cdVLWiNfxE7d-nmNs9cVQxYwWAGB9R_hy3pC9CB9zrxoYUlETTUrJGcQUtUcB7/s1600/LN11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF29LspJsMFOf4i4LAIgwtwGJr9x1aSDyRnem6QcjXCGgCoLnciTnZDNqtslocFKATq_SOBROXurmwM0cdVLWiNfxE7d-nmNs9cVQxYwWAGB9R_hy3pC9CB9zrxoYUlETTUrJGcQUtUcB7/s400/LN11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Note #11; Wise Woman Alchemy</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Earth is beginning to wake up from her winter nap. Take care of her, and she will take care of you.<br />
<br />
P.S. Everything from the flowers to the trees and stones to the animals are our relations. Treat them well.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-1763900796782013422016-03-07T02:00:00.000-08:002016-03-07T02:00:15.021-08:00Love Note #10<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfslEx9uY3l3-qdPJznlYyiYZwXZkd7zN_we3qA4OHgbLTzGK_REIILsfmqBNWU1Fyizmh0gMoG2tXWkEhK7HtX-sCAzvioF92WvrCDE_lKmXO0f9IRnnjm2ouAcroUd7JQ2loRsOivVf/s1600/LN10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfslEx9uY3l3-qdPJznlYyiYZwXZkd7zN_we3qA4OHgbLTzGK_REIILsfmqBNWU1Fyizmh0gMoG2tXWkEhK7HtX-sCAzvioF92WvrCDE_lKmXO0f9IRnnjm2ouAcroUd7JQ2loRsOivVf/s400/LN10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Note #10; Wise Woman Alchemy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Everyone goes through adversity from time to time. How you chose to look at it and react to it is how you let it define you. Which will you choose?<br />
<br />
P.S. There is always a Silver Lining if you look for it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-48302331462050938852016-03-03T02:00:00.000-08:002016-03-03T02:00:07.170-08:0010 Ways to Know if a Mentor is Right for You<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJwHwZGAPBgD5YaPfdJuvLM24Z7Ey90ij6yBXMgRq4ZHXbw7uAi3r9FvVOHlA-eW16rLX7Y1Xo8a1GUJEXnl66wMU6FwJ_hn4fvWiKkVmDyX5vllyzfhyphenhyphenmNfPUqB_gnsxhfBBfvF8-XxJ/s1600/Mountainlion2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJwHwZGAPBgD5YaPfdJuvLM24Z7Ey90ij6yBXMgRq4ZHXbw7uAi3r9FvVOHlA-eW16rLX7Y1Xo8a1GUJEXnl66wMU6FwJ_hn4fvWiKkVmDyX5vllyzfhyphenhyphenmNfPUqB_gnsxhfBBfvF8-XxJ/s400/Mountainlion2.jpg" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain lion, your guide for 10 Ways to Know if a Mentor is Right for You</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Mentors are the people who are a little farther along on the business path than you. He or she will help guide you with the knowledge that has been gained along the way. Mountain lion is a great guide to work with in order to call in a mentor to help you achieve your goals.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">A mentor is someone whose hindsight can become your foresight.</span></b></blockquote>
<br /><span style="font-size: large;">The right mentor for you will...</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<ol>
<li>...be willing to share his or her wisdom, knowledge, skills, and expertise.</li>
<li>...have a positive outlook on life and your profession. </li>
<li>...be there to help you through tough times and see opportunities in the problems that you face.</li>
<li>...be genuinely concerned about you and your success.</li>
<li>...really know what he or she is doing. You’ll respect his or her knowledge and skills.</li>
<li>...keep growing, too. He or she is curious and asks questions of his or her own business mentors, sometimes even your roles may be reversed.</li>
<li>...know how to give you direct, constructive feedback when you ask for it only. </li>
<li>...hold you to a high standard and toot your horn when you succeed, but will help you course correct if you fail.</li>
<li> ...be well respected by other people, who are also highly regarded in your industry.</li>
<li> ...be a dedicated listener.</li>
</ol>
<br />Having a mentor is a great strategy for taking care of yourself and your business. A mentor whould be part of every soul-o-preneur's business foundations.<br />
<br />
Look around you. Who are the people you admire and want to emulate? Watch what they do and do the same. I don’t mean copy what they do, but how they treat people and the soul they bring into their own business. That is what can be emulated. Shine your light in your way, not your mentors. Also, remember that someone can be a mentor even if they don’t know they are mentoring you.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Tell me in the comments below. Do you have a mentor? How is he or she helping you with your business?</b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-91470496650116583432016-02-29T02:00:00.000-08:002016-02-29T02:00:15.442-08:00Love Note #9<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKt-mHO5Uu3UTa__PwF4qIImLg6zoclLGezjChVw9j6l7D9GLdDBWuCBMJQIOk7-M0nDpeEhQXtSIEl4Qwu2lTaDZVHGnG6QK8zIOy9bOCdIf-gPJYyLxLxnbkKeJpend2jXI80L8yFz6u/s1600/LN9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKt-mHO5Uu3UTa__PwF4qIImLg6zoclLGezjChVw9j6l7D9GLdDBWuCBMJQIOk7-M0nDpeEhQXtSIEl4Qwu2lTaDZVHGnG6QK8zIOy9bOCdIf-gPJYyLxLxnbkKeJpend2jXI80L8yFz6u/s400/LN9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Note # 9 Wise Woman Alchemy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Did you know that your heart's electrical field is 5,000 times greater in strength than the electrical field of your brain? Your heart's field can touch those who are 8 to 10 feet away in all directions. Choose love.<br />
<br />
P.S. You are an amazing love magnet!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-83120753694886941442016-02-25T02:00:00.000-08:002016-02-25T02:00:06.715-08:005 Soulful Social Media Strategies<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBzcYI0OGcX-6hB4PuK3wXZ_GGEosFy_y0uSjS5kbbrJ-ASEaEaoDdLP7FFRDt10Fc2y7kQXWLwRFfcUgCZsLzMNUvLZj0CwlcQBNfqO5xcfiwyQcirIPeGA-YR3RFgXd5-URrQTV5bi5/s1600/humpback_whale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBzcYI0OGcX-6hB4PuK3wXZ_GGEosFy_y0uSjS5kbbrJ-ASEaEaoDdLP7FFRDt10Fc2y7kQXWLwRFfcUgCZsLzMNUvLZj0CwlcQBNfqO5xcfiwyQcirIPeGA-YR3RFgXd5-URrQTV5bi5/s400/humpback_whale.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 Soulful Social Media Strategies with Humpback Whale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I’ll be perfectly honest, <b><i>and I know this is not a popular opinion</i></b>, but I don’t like social media. In me, it brings up old wounds, shadows, and feelings of inadequacy, envy, and even overwhelm at times. It can be a <b>HUGE</b> distraction, too. Social media seems necessary if you want a successful business, and yet, there are those who have opted out. It gives this girl pause for thought.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">There are beautiful people on both sides of this debate. </span>There are a lot of us wobbling on the fence. What if you feel like running from the Social Media beast, but think you need to stay, or even want to on some level? I can’t deny the beautiful connections that I’ve made that wouldn’t have happened any other way and staying in touch with these Lovelies is way easier on social media. Yet I can't help wanting to make real connections, in person instead of online. What's a Soul-o-preneur to do?<br /><br /><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Since I’m one of those on the fence, here is how I cope:</b></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />1.<b> Limit your Social Media networks.</b> I have accounts on just about every Social Media network, but I have 2 main players (Pinterest and Facebook). The others are minor players that I dabble in now and then. Do I have a lot of followers on them…no. That’s okay. I’d rather have 10 engaged people than 1,000s with whom I can’t connect on a personal level. That’s just me.<br /><br />2. <b>Limit your time on Social Media.</b> I post in the morning, check in at the end of the day, and pin in the evening. That’s the strategy that works best for me. I spend less than 30 minutes on any given day on Social Media. I've tried using Hootsuite, but it's one more thing on my plate and feels like it's taking me farther from my tribe, not closer.<br /><br />3. <b>Find the network that shows a return on your investment.</b> Your investment can be time, too. Look at how much time you're spending on social media. Are you getting a return on that investment? How is your investment best spent? Are you gaining clients and customers from a particular social media network? Go with that one! Are you engaging and connecting with your customers and clients on a particular network? That's the one for you.<br /><br />4. <b>Organize your efforts.</b> If you are limiting your networks and your time, you’ll need to organize your marketing efforts for each network. This includes what you are going to post, when you’re going to post, and how often you’re going to post. Having a posting strategy will help you organize. Remember that you want to add value and be of service. You aren’t just selling your products and services or posting nonsense (unless that’s your brand).<br /><br />5. <b>Focus on the networks that add value to your life.</b> Keep in mind <span style="font-size: large;">Ease</span> and <span style="font-size: large;">Joy</span>! Each network will have it’s advantages and disadvantages. Focus your efforts on the networks where your tribe is hanging out the most and where you connect with them on a consistent basis. And really, which one or two do you enjoy the most?<br /><br />
I know how tough it can be in social media land. I feel your struggles and know your pain. And as simply a way to connect with all of you... <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxffwMrzB98tZU9IUnFTMjRadW8/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><b>Here is a free interactive social media organization tool that you can download.</b></a> <span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><b>Tell me in the comments below… what social media networks do you get the most enjoyment out of?</b></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-56824408407101899142016-02-22T02:00:00.000-08:002016-02-22T02:00:15.068-08:00Love Note #8<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkhATC_sGuLNME1S-C6s8j2XZ0HpHjyF8oQWcthYPHa6KbP-kTQZEiaKZ6TKeqLGrageKsFwRdY3Ai60QxLLg0xLHSv05004l0r6otQh1o2VCXRTaSE1AiHzv3jKG3Sm2ZhX2nYzO0JwP/s1600/LN8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkhATC_sGuLNME1S-C6s8j2XZ0HpHjyF8oQWcthYPHa6KbP-kTQZEiaKZ6TKeqLGrageKsFwRdY3Ai60QxLLg0xLHSv05004l0r6otQh1o2VCXRTaSE1AiHzv3jKG3Sm2ZhX2nYzO0JwP/s400/LN8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Note #8 Wise Woman Alchemy</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sometimes we forget that we have everything we need. We try to fill up with outside influences, instead of looking to our own heart where the seeds of change and love are ready to sprout.<br />
<br />
P.S. Dear One, what seed is waiting to sprout in you?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-48391323153444849202016-02-18T02:00:00.000-08:002016-02-18T02:00:00.992-08:0010 Simple Ways to Add Ease & Joy in Your Biz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YGQrIFFsz80/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YGQrIFFsz80?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<b>Why do you need ease and joy in your business? </b><br />
It reduces stress, keeps you from getting overwhelmed and worrying about only the small details.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Write down anything that is in your head. Keep it all in one place.</li>
<li>Keep your calendar up-to-date.</li>
<li>Make sure you inbox is completely clear by the end of the day. Use a "Follow-up" folder for emails you don't want to deal with right away. </li>
<li>Take a break regularly throughout the day.</li>
<li>Set good boundaries on your time.</li>
<li>Your business is a way for you to give your gifts, talents, and love away daily.</li>
<li>Simplify. Get rid of anything or tweaking those things that aren't useful, beautiful, loving, or joyful. Automate anything and everything that you can.</li>
<li>Invest in yourself. You are your best business assets.</li>
<li>Play. Have a childlike curiosity about everything going on in your business.</li>
<li>Surround yourself with the people who empower, honor, and support you. You are the average of the five people who you hangout with daily.</li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Less Clutter = More Ease, Joy, and Flow in your Business! </span><br />
<br />
<b>How do you find ease and joy in your business (and life)? Tell me in the comments below. Curious minds want to know.</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-2860817892881417472016-02-15T02:00:00.000-08:002016-02-15T02:00:00.155-08:00Love Note #7<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjrT_nrOVhbyjgVkkhyNhKdQbp5D_AkLV4gdILbqtoerqkiRm9yEeRhKOUF8VZZZGSnHbtF-bqWJNBopxPML67hltAU42FRb1LLWeDMC0rsAXNkg8AtlLqOz3raeAhkqoPNO0TsfTgreu/s1600/LN7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjrT_nrOVhbyjgVkkhyNhKdQbp5D_AkLV4gdILbqtoerqkiRm9yEeRhKOUF8VZZZGSnHbtF-bqWJNBopxPML67hltAU42FRb1LLWeDMC0rsAXNkg8AtlLqOz3raeAhkqoPNO0TsfTgreu/s400/LN7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Note #7: What the world really needs is more love and less paperwork.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We get so caught up in the day-to-day grind of making a living that we forget to make a life. The essence of this great life is love.<br />
<br />
P.S. Put down that stack of papers and find the love.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-17145097256105581072016-02-11T02:00:00.000-08:002016-02-11T02:00:11.685-08:008 Ways to Create Sacred Space in Your Business<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vsDJ1BDi9cccIsb2Ci_GAYMZdBGcTSXNXreYwgygYbKMsGRZAsbDLNVTM00iQXlZZI8TE9FcuMIv6e_xY2XqoKH0Tn92TCJ09IWFK5aAV7jffau1lTYJ3pSWI4SXJy-EverBMh0e2PKZ/s1600/fengshuidesk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vsDJ1BDi9cccIsb2Ci_GAYMZdBGcTSXNXreYwgygYbKMsGRZAsbDLNVTM00iQXlZZI8TE9FcuMIv6e_xY2XqoKH0Tn92TCJ09IWFK5aAV7jffau1lTYJ3pSWI4SXJy-EverBMh0e2PKZ/s400/fengshuidesk.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 Ways to Create Sacred Space in Your Business</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Have you ever gotten to the point where nothing is working in your business, and you're ready to give up and quit? We've all been there, so don't despair. I've found that when I get to that point I need a couple of things: 1. <b>Self-care.</b> I've probably forgotten to take some time for me. You can read my thoughts on that <a href="http://wisewomanalchemy.blogspot.com/2015/09/7-simple-boundaries-to-set-in-your.html" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="http://wisewomanalchemy.blogspot.com/2015/09/three-ways-to-survive-business-or-life.html" target="_blank">here</a>. 2. <b>Friends and Family.</b> The other thing that seems to fall by the wayside when I'm focused on my Biz. I'm not saying it's right. It just happens. Both of these are easily remedied. 3. <b>My office has become a dumping ground and is no longer sacred space.</b> This is also easily remedied.<br />
<br />
<i><b>What is sacred space?</b></i><br />
An environment that supports your needs, as well as your clients or customers, is sacred space. As the energies of a space mixed and mingle, they can get muddied causing icky feelings and a drop in sales. Yep, you read that right...drop in sales! <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Here are 8 Ways to Create Sacred Space in your Biz:</span></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">1. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Clean your office!</span> </span></span></b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">Always keep your space clean and decluttered. I know this is easier said than done. However, a dirty and cluttered office or work space will stagnate not only your creativity, but your business abundance and prosperity, too. </span></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;"> At the end of your cleaning, give a little prayer, "Love and light enter this space. I ask that you make it a Sacred Space, a place of peace and love, a place that I can share with a full-heart for everyone's highest good."</span></span><b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">2. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Feng Shui your space (desk and office).</span> </span></span></b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Schway) is an ancient </span></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">practice of arranging physical objects to attract positive energy.</span></span><b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">The energy directly affects your thoughts and moods. When your feng shui is done, you'll be able to feel the energy flowing in your sacred space. It will being to flow for your highest good. When I did this to my office, I found $50, got a new client, and a book deal all in the span of a few hours. It works. I talk about this technique in the E-book <i><b>Rituals for Prosperity</b></i> available as a bonus for the class <a href="http://www.heatherdakota.com/business-foundations.html" target="_blank">Business Foundations</a>.</span></span><b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">3. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Go smudge yourself.</span> </span></span></b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">Remember the old saying..."As within, so without." Cleansing and purifying the negative energies on you and in your office is imperative to have a business that supports you in a livelihood that is fun and profitable. Smudge with Sage smoke or by spritzing sage or sweet grass spray. Clapping in corners or ringing a glass bell can also help get rid of negative energies.</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">4. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Make your desk an altar.</span> </span></span></b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">Make an altar out of your desk or place where you work.</span></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;"> Creating altars is an ancient practice to call-in that which you seek. What are you wanting to call in for your business: prosperity, abundance, love, or being seen and heard?</span></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;"> M</span></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">ake your desk an amplifier of this spiritual energy. This means keeping it decluttered and putting everything away at the end of your work day.</span></span><b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">Add elements of prosperity: Stones like citrine, a Buffalo totem, or the color orange.</span></span><b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">5. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Sensualize your space.</span> </span></span></b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">Use sound, scent, and nature to help move the energy around, as well as increase it. What sounds do you love? For me, it depends on what I'm doing. Is there a flower scent that you love or maybe an essential oil? Be sure to add that to your sacred space.</span></span><b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">I'm partial to gardenia. </span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">6. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Selectively choose what goes in your sacred space.</span> </span></span></b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">Keep only those things that are useful and bring you joy. Everything else should go!</span></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;"> It's really amazing that we need very little in business, but we think we "need." What need are you really trying to fill with that new gadget? Before you buy it or bring it into your sacred space, think about it for a few weeks before purchasing.</span></span><b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">7. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Remember your needs.</span> </span></span></b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">What brings you comfort? What gives you that homey feeling? How do you work best? Creating a space that meets your personal needs and nourishes you throughout your workday and the daily pressures is a great way to uplift you and your business.</span></span><b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">8. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Honor your space. This means your posture, too!</span> </span></span></b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">I'll admit it. I'm horrible at this! My space is sacred and has good energy, but I'm hunkered over the desk like I'm protecting the last piece of chocolate in the world. Sitting up and letting your heart-centered energy of love permeate your space adds to it's sacredness. Now, I have a daily reminder to sit up, get up from my desk and stretch, and take a deep breath. You can find the one I use <a href="http://www.dejal.com/timeout/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">If you want to succeed and be happy in your life and business, increase the energy of your working space and empower your sacred space to support you. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Tell me in the comments below what techniques you use to create a sacred space for your business.</b></span> If you want more discussions like this one, check out the <a href="http://www.heatherdakota.com/the-society.html" target="_blank">Wise Woman Society.</a> </span></span><b> </b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-44987423847749333742016-02-08T02:00:00.000-08:002016-02-08T02:00:22.690-08:00Love Note #6<span id="goog_974356040"></span><span id="goog_974356041"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XTXn2gYtZ0UBP6SIQ9PJmeXrl-USzaB5i7Sx531Er4_6r4cM5u0zl3LYSNVkpk1gwuyl0nQuctvRFsbY205TF_YdM36DUTdOkVSPzXnbblfUGx9Fr02yg9TReoMe2h9t6wwKM3opDTJj/s1600/LN6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XTXn2gYtZ0UBP6SIQ9PJmeXrl-USzaB5i7Sx531Er4_6r4cM5u0zl3LYSNVkpk1gwuyl0nQuctvRFsbY205TF_YdM36DUTdOkVSPzXnbblfUGx9Fr02yg9TReoMe2h9t6wwKM3opDTJj/s400/LN6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Note #6: What the heart knows today, the head will understand tomorrow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sometimes we get so caught up in what our head is telling us that we forget to listen to our heart. Our head will take time to understand what our heart knows in an instant.<br />
<br />
P.S. Go with your heart every time! It will never steer you wrong.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-61529458618901540472016-02-04T02:00:00.000-08:002016-02-04T02:00:14.186-08:0010 Ways Your Chakras Affect Your Business<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FrYgvGuvoudoHMyyla6EEsBEChBRNLDv8sGPzucOIQtmj8vbAGmgGaOKfbjmyR_bkn6e8aVcC6l7oovrGReLgTBbSA_-tr46fZzQO5Uol-fWChiv9LfyaTKDvPim2GnddEFYMxTZlxjs/s1600/BPChakras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FrYgvGuvoudoHMyyla6EEsBEChBRNLDv8sGPzucOIQtmj8vbAGmgGaOKfbjmyR_bkn6e8aVcC6l7oovrGReLgTBbSA_-tr46fZzQO5Uol-fWChiv9LfyaTKDvPim2GnddEFYMxTZlxjs/s400/BPChakras.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 Ways Your Chakras Affect Your Business</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As Soul-o-preneurs, our lives are directly connected to our businesses. There is no separation, and in my opinion that is how it should be. After all, we are whole beings and our business is the outward manifestation of our inward knowing. Both are energies. Therefore, you could conclude that your energy centers, or Chakras, can and will affect your business.<br />
<br />
<b>What are Chakras?</b> Chakras are the energy centers in your body through which energy flows. Most people know of seven. Personally, I believe there are many more, so we'll talk about ten and how those ten affect your business.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The Root Chakra</b></span> represents your foundation and feeling that you are grounded. It is located at the base of the spine at the tailbone. In your business, this is your need for financial independence, safety, and keeping your ideas grounded in reality. <b>If there is a blockage in your Root Chakra</b>, it will manifest in the outside world as not being able to hold onto an idea or make it manifest. You may also feel insecure within your business.<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #e69138;"><b>The Sacral Chakra</b></span> is your ability to connect with others and new experiences. It is located in the lower abdomen, about two inches below your navel. In your business, it is the seat of your inner feminine energy, idea generator, and creative problem-solver. It also holds your sense of abundance and prosperity. <b>Any blockages in this Chakra could manifest in your business</b> as a scarcity mentality or a lack of ideas (i.e. Writer's Block).<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>The Solar Plexus Chakra</b></span> gives you confidence and a sense of control in your life. It is located in the upper abdomen. Your self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence in your business comes from this Chakra. It is also the place of your inner masculine energy of taking action. <b>If there is a blockage in this Chakra</b> it will manifest as self-doubt, lack of confidence in your path and business, and the inability to make things happen in your business.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">The Heart Chakra</span></b> is located in the center of your chest at your heart. It is the area that gives you your ability to love. For your business, this translates to the love you have for your business and your fellow human beings that you are serving. <b>Any blockage in this Chakra </b>could manifest in being angry in your business and a focus on the money instead of the people you serve.<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>The Throat Chakra</b> </span>represents your ability to communicate. It is located at your throat and is connected to the way you communicate and express your feelings and truth. <b>If you are having problems expressing yourself authentically</b>, check this chakra for blockages.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">The Third-eye Chakra</span></b> gives you the ability to focus and see the big-picture at the same time. It is located on your forehead between the eyes. This is where imagination, the ability to think and make wise decisions, and your intuition comes from. <b>Any blockage in this area will result</b> in making poor decisions for your business or not knowing what the next step in your business should be.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #674ea7;">The Crown Chakra</span></b> is located on the top of your head. It gives you the ability to connect completely with Spirit and your higher self. For your business, it is where you connect with the Divine for the good of your Higher Self and business. <b>A blockage in the Crown Chakra</b> will make you feel very alone in your business.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #f4cccc;">The Hand & Feet Chakras </span></b>are located in the center of each palm and foot. This allows you to give and receive energy from many sources. For your business, it is the perfect way to connect with your clients and customers, and send good energy out into the world. <b>Activate these Chakras</b> for your business by clapping or stomping your feet.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;">Your Earth Star</span></b> is located about two feet below your feet. This is your connection to Mother Earth energy. For your business, this not only provides limitless energy, but also a connection with nature and a feeling of oneness with all life. <b>Connecting deeply to this Chakra</b> will begin to bring in what your business can do for the Earth and all its beings.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Your Soul Star</span></b> is located about two feet above your head. This is your connection to Divine energy. This is by far your best business advisor. It provides limitless Divine energy and a knowing of your path in life. <b>Your confidence in your business and where it's headed will soar</b> once you connect with this Chakra.<br />
<br />
If you want to learn more about Chakras, check out <a href="http://www.heatherdakota.com/chakra-animal-spirit-guides.html" target="_blank">Chakra Animal Spirit Guides</a> Self-study course, which starts May 2, 2016.<br />
<br />
How connected are you with your Chakras? Have you seen any energy shifts in your business with deeper connections? <b>Tell me your thoughts in the comments below.</b> <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-46404676475950727662016-02-01T02:00:00.000-08:002016-02-01T02:00:14.477-08:00Love Note #5<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1lAlj69N39cJGABsYBLxE8k0cq_hw6dXQDaOXK7FF2PHyLGSBWIfxMxtM0EgtOVYBE1lWoGAxGJ0G2hLYipOoN1keUgexUQuDrq15Mor7mKvedfBFtW0Te8oqRHhNm1ZsJpjDfsZr7a0/s1600/LoveNote5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1lAlj69N39cJGABsYBLxE8k0cq_hw6dXQDaOXK7FF2PHyLGSBWIfxMxtM0EgtOVYBE1lWoGAxGJ0G2hLYipOoN1keUgexUQuDrq15Mor7mKvedfBFtW0Te8oqRHhNm1ZsJpjDfsZr7a0/s400/LoveNote5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. -Rumi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sometimes we're so busy making a living that we forget to make a life. Don't put your passions and loves on the back burner. Engage with them as often as you can.<br />
<br />
P.S. Your beauty is showing. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831989223200395033.post-70207005005074826022016-01-28T02:00:00.000-08:002016-01-28T02:00:02.763-08:004 Things a Soulful Business Owner Needs to Do to Be Seen<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Deborah Globus</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFNixhAA8w1OlDoTO-Qhf2WIIEbNzHMZ41MxTOkZYVtERhKgE9r_MfunQFxylMRV0KOa6iyoVNIabcUKorImfgm0zsEPIW37iF65K5KH-iNoGGHKOzEG3xLFHuSlPivfeNBMl4D2nYb2h/s1600/Armadillo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFNixhAA8w1OlDoTO-Qhf2WIIEbNzHMZ41MxTOkZYVtERhKgE9r_MfunQFxylMRV0KOa6iyoVNIabcUKorImfgm0zsEPIW37iF65K5KH-iNoGGHKOzEG3xLFHuSlPivfeNBMl4D2nYb2h/s400/Armadillo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 Things A Soulful Business Owner Needs to Do to Be Seen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
mso-themecolor:hyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-size:11.0pt;
mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
line-height:115%;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you’re a small, heart-centered business owner – a
soul-o-preneur as Heather calls us – it’s absolutely vital to the success of
your business that you get yourself out there and “get seen.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what is behind the whole “you are
your brand and your brand is you” idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is challenging since many of us tend to be tenderhearted,
service-oriented, humble and full of integrity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Marketing in the usual way is tough, so here are some do’s as you
explore ways of being seen that work for you and your business.</div>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>So what’s a tenderhearted soul-o-preneur to do?</b></span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do add armor</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re an introvert, a highly sensitive person, or have
a little social anxiety, then having too much energy
in your space is difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever the reason, you don’t have to go out
there unprotected. What you need is to consciously choose to protect
your heart so it doesn’t sabotage your work.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A simple solution is to put up “warders” – a bubble of
energetic protection around yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Envelope </span>yourself in white light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Putting up a warder keeps other peoples’
energies from encroaching on you, while still allowing your energy to pass out
to connect with others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do your Soul work</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are reasons for your fear and hesitation, and chances
are you’ll find the roots of those reasons in your past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These painful episodes and associations need
to be worked through, disempowered – gently but firmly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a long road and a lot of work and time,
but as a soul-based business owner it is a must.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see, your life and your business are intimately
entwined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you’re hurting in your
life, you’re hurting in your business. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know it’s a pain, but fighting it just wastes more energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put that energy into healing your past.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Journal, do rituals (<a href="http://www.lapadre.com/blog/letting-go-of-the-past-a-ritual">http://www.lapadre.com/blog/letting-go-of-the-past-a-ritual</a>)
talk to a therapist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever works for
you – just make sure you’re making time to do that work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do practice</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s obvious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
annoying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s the one thing I tend
to forget. Being seen takes practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It takes practice to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
takes practice to remember to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
takes practice to get comfortable with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Practice takes time. <i><b>So. Much. Time.</b></i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put in your time, and it’ll get
easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put in the time, and you’ll begin
to recognize your own patterns, as well as your personal do’s and don’ts. Put
in the time, and then put in some more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do create a talisman</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A talisman is a physical object imbued with spiritual
meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take an everyday
object, like a necklace, and turn it into a protective talisman simply by
repeating a mantra every time you put it on and take it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is safe to be seen.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My own talisman for protection is a quartz crystal, a gift
from a dear friend who does wonderful things for my self-esteem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I wear the necklace it hangs over my
heart, shielding it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wear it when I’m in social situations where I might feel judged or misunderstood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It reminds me that I am accepted and understood in many
places in my life. This gives me the hope that I can do the same in any new
situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(And if I can’t, it doesn’t
matter because even if these folks don’t get me – others do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a whole lot of breathing room in that
realization.) </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you’d like to make a really powerful talisman
for being seen, you can make one with me on the night of February 4<sup>th</sup>. I’ll be hosting a virtual Boast in honor of Imbolc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Boast itself is a fabulous way to
practice being seen in a safe and strongly-held environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To learn more and to sign up for this free
ritual, click here. (<a href="http://www.lapadre.com/blog/the-practice-of-being-seen-and-the-art-of-the-boast">http://www.lapadre.com/blog/the-practice-of-being-seen-and-the-art-of-the-boast</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14257416911040801952noreply@blogger.com1