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

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!

Village Witch Service

On my business card, one of the services I offer is called "Village Witch Service".  I get a lot of questions about this, people often remark about this and ask what is a village witch service?  I think that is a great question!

In today's hustle and bustle society we often take for granted the natural world that is around us.  And it is that natural world, and the tradition of witchcraft that my village witch service stems from.  I create charms, mojo bags, crystal grids, divination tools and other items that are available for purchase.  In addition, I will sit and consult with you about how to use magic in your life to attract the right energy to a situation.  I will help you understand how spells work, and will even create and cast a spell with you. 

When it comes to spell work, I believe that you should participate in the working - it is your intention not mine, and it is that raw energy needed for the best outcome.

If we can't be together, I will send a video to you with detailed and visual instructions on how the spell is to work.  I have had great success with people working spells this way.  and I believe in each of you, and your ability to manifest exactly what you need into your life!

Busy Witch!

I couldn't be happier to say that I gave been a very busy witch the last few months.   I feel productive knowing that I am booked nearly every weekend until 2015 with an event! 

This is causing me to focus my intention on what I really want to create for the LoonWitch.  You have often seen me write that I want to be the LoonWitch full time,  and I realize that I have achieved that goal.  I am the LoonWitch,  always.  Now it is time to build that business into a financially stable endeavor. 

I am usually selective about what events I sign up to be at.  I have been testing events outside my comfort zone for a year,  and plan on keeping that going.

Now settled into my office location in New Bedford, MA, I will be working on growing that portion of my business to sustain me so I am able to transition into independence.

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!

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