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.

Finding Acceptance

Life is never easy all the time, and it's the ups and downs of life that make it worth living.  We learn from both ends of the spectrum, though we hope to fall in the middle most often - or at least, I hope to fall in the middle most often.  Feeling safe and settled, content with myself and my life are all I hope for.

But in my darker days of being a young single mother, being overweight, looking for the right love, and trying to pay my bills, etc. etc.. you know what I'm talking about... I struggled; like we all do.  And I am a person who loves music.  I love all different types of music... gospel, country, rock, alternative, rap, hip-hop, metal, folk, opera, big band, new age, etc.  There isn't a genre that I can't find at least one song in that makes me smile.  So I create a soundtrack of my life - there's almost always a song running through my head... and before I get too off the topic; those dark days, I found a song that became my theme song for many years, and my mantra still.

I am blessed to personally know the amazing woman who wrote and performs the song.  In a way that makes it even more special.

In the immortal words of Ms. Jenna Greene; "you need to find acceptance in yourself".  And a truer statement has rarely been made.  When I was in my stage of "becoming" who I am - in the pagan community, in my business, and in my heart - The song "Acceptance" really struck a cord with me.  It still brings me close to tears when I think about how we often see ourselves; not through the eyes of those who love us, rather, through the eyes of those who judge us.

I am very pleased to share this with you - because I see myself more often than not through the eyes of those who love me, and I very rarely feel judged....

I hope that you will give the song a little listen, and embrace the lyrics... find your theme song and carry on living the amazing life that you deserve!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxgfd3FlgSw

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.

The Attitude of Gratitude

Here in the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November- some say it is to honor the peaceful meal shared between some of the early settlers of the Plimoth colony and the Native Americans of the area.  Of course, having grown up in the Southeastern Massachusetts area, I have been often to Plimoth Plantation (a living history site for visiting the Pilgrim settlers), and once I even participated in their "Eat Like a Pilgrim" event where you can learn some interesting facts about history, table manners, and what these folks may have actually eaten at the "first Thanksgiving".  It's quite interesting, and the food is delicious, so if you find yourself looking to visit America's Hometown (now spelled Plymouth), this is a must do!

Now, gratitude seems to be "a thing" lately - people are urging others to practice gratitude every day.  Like Alice's Restaurant (when sung by 50 people a day, with feeling, when it comes around again on the guitar) is a movement; the practice of gratitude seems to be becoming a movement.  There are many Facebook posts - people challenging each other to post what they are grateful for for a specified number of days - or to post a certain number of things they are grateful for each day for so many days.... there are gratitude journals, and last year I noticed that Lululemon was giving away free note-cards for their customers to send a note of gratitude to someone.... That is all very very nice.  In fact, I took a few, and sent even more than what I took - but then again, if you know me, you know that I write notes of love and gratitude as a regular practice... no prompting needed.

Sigh*

Shouldn't we be grateful every day?  Of course we should.  I'm not saying that people shouldn't be shouting from the rooftops, or posting in caps on FB, Twitter, etc or even blogging about it (conspiratorial wink inserted here)... I do think that we shouldn't wait until one holiday a year.... and I hope it is a part of your daily life.  Why not make it a daily tradition... let the gratitude envelope you and surround you with it's comforting warmth.  Know that you are loved and that obstacles are just the universe's way of saying - "hey, you could do better".  Be kind to yourself, and be kind to each other.

I believe in you.

For those who have never experienced the blessing of Arlo Guthrie - enjoy this; a family Thanksgiving tradition for 25 years in my house - plays on the local radio at noon - we all tune in and sing along.  Alice's Restuarant - A Thanksgiving Tradition

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

A Mothers Love

This year, my son is turning 23.  The same age that I was when I gave birth to him, nearly 23 years ago.  For some reason, this scares me.  I look at him and see my baby.  My beautiful boy who struggled through my young adulthood with me.  My little man who helped me to learn to be the best parent that I could be.  His unconditional love made me feel that I could move mountains.  His unshakable belief in my strength, love, intelligence and protective arms taught me to believe in myself.

My son and I shared our young lives together.  We fought the world together, and stood together against any odds that we came up against.  We would go to the ends of the earth for each other.  And I can honestly say that I love him without condition or reserve.  Like all parents, I want him to do well in his life, to be as successful as he can, and to follow his passion, and find his life's calling - wherever that may take him.

It is not his birthday yet, but this year, I am reflective of my own pregnancy, now 23 years ago, with the only child I would ever give birth to.  23 years ago I was telling my parents the news, preparing for my first ultrasound, and wondering what my life was going to be like in the future.  As I look back at how far we have come in the short span of his life so far, I am amazed.

I am so proud of him for deciding to continue his education, and that he is doing well at this, even though it is sometimes a challenge.  I don't know if I tell him often enough how proud I am.

I am touched that he calls me when the weather is bad, to remind me to drive carefully, and to tell me that he loves me.

I am honored that he can be so frighteningly honest with me, it shows me that he KNOWS that I love him unconditionally. 

In the depths of the winter weather, he is the promise of spring, the joy of summer, and the wonder of amazing autumn. 

Love
MOM

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

Faith in People

Today I attended my nephew's confirmation at a United Church of Christ.  Ironically, this is the church that I recommended to my sister-in-law when she asked where she should have her children baptized.  I like this church because it is a small, local church.  It has no stained glass, it is a very typical and quaint New England white board church.  Very simple, as I believe that faith should be - no matter what your faith is.

Everyone who knows me, knows that I value faith.  And though I may not believe the same as you, I respect your right to believe as you will, and enjoy discussing peoples' beliefs with them, without judgement.

During the church service this morning, I was very moved by what I heard the pastor say.  They had a communion service.  And since I am not a Christian, I do not partake in this ceremony as I feel it would be disrespectful to people who believe in this.  But the pastor at this church remarked that she knew many people were there this morning to bear witness to these young people making a serious commitment to their faith.  And she understood that many people in attendance may be of different beliefs.  She wanted to assure those of us who were of a different faith, that we were welcome at the communion table.  And she stated that God loves each of us for who we are in this moment, because we are who we are meant to be.

I will say, that is the nicest thing I have ever heard any clergy person say.  It was said honestly, and embracing that there are many paths to the light we all strive for.  She encouraged these young people to be true to their beliefs and assured them that as they grew, and their beliefs changed, they would still be loved without judgement.

I hope that this is true for all of us.

Faith is a powerful thing.  Religion is something different.  Faith is belief in the intangible.  Science can debunk many things that we believe, and yet, we take the leap of faith to believe them outside of the scientific proof.  Faith is love and compassion.  Faith is warmth in the coldest places, and light in the darkness.  And faith can be unshakable even in the most tumultuous times.  Religion is the governing rules of faith.  We all crave structure in our lives, and religion is a way to give structure to the intangible things that we have faith in.  It gives us leaders to follow.  And sometimes we follow those leaders blindly.

I hope that we all will come to a place where faith is what binds us together, and religion will not tear us apart.  Many of our religious tenets are about having compassion for our fellow man, and often times these tenets do not state that we should have compassion for only those who follow the same religion that we do... instead, we are encouraged to have compassion (not pity) for ALL.

I have faith in people.  In spite of tragedy, war, senseless deaths, murder and the series of crimes we commit against each other.  I still have faith in people.  I believe in love that is boundless and unconditional.  And this morning, the light of my faith burned a little brighter when I was welcomed to a different table, with kindness and compassion.  When I was embraced without judgement.