September's Blessings

Greetings to all who read my blog...

I am so blessed each day of my life.  I sometimes want to just shout from all the rooftops THANK YOU!  Don't worry, like everyone, I have my dark days too... and on those days, even knowing that the blessings surround me, it is sometimes hard to get moving and feel optimistic.

Do you struggle with things in your life?  Of course you do - we all do!  And it is not for anyone to judge another's struggle.  We should love each other, we should emotionally and spiritually support each other whenever we can.

I took some time off from social media; and stopped checking it daily - instead, I check it weekly.  And you know, I feel better.  So much better.  I am going to keep that practice going... because it feels good to me.

Now, what I really wanted to tell you about was how, while walking the dog a few nights ago... it had rained quite a bit... all of a sudden there were so many scents in the air.... the earthy smell of the forest after a rain... and the clean smell of the newly wet leaves.... the scent of a skunk who had ambled by some time before, and the scent of some other animals that were not too far off from where we were.  I was overwhelmed by the sensation of it all.  And then, as if that weren't enough - the OWLS have come back to the woods... I am sure they never really left, but the days are getting shorter, and they are more active when I am awake now, so I hear them more... there is something about the cool night air that carries their call farther... we have a pair of them that hunt together who-who-ing back and forth to each other... and on this particular night, I also heard a new voice... a smaller owl with a high pitched call that made me stop and listen.  I love to walk in the woods at night, the dog is my constant companion - he protects me from the animals by making sure they all know we are coming...

I have taken my drum out into the woods at night to drum with the owls.  I don't know if they care or not, but it makes me feel peaceful to drum quietly and sing while listening to the calls of the night birds and to occasionally see bright eyes shining through the woods at me.  It somehow reminds me of the blessings that I always know are there, but sometimes forget to acknowledge.

Thanks for reading!

Living life as an example....

One of the tenets of my belief is that "you" live your life as an example to others.  What does this mean?  Well, no one is perfect, and we are all human beings.... in that we are small, and flawed.  We should be humble by the greater forces around us. (And I don't mean the government or churches).  I mean Mother Nature, and the intangible unseen forces of the greater universe around us.

I believe that I do live a life as an example to others - not always the best example; I suppose it depends on the day and the context of what I am up to.  But today, for this post, I want to talk about being "in service" to others.  I hear this a lot... and recently I was questioned about it (in an interesting way) and that made me decide to create this post.... but I digress.

What does it mean to be in service?  Well, for me it means that I will volunteer myself to help out a cause that I believe in, or share a skill that I have to help someone who needs it.  One can't make a living continually volunteering all the time, so of course there are times when I volunteer and times when I get paid, and other times when barter may be appropriate.

I could not in good conscience ask someone to volunteer for something that I am not willing to do myself; and I am happy to admit that I never have.  I am also someone who encourages people to value their time and energy, and when appropriate, get paid for what they do.  Because bills must be paid, and there is a certain satisfaction that comes from receiving a form of payment for a job well done.

What about the EGO?  Oh My!  That is a topic for a longer post.  Let me just say this about that.... Everyone has an ego - the ego can help us survive, and it can help us to be successful, overcome obstacles and strive to achieve goals... I am often mystified when people speak of the ego in purely negative terms.  We need a healthy ego to survive.  There are extremes of behavior, that is of course, human nature.  Instead of focusing on negative energy and thoughts; why not try seeking balance?  Because after all, none of us is perfect.  In our imperfections we are unique.  And often it is those quirks of "imperfection" that make us lovable to others, and sometimes even to ourselves.

Take care of yourselves.  Love yourself, love each other.  Be unconditional in that love... and be all encompassing in that love.  We are men and women by birth or by choice; we are human by genetics.  

Humanity is not a color, gender, religion, or political view.... it is all of those things and so much more.

Helping Others Helps Yourself

I am sitting here with 2 fantastic ladies.  They have a business that I 110% believe in and I am so grateful for the opportunity to help them grow it.  I am giving them guidance to create their web presence by building a website, creating a blog and a ton of other SHAnanigans!  It is so much fun to see the little "ah-ha" moments as they are learning 1,000 steps with one step at a time.

I can't wait to see where they go next!!!

What I find by helping others:  I learn and grow too!  People ask questions in their learning that I may have never asked when I was learning.  And the camaraderie that comes from working on a project together always makes me smile.

If you have a skill, and you know someone who would benefit from the skill - give them a free few minutes of your time for no other reason than helping them grow on their journey.  I know it will make you smile.

You can check them out at www.gaiagemsearthwisdom.com

When No One is Looking

Who are you when no one is looking?  Do you even know?

We all put on different social masks to help us cope and get through certain situations in life.  And we do this also because we want people to perceive us to be a certain way.  Sometimes we are so good a wearing this mask, we forget who we truly are... and in our weakest moments our true self comes through... sometimes we are amazing... sometimes we are terrible people.

I recently was having talk with my son about this very thing, and it made me think... I haven't blogged in a while, this would be a good topic for thought.

I joke about putting on my "LoonWitch Hat" when I need to be out in public and in situations that make me feel nervous... because actually, I am kinda shy.  You'd never know it to meet me, because I put on that social mask to get me through the day when I have to be social with people.  But I often prefer my own company... or to just be in nature.

When you are faced with a choice of doing something, how is that decision made?  Do you choose the way that is right for the highest and best good of all involved?  Do you choose the way that is right exclusively for you?  Do you choose the way that will make you "look good" in the eyes of others around you?  Are you aware of why you are making the choice?

The best choice is the one that you can live with, the one that makes you feel safe, good, happy.  That is always the best choice.  Choosing for any other reason often leads to co-dependent behavior.  Don't create false expectations around who you are.  Be true to yourself.  That is the best example to set.

Love should always be free and unconditional.  But you must love yourself first if you are to love others.

Unconditional Love

There are so many things a person can say about love.  And there is no easy way to define it.  A mother's love; a father's love... a romantic love, and friendship love, the love for your pet, self love... the list goes on and on.  But here's what I know for sure.

Love is meant to be given and received unconditionally.  And unconditionally certainly needs no additional defining... does it?

Every man I have ever fall in love with, and spoken the words "I love you" to, I still love today.  Our relationships may have not worked out over time, some changed into beautiful friendships, and some... well we no longer speak to each other.  But I love them all the same.  Not with the same depth or passion that I once did when in the throes of those relationships; but I feel their joys and pains (when I know of them), and I think of them and wish them well.

My child - I love him unconditionally... there are absolutely no conditions on it.  No matter how many times I ask him to do something for me and he doesn't do it, or how many times I wonder what goes on in his head.  No matter how many decisions he makes that I don't agree with, I still love him.. with every fiber of my being.  There is a bond there that will never be severed.

My friends, co-workers, family, pets... students, clients, etc etc.  I love you all.  I don't put conditions on the love I feel - I just let it be love.  Though my dad once told me that a person could not survive on love alone, these days, I wonder at that.  I am at my happiest when I feel love for others, when I feel loved by others.  On my worst day, if only one person sends me a text, an email, or reaches out to me to say that they care about me, my day turns around 100% and I am filled with joy.

So when I listen to arguments, including the ones that I have... it makes me wonder, how to better express love?  When I am cut off on the highway, when we are all late to work, and I want to express something much different than love... I remember that they are in the same situation that I am in; desperate to get somewhere that they may not really want to go, it's Monday (Tuesday, Wednesday, etc...) They are going to be late for a meeting... they have to find a bathroom really quickly!  I honestly don't know what is going on with them, but I know that I have to share the road with them, and therefore, I should show them a little road-love... let them go on their merry way, put no conditions on it - (you better let me in next time we are fighting to merge into one toll lane)... I wish them well, and hope that they arrive at their destination... it takes  A LOT sometimes to send them that love... but somehow, I always feel peace restored in my own car, and my own soul when I am able to do it.

Now, with all the hatred in the world, and all the craziness and violence, shouldn't we send a little more unconditional love around the world?

Freedom is not free, it never has been... but LOVE is.

Finding Stillness

Recently, I have been ill - physically in a lot of pain.  I have been tested for Lyme disease (negative) and for Rheumatoid Arthritis (negative), my CBC also came back normal... and yet, I am in pain... I struggle around like a little old lady... but I have a huge challenge in sitting still.

You see; I am a busy person.  My mind is busy, and my busy mind creates a busy body.  While I am able to meditate, this is not a skill that I can snap on to quiet my mind when my body is in pain.  It is a skill that I will need to learn as I get older I suspect.

The hobbies that I have to quiet my mind all involve keeping my hands busy and occupied; knitting, crocheting, journaling, writing letters... and my hands are in part what is hurting in the body... HMMM.

I am on the move, mentally, looking to find ways that I can quiet my mind without moving my body and achieve the greater stillness required for healing.

What are some tips that you have to this endeavor?  I look forward to hearing from you.

Let's not assume

You remember the old adage; when you assume you make an ass out of you and me?  It still makes me chuckle, perhaps because I can hear my father telling me that among many other adages... "failure to plan on your part, does not constitute an emergency on my part" being another one of my favorites.

But as human beings, we make assumptions a lot.  And recently, I have been looking at the assumptions I have made about people, and those that others have made about me.  It can be an eye opening experience.  I propose that you also try it.

Do not assume that because I am a witch that Halloween is my favorite holiday.  For the record, it isn't.

Do not assume that because I am a witch that I do not believe in God.  For the record, I do... though my belief is my own, and my relationship with God is between me and God.  I have faith that we have a complete understanding of each other.

Do not assume that because I am a witch that I can make things happen with a wiggle of my nose.  For the record, no one can.  No matter what method of change a person employs, it takes time to affect change.

Do not assume that because I am a witch that I only want to discuss witchcraft.  For the record, I enjoy several topics of conversation, I have diverse interests!  I enjoy reading, writing letters, going out to tea, knitting, traveling, and history!

Do not assume that because I am a witch that I can solve all your problems with one spell, candle or charm.  For the record, I can point you in the right direction and give you guidance to help yourself, but remember that you have to participate willingly, without your cooperation, nothing will change for you.

I do not assume that every person proclaiming that they are Christian thinks that I am evil.  For the record, I have several friends and acquaintances who are Christian, and we get along very well.

I do assume that we live in a free country where everyone has the right to give their opinion whether I agree with them or not.  For the record, if I do not agree with someone's opinion, I will not comment, post or otherwise lend my energy to it - positive or negatively.

I do assume that not everyone will agree with me.  For the record, that is OK with me!

And like all human beings, I make assumptions about my family and friends that often turn out to be incorrect because they are indeed just assumptions.  I have learned that open communication is the best way to really know what someone is thinking or feeling.  Engage them in conversation and ask!  

Here's another adage - You will not know, until you ask.

Thank you for reading.  As a dear friend says whenever we part company... Namaste, and Blessed Be!

New Training - New Thinking

Hi Everyone!
I just finished taking an intensive NLP Practitioner Certification Course.  This course was facilitated by a good friend of mine, and I am so blessed to have been a part of her first class.  NLP is a way to help us see the world and ourselves in a different way.  It is a way to promote excellence.  While I am working through my exam to complete the certification process, I would like to offer a limited number of free sessions to people.

Are you interested in creating success in your life?  Do you need to overcome fear, anxiety, or other self imposed obstacles?  I would love to work with you and help you create the best you that you can be!

All you need to do is contact me by email with the title "NLP 4 Me" to schedule your session.  You also need to be willing to be part of my case studies and be willing to participate in feedback and testimonials upon completion of your session.

I am only offering a limited number of free sessions, but I am looking forward to working with you!

Business or Pleasure...

For those who know me, you know that I have a full time corporate job, which I enjoy greatly, and I am also a full time psychic & witch, which I am very passionate about.  In fact, I never leave home without my witches hat on.  (figuratively - please don't look for me actually wearing a pointy hat - I have enough trouble just wearing a winter hat or a hood).  I am also a mom, which obviously is my first priority in life.  In addition to these things, I volunteer my time in community service, am a spiritual leader in my community, and do my best to have some time for my hobbies and social activity.  People often ask me how I manage it all...

Do I manage it all?

Well, yes, I do.  And I do it by asking myself what is the most important thing for me to be doing in this moment?  I am always busy - on the go - but I rarely feel that I am rushing around.  And sometimes I wonder what would happen to me if I just stopped being on the go... the answer is, I would be extremely bored, and would become depressed and complacent about every area in my life.  I am not built to sit still.  My mind is always moving even if my body is at rest.

But how do I prioritize things?  Well, I am very blesesd to say that everything in my life that is a business, is also my pleasure.  The lines between the two are very blurred.  In my corporate job, I work with a great team of people who I think of as friends, and we all work hard, travel together on business trips, and share each others joys and sorrows.  It is an ideal environment where I can be creative, and have structure all at the same time.  I have learned over my 20+ years in the industry how to set reasonable goals for myself.  This helps me in all of my endeavors.

So like every other responsible adult, I get my bills paid as expediently as I can (some months are better than others), and then I look to my dreams and aspirations to reaching the next goal.

The LoonWitch Business is amazing - it always has been - I truly love doing readings for people, and watching them when I tell them something I would have no business knowing if I weren't psychic... I love teaching people about the tarot, aura photography, runes, witchcraft, crystals and reiki... I love seeing their faces light up when they do a spell for the first time and it works for them - because often, only a little part of you believes that it will - that little 5 year old still inside saying "this is so cool, i hope it works"... and when it does, there is almost nothing better to see the expression on the face of the person who just realized that they ARE magic, and they ARE psychic... and there IS something out there, intangible, and amazing called intention, that only needs a little push in the right direction to make you feel empowered.

I am so blessed to be walking this path, to be loved for who I am, and to love myself for who I am.  I am blessed that I am able to balance the needs of work and responsibilities with the passion for life that is always burning inside me.

I have heard the saying - if you don't love what you are doing, why are you doing it - and I have to say - I love everything that I do... and I love the people that I do it with.  As my five year plan continues to develop, I welcome the transition that this will bring - even though I know this will also bring stress and anxiety, it will bring new opportunities that today I can only imagine.

If you are wondering how you can achieve this joy about your life and work, contact me for spiritual counseling.  If you are truly ready to embrace your life, you can see the blessings you already have, and expand your horizons as far and wide as your imagination will allow.

Until the next post...

Namaste

Five Year Plan - Year 1

In August 2012 I took a tele class from Mind Trip Productions about the steps to my success.

One thing I really enjoyed about the class is that you can choose what thing you want to focus on to be successful in.  And it doesn't matter what that one thing is.  Michelle can tailor the class to help you achieve the perfect success for YOU.

I decided it was time to put into action something that I only allowed myself to dream about, and rarely followed through on.  My success as the LoonWitch.

My son turned 21 in September of 2012, and that was the start of my Five Year Plan.  And as I am approaching the first anniversary,  I wanted to write more about where I am, what I am doing, and what I am looking forward to manifesting for Year 2.

My son decided to start going to college.  I am so proud of him, and this allowed me to feel that he is moving forward with his own positive momentum, and will be able to do all that he wants in this life.  He is embracing a career that he can find passion in.

I decided to focus on my health.  My body helped me to do that by giving me a lot of pain and suffering until I couldn't take it anymore.  I had gastric bypass surgery in 2010, and that has helped my health become better.  But as a diabetic, I really wanted that to come into control.  And that has been a tough road.  Many people who have type 2 diabetes are able to get into remission with gastric bypass surgery.  I was not one of them - but my medication has been drastically reduced, and I can proudly say that currently and forever, my diabetes in controlled.  I will continue to strive for a medication free existence, but until then, I am blessed to be in good health.

This year, I also had a hysterectomy.  My body had just become very uncooperative, making it much of a challenge to go to work, and live a normal and productive life for at least one week each month.  And thankfully I have wonderful doctors who listened to me, and friends who supported me through this new and challenging phase of my life.  Since that moment, I have been so much healthier!

I went on vacation to Hawaii, and found the culture of Aloha so warm and wonderful, I am embracing that in my life.  I am making time for family, I am making time for health.  I am open to all the new opportunities that have and will continue to come my way.

I have embarked on a steady exercise routine in my life - I am either paddling on my surfboard, doing yoga or walking each day to keep me in shape and to improve that shape and stamina.

This year, I embraced new opportunities as the LoonWitch to do some events and classes outside of my comfort zone.  I have begun promoting myself to new shops up and down the East Coast of the US and have successfully completed my first "tour" stopping to introduce myself , and spending two wonderful days in Fort Myers, FL at The Mystical Moon.

I am currently planning my next trip, and will be stopping in Sarasota and hopefully again in Fort Myers.  I am also looking forward to getting into a couple of other shops closer to home - Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Looking forward to the Future.

I am Success

I am Healthy

I am Happy