Self Help or Help Yourself?

At the prime (mid-life) of life, I have read plenty of self help books - haven't we all?  I'm pretty sure this is the largest genre of books on the market.  And the other day I thought to myself, as I was listening to one of the many "self-help" books I own... how many times do we need to help ourselves, and instead we pick up another book aimed at self-help, read it, listen to it, and do nothing to follow through with it?

For me, that had changed a long time ago - I gave up searching for the book that was going to hold me by the hand and give me step by step directions on how to live my life.  Instead, I listen to the books, read the books, and LIVE MY LIFE.  I trust that my heart knows what it's doing, and that my head will keep me from getting into too much trouble.  Sometimes I feel like a walking affirmation.  My approach to life is simple - I love who I love, I make no excuses for my choices, they are after all my choices.  And I live my life to please myself.  If I end up pleasing others in the process, all is well.
I have learned which battles I am willing to fight, and which ones are worth the struggle.  I have learned to tell myself no, and to discipline myself.  I have learned over the course of my life that the only person I can truly count on is ME.  I am the only one who is living this life... those who I love and share my life with are living their own lives and are not accountable for my actions any more than I am accountable for theirs.  I stopped being in relationships with people that I wanted to FIX and with people who wanted to FIX ME - I am not a Coldplay song - I march to the beat of my own heart's rhythm - as we all should.

Since this transformation has taken all of my life, I can't say that there is an easy fix to living the life that you desire to live, except to just live it - one day at a time.  Rise up to the challenges set before you - be honest with yourself, be honest with those that you include in your life.  Love yourself, and make sure that the love you give is unconditional - meaning; it's OK to make mistakes, it's OK to not be perfect - no one really expects you to, so why do you expect this of yourself?  Life is what we make of it, and we attract like minded people into ours.

I am blessed with many diverse friends in my life - in fact - I was recently asked, "Who DON'T you know?"... a very good question.  I am open to the world - I joyful greet new people, smile and talk to them... this is how I know if I want to nurture those relationships into something more, or if I just want to have the experience of meeting that someone.  I acknowledge that every day is a gift worth receiving, and I embrace that gift fully.

Do I have bad days?  Of course!  No one can be sunshine and light every moment of every day - but those dark moods remind me to take stock of the things I am grateful for.  And then I realize that I am helping myself!

Help Yourself!  Nurture yourself, Love yourself, Be Patient with yourself, remember that if you aren't doing it for yourself, no one can do it for you.

Namaste

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

Writing My First Book

It was about a year ago that I realized what the book is that I am supposed to write.  After having several readings where I was told that I was to be writing a book, I finally had my AH HA moment when I realized what that first book should be about.

My recent trip to Florida provided me the clearing of my soul that I needed to get focused and energized for this task.  And I have spent several hours typing up my handwritten notes - I had originally thought I would write the book by hand - I do love writing by hand, but typing is SO much faster! 

For those of my students who are aware of this project, I look forward to working with you on parts of my book - I really would like to include your feedback and excerpts from your work with my exercises in the book.

I don't know how long it will take me to finish, but I am optimistic that I can finish by the end of the calendar year if I keep up this pace!!

Reviving My Video Broadcast

This evening I took a free webinar about creating successful online videos.  When I saw the link on facebook, I thought this would be something worth investigating.  It was about 90 minutes long, but very informative.  I am still in fact considering if I want to join the community to grow my business through this venue or not... I only have 72 hours to sign up with the discount. 

I decided I would do what every good, rational person would do - blog about it, and then post it to facebook - find out what my audience thinks!

If you have visited my website, you may have seen the old editions of "The LoonWitch's Cauldron" which ran for a year on The Mystical Moon's "Life on the Moon" TV - I really enjoyed doing it, but it definitely could put a crimp in my style when I was supposed to be at an event, but it was a day to do my broadcast, and I struggled a bit with the technology of it all.  In the end, I took the show "off the air" to work out the kinks.

Based on what I learned this evening, I think I will give it another go - What do you think?  I would love to hear from you!

Readings for a Good Cause

This is the second year that I was able to participate in an "After Prom Party" at a local high school doing readings.  The shop that I rent space at has been involved the past two years, and asked me if I would like to do readings at this event, last year it was a lot of fun, but very tiring - I ended up being the "last witch standing" as I was doing readings while they were taking down the tent and tables around me, but the kids were patiently waiting, and I don't like to disappoint people.

So this year, there were three of us there, and two of us were able to stay for the four hours to do readings until 3:30am.  WHEW!  I had no idea that high school kids would be interested in getting readings, but if it's a free reading, then what the heck, right?  It's something to do.

I believe that "After Prom Parties" are a great idea.  It's been a long time since I was in high school, but I did go to 4 different Proms.  And we won't discuss what we did after the prom - lol - nothing all that bad I suppose, being small town kids... nothing to do around here, as they say.  But I know plenty of kids who have gotten into a ton of trouble after the prom, and I know that this is the time when a lot of drunk driving accidents happen.  I am happy to be a part of a community where there is a commitment to keeping our children safe, and still give them an atmosphere where they can have fun.

I hope that the kids who got free readings from me that night enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed being able to be there.

Good luck to all of the Class of 2014!

xoxo
LoonWitch

Tarot Boot Camp

I haven't blogged about my classes before, but today I thought it would be a good idea.  Maybe this will be a trend for me.

This past weekend I ran a 2 day workshop I called "Tarot Boot Camp".  It is the first time that I have run my tarot class this way, and the students I had seemed to gain a lot from this method. 

My Tarot Boot Camp is a 2-day, 12 hour intensive and interactive workshop which incorporates all of my basics workshops, and a little bit more.  One thing that I learned through the experience is that I could add another couple of hours to this method to be sure I have time to include everything that I would like to.  My typical basics class is 5 weeks long - 2 hours per class, but there is ample time for homework to be worked on during that time.  With the boot camp method, there are more exercises to replace the homework... and yes, even though it's held over a weekend - I still give homework!  (just a little bit, I promise)

When I first learned how to read the tarot, I tried the usual method - reading the pamphlet that comes with the cards - then I tried reading a book and memorizing the meanings of the cards... then I gave up.  It was too much like school, and too much like work - and for something I wanted to learn for pleasure, it just seemed to much of an effort to put out.  (I was also in high school at the time, and who wants more homework / work in high school?)

When I picked up the tarot again, I realized that I didn't have to memorize very much - I just had to let the cards do the work.  The way I finally learned the tarot, is the way I teach others to work with the cards.  It has worked very well for me, and I am always thrilled to see the responses in my students, it is like they are seeing the tarot for the very first time, and falling in love.

I will be offering this boot camp method again over the summer - and this time, I will extend the time.  If you have ever thought you wanted to learn to read the tarot, if you have ever struggled to try and read the cards, thinking you would never "get it", I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to study with me and embrace the tarot, and fall in love with it all over again.

Selling Yourself - Lessons in Self Confidence

What is the difference between self confidence and having a "big ego"?

When people ask me about my skills, I am not always comfortable blowing my own horn.  With a devil-may-care attitude I may say that I am the best, but I often have a hard time "selling myself". 

Friends and clients tell me that I don't charge enough for my services.  But I charge what I am comfortable charging - and that should always be my decision.  Does a high price point mean that I am more psychic than others?  Absolutely not - it just may mean that I have better marketing skills - or really good PR people.

I have been psychic my whole life.  And I feel that I have nothing to prove to anyone else.  I continue to grow and evolve my skills, and I continue to work with clients who are more often than not, pleased with the results of their time with me.

Recently, a friend of mine revamped my website.  She has done an amazing job!  It looks great!  And I am sure that this will be a good selling point in marketing myself.  I have re-worked my business card so they reflect my personality a little more, and have begun to "sell" myself more on the internet - using such agents as facebook, twitter, thumbtack, eventbrite, and linkedin to help promote me.  I have so many blessings of good friends, and good clients who want me to be as successful as I would dare to become.

This is the next leg in the journey for me to embrace my passion more fully than I have ever allowed myself.  I thank you all for your kind and encouraging words which help me to learn to be more confident in selling the LoonWitch.  I am inspired by your feedback as always!

One of the hardest lessons I have learned is how to take a compliment.  I am learning to just say Thank You when someone compliments me on my abilities instead of shying away from the compliment. 

Although many say that there can be no room for the ego in a successful spiritual path, I believe that when you are creating a career around your spiritual path, you need to have a healthy ego.  Being self employed means that you have to be confident, and that does take ego.  But learning to temper and keep yourself well balanced often proves to be a larger challenge as success comes closer.

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.

A Year Later...

How can it be, I wonder, that a year has gone by without me blogging a single thing?  Well, it's simple.  As I teeter with trying to simplify my life in some areas, while expanding in other areas, it is clear that blogging, like my handwritten journal is not the first priority in my life.

My resolution is to blog at least once a week.  In fact, I will write it in my date-book to remind myself to get this done.  It surely isn't for the lack of interesting thoughts that pop into my mind.  It is simply due to the lack of desire to sit in front of my computer screen typing away.

I hope to entertain you all again very soon.