6 Ways to Live a Life of Abundance

The Vision of an Ideal Life

 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.

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.

So, what do you do when you want a simple life with all the juicy details? Here is what I have discovered:

Love Note #14

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.

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.

Are we that afraid of differences? Have we always been afraid of differences?

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.

Maya Angelou said, "Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet."


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!

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."

But then...

...I really looked deep. 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?

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?



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?

How will you be more mindful of the hatred that creeps into your life? Tell me in the comments below.

Pass the Story

http://www.heatherdakota.com/books.html

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!

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. WE 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.

6 Secrets About Climbing that Mountain

"Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life." ~Eckhart Tolle

Hello Beautiful,
----------
After the last post, I want to thank everyone who reached out. You made me feel loved and accepted exactly where I was.

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.

I was actually not going to post anymore. Then, all week I kept hearing (from many different sources) "Don't quit before the miracle."

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.

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.

But then...

Book Review: Henrietta the Dragon Slayer

Henrietta the Dragon Slayer is filled with action and intrigue!

 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 Henrietta the Dragon Slayer.

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.

     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.

     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.

    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.

     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: Henrietta and the Dragon Stone!

What are you reading this summer? Tell us in the comments below.

About Beth Barany
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.
     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.
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.

PS. This is not an affiliate link. I just really loved the book.

It's Always a Good Day When...

"Do what you LOVE, LOVE what you do."

Polar Bear's Magic by Tracy Whichard    What's your magic?

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 Artists, Authors, Healers, and Magic Makers, I get to meet some amazing people.

This week, I'd like to introduce you to Tracy Morgan Whichard! She is a newly published author.

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.

Tracy is now a published author!

Her book Polar Bear's Magic is available on Amazon!

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.

Whimsical and fun illustrations

Perfect bedtime story

Great for beginning readers

Repetitious sounds

Adorable animal characters

What's your magic?
Join me in throwing the confetti and having a virtual glass of champagne by leaving a comment and congratulations for Tracy below! Woohoo!!!!

About Tracy:
Tracy is an experienced mixed media artist and the founder of Ladybug Studio and Fearless Girl Art (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 must!"

Face-to-Face with YOU

"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." ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Porcupine brings a sense of joy and curiosity to bring you out of the muck of grief.
Engage Porcupine Medicine to help you stay afloat through troubled waters.

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.

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.

How to Go Where Spirit Leads

 

How to Go Where Spirit Leads...Wo-manifesting Your Dreams!

 

Hey There Soul Sister,

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!

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.

Would you like to hear the "why?"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

To me, it's important to follow where the Great Mystery leads me, even though I often question the method and choices.

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.

Any thoughts and prayers for its manifestation are greatly appreciated. May it be a place of refuge for all sisters and brothers.

How do you wo-manifest your dreams? Tell us in the comments.

Find Your Place and It Will Nourish You

Hummingbird Medicine brings Joy, Happiness, and Love. Find your place and it will nourish you.

 "We are Divine enough to ask, and we are important enough to receive." ~Wayne Dyer

Hiya Gorgeous,

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.

Last year was a test of human endurance, confidence in myself, and trust in the Divine.

Love Note #13

Are you ready to be a disciple at the feet of your own heart?

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.

PS. Your heart knows what is true for you.

Find Your Place and It Will Nourish You

Find Your Place & It Will Nourish You

"We are Divine enough to ask, and we are important enough to receive."  ~Wayne Dyer

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.

Last year was a test of human endurance, gaining confidence in myself, and trusting in the Divine.

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.

I showed up, did some research, had some preliminary discussions with key players in my life, and watched the signs.

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.

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.

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.

Heartbroken. Now what?

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.

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?

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.

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.

May the Divine work miracles in your life, too!

Love Note #12

Love Note #12; Wise Woman Alchemy

Pick a direction and take action. If you stay with indecision, you will get wet.

P.S. And it really doesn't matter which direction. All paths lead back to love! Cool, huh?

Love Note #11

Love Note #11; Wise Woman Alchemy

The Earth is beginning to wake up from her winter nap. Take care of her, and she will take care of you.

P.S. Everything from the flowers to the trees and stones to the animals are our relations. Treat them well.

Love Note #10

Love Note #10; Wise Woman Alchemy

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?

P.S. There is always a Silver Lining if you look for it!

10 Ways to Know if a Mentor is Right for You

Mountain lion, your guide for 10 Ways to Know if a Mentor is Right for You

 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.

A mentor is someone whose hindsight can become your foresight.

The right mentor for you will...

Love Note #9

Love Note # 9 Wise Woman Alchemy

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.

P.S. You are an amazing love magnet!

5 Soulful Social Media Strategies

5 Soulful Social Media Strategies with Humpback Whale

I’ll be perfectly honest, and I know this is not a popular opinion, 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 HUGE 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.

There are beautiful people on both sides of this debate. 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?

Since I’m one of those on the fence, here is how I cope:

Love Note #8

Love Note #8 Wise Woman Alchemy

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.

P.S. Dear One, what seed is waiting to sprout in you?

10 Simple Ways to Add Ease & Joy in Your Biz

Why do you need ease and joy in your business? 
It reduces stress, keeps you from getting overwhelmed and worrying about only the small details.

1. Write down anything that is in your head. Keep it all in one place.
2. Keep your calendar up-to-date.
3. 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.
4. Take a break regularly throughout the day.
5. Set good boundaries on your time.
6. Your business is a way for you to give your gifts, talents, and love away daily.
7. Simplify. Get rid of anything or tweaking those things that aren't useful, beautiful, loving, or joyful. Automate anything and everything that you can.
8. Invest in yourself. You are your best business assets.
9. Play. Have a childlike curiosity about everything going on in your business.
10. Surround yourself with the people who empower, honor, and support you. You are the average of the five people who you hangout with daily.

Less Clutter = More Ease, Joy, and Flow in your Business! 

How do you find ease and joy in your business (and life)? Tell me in the comments below. Curious minds want to know.

Love Note #7

Love Note #7: What the world really needs is more love and less paperwork.

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.

P.S. Put down that stack of papers and find the love.

8 Ways to Create Sacred Space in Your Business

8 Ways to Create Sacred Space in Your Business

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. Self-care. I've probably forgotten to take some time for me. You can read my thoughts on that here or here. 2. Friends and Family. 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. My office has become a dumping ground and is no longer sacred space. This is also easily remedied.

What is sacred space?
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!

Here are 8 Ways to Create Sacred Space in your Biz:

Love Note #6

Love Note #6: What the heart knows today, the head will understand tomorrow.

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.

P.S. Go with your heart every time! It will never steer you wrong.

10 Ways Your Chakras Affect Your Business

10 Ways Your Chakras Affect Your Business

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.

What are Chakras? 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.

Love Note #5

Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. -Rumi

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.

P.S. Your beauty is showing.

4 Things a Soulful Business Owner Needs to Do to Be Seen

by Deborah Globus

4 Things A Soulful Business Owner Needs to Do to Be Seen

 

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.”  This is what is behind the whole “you are your brand and your brand is you” idea. 

It is challenging since many of us tend to be tenderhearted, service-oriented, humble and full of integrity.  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.

So what’s a tenderhearted soul-o-preneur to do?

Love Note #4

People don't run out of dreams. They run out of time. -Glenn Frey

Be engaged with life every single day, or you might miss a synchronistic event!

P.S. No regrets!

What Does It Mean to Pioneer a New Way of Doing Business?

I hear time and time again..."I don't like the way businesses are run. I want a new way of showing up in my business," or "I want my business to be different than what's out there." If this is you, here are my thoughts on pioneering this new way.

Love Note #3

May all women know...

Sometimes we forget how amazing, wonderful, and beautiful we are. In case you've forgotten, here's a little reminder.

P.S. I'm in awe of your Divine Light.

The 1 Thing Not to Ignore as a Female Soul-o-preneur

The 1 Thing NOT to Ignore as a Female Soul-o-preneur
Photo by Catherine Beerda-Basso

 
I had a blog post all ready to go, but then something happened that, quite frankly, needs to be talked about. It’s the one thing that we (as women) know as truth, but in the masculine world of business, we ignore, push aside, get through, and don't talk about. That is our moon cycles. As I come to the end of my moon cycles, each blood that does happen is precious to me, but I've not been mindful enough to realize that I wasn't truly honoring it as a business woman, until now.

Not so long ago, moon cycles were honored and considered sacred. A woman on her moon was excused from work because her energies were powerful and no longer about the outside world. She went to a secluded and safe place with other women who were bleeding also. What mattered during this time was the inside world, messages, signs, and voices. It was a strong intuitive time, a time to talk to Spirit for the good of herself, her family, and her community. She would have visions, journey, sleep, and dream. A woman would spend the time interpreting these messages for the good of all. This bleeding woman took care of herself and was adorned and pampered by the Elder women of the community. Some scholars believe that as the patriarchy began to rise, menstrual blood taboos were used to control women. It was no longer something powerful or sacred. It was a disgusting waste product to be ridiculed and laughed about. Modern woman took on these taboos as her own, but there is another way.

Love Note #2

Success and Failure are not destinations. They are Celebrations!

5 Things I Learned From the Money-makers

5 Things I Learned from the Money-Makers. Buffalo = Abundance

Lately, I have been seeing an over-abundance of promises on the Web on how someone doubled their income, quit their full-time job to blog, made 5-figures in one month blogging, or doubled their page views in two days? I've been wondering: If there are so many people doing this, what am I doing wrong? And not just that, but if there are so many people making that much money, why is everyone still living paycheck to paycheck, or hoping someone buys their product so they can eat next month, or taking all of these classes about making more money or growing your email list. Why isn't it happening for everyone across the board?

Alright I admit, I've clicked on a lot of these promises and taken a boatload of classes. Hell, I want to make 5 figures in one month. There is a lot of good I could do in the world with that kind of moola. However, what I've found in reading their information is nothing. They skirt around the subject, but don't really tell you how they did it or the formulas for "success" didn't work for my business. I don't want to be a Negative Nellie or project anything on anyone, but I'm a bit skeptical. The business owners who are actually making that kind of money aren't telling everyone that they're making that kind of money, even if they are business coaches! Just sayin'.

I'm beginning to think that it's a numbers game, "I have the latest get rich quick scheme." Is it all about the money or the people you serve? Can it be both? I want more real and honest communication around business, especially from a soulful perspective...or am I the only one?


So, here's what I've learned from the money-makers:

Love Note #1

Welcome to Love Note #1 for 2016.

live like you mean it. love open-hearted. laugh a lot.

P.S. 2016 is going to be magical for you!