Inspirational Healing

She 'Closed the Store'

...and is moving to Costa Rica next month! I promised you an update on my daughter's journey (see post 'Closing the Store') so here it is.

Lynne took a trip to Costa Rica last month to Atenas, Costa Rica to visit a year-round, boy's boarding school. She explored the school and the Atenas area, tasted the lifestyle and gathered as much information as possible.

The school and staff were an immediate fit with what she was looking for career wise and within a week of her return to SD, a position as a Staff Psychologist was offered and accepted. It's as if the universe gave its complete validation and approval for her decision because she's has already sold most of her furniture and other items, found a place for some of the belongings she'd like to keep and even signed an agreement for an apartment, nestled in the beautiful Costa Rican landscape, to move into when she gets there.

After almost 15 years, she's 'closing the store', at least temporarily, to her life in San Diego. With strength, courage and conviction that she has been led every step of the way, she will soon begin a new chapter of her life's story.

I couldn't be prouder of this daughter of mine. It makes me smile to know that she walks with Spirit and inner faith that she is where she is to be for now. She "...dared to imagine that she could have a different life", moved out of what was necessary to leave behind and stepped into her now.

Good job, honey. I love you.

 

A Simple Gesture

Ruth surprised me the other day with a phone call and I can't stop thinking about it. She's our sweet and endearing 80 something year old neighbor who lives across the street from us.

During these cold Michigan winter months that keep many older folks inside, we don't see her as much as during the summer months when she's sitting on her porch or out working in her garden. But she does love to pull up a little chair and sit by her entryway door on bright sunny days, soaking up the warmth and pleasure of the sun.

I saw her sitting there reading a book as I got in my car to leave the house. I stopped, gave my horn a little beep to grab her attention, then gave a quick wave. She smiled, waved back and I didn't give it another thought as I went along my way.

Her phone call really took me by surprise. She called to say how much that wave meant to her - to think that I took the time to stop my car and pay attention to her just made her day. I was amazed! I was just being friendly to someone I consider a friend. Not a big deal, right? But evidently I was wrong. She told me that my wave brightened her mood every time she thought of it and she had to tell me how it meant so much to her. Her call to me was a week later! It was still in her heart even after all that time. Amazing.

It really got me thinking about the powerful impact that a simple gesture can make. It's not just the big things that help to make the world a happier place, it's the simple acts of thoughtfulness and kindness of everyday life that impact and create change. Certainly that's something we can all do and little by happy little, create a major impact.

Ruth gave me a gift with her phone call. Bless her heart for telling me because now I know and can tell you also. All those little things that we may never think of again can and do mean a lot. We may never know just how far a smile, a wave, a please and thank you, a prayer, a kind word or helping hand may travel in the hearts and spirits of those we meet every day. A week later, it may still be going strong, bringing simple joy right along with it. Amazing.

Closing the Store...

My daughter Lynne, a practicing psychologist in CA, recently took a leap of faith and left her job with no other job waiting for her or even prospects lined up. She was working in a hospital ER department and felt sapped of energy, inspiration and fulfillment. Slowly, piece by piece, she was being stripped of what makes her happy.

Remember the movie, You've Got Mail? A small, independent bookstore owner was being forced out of business by a big name conglomerate that moved into the neighborhood. She tried to keep her store open as long as possible, but finally made the decision to close it. Her friend told her, much as she wasn't ready to believe it at the time, that, "Closing the store is the brave thing to do. You are daring to imagine that you could have a different life."

That's a pretty powerful statement. How many times do we get stuck in the familiar, fighting to keep it the way it is, even when it doesn't fulfill us? Even when it continually drags us under and makes us want to stay in with the covers thrown over our heads? Fear is one of the most powerful emotions there is and it can blindside, distract and hold us down if we let it. It's full of "buts", "what-ifs", and "I cant's". It's pretty paralyzing.

But life has a way of letting us know when it's time to let something go, try something new or step out into the unknown, even when we don't know where it will take us. The trick is for us to pay attention to how we're feeling about the present situation. If we feel yucky, tired, scared, depressed - you get the picture - then it's time to see ourselves in a new light. Hmmm.....what if? Is it possible? Is there even the slightest chance? What if this dream of mine can come true? Just IMAGINE. That's where bravery comes into the picture.

I think courage, or rather the lack of, is really where we get tripped up. Change isn't always easy so we stay close to what we know, even if it's uncomfortable. In a bizarre way, there's a comfort in being uncomfortable. But if we can just for a moment, step away and imagine being truly happy, content and fulfilled, we find the strength and will within to move in a different direction. Especially when we're moving because it resonates to our heart, and not just a logistical, makes sense kind of thing, we step off the cliff, trusting that we'll be caught by something wonderful.

"Closing the store" means different things for each one of us, but if we're honest with ourselves in acknowledging our true feelings, I believe we will be able to imagine something new and find within ourselves every bit of courage we need to step into the wonderful.

Since Lynne made her decision to step away from what was unhappy for her and into that 'other' place that was as yet unknown to her, a series of open doors and exciting new possibilities has occurred, and in a very short time. She leaves soon to explore an exciting opportunity working in a boarding school with teenagers in a foreign country. She'll be able to practice her field in a creative, non-traditional way, both at the school and in the wilderness adventure activities that's part of the curriculum - all of which will satisfy the dream that she's carried in her heart.

I know that Lynne's been caught by protective and loving arms when she 'Closed her store', so I'll keep you posted on her new life adventure.

Myrtle

Myrtle is a bird, a seagull to be exact and I met her a couple weeks ago. My husband, Garry, and I took a road trip through several southern states and ended up staying several days at Myrtle Beach, SC. I don't expect to see her again, but she kind of adopted me while we spent time on the beach.

Our first encounter occurred while Garry & I were sitting in the sand, enjoying the sun, breeze and ocean waves. She slowly walked over to us, one careful step at a time, coming closer and closer to where I was sitting. "OK, what's going on?", I said aloud to her. "I have no food to give you and you're getting awfully close. Are you trying to tell me something?" She paused, but continued her journey towards me. Now I don't know much about seagulls, but when she was waaaay too close to me, about a foot away, I wasn't very comfortable. Would she peck or bite? I wasn't sure, so I slapped my foot on the sand in her direction to shoo her away.

Oh my gosh, she stretched her neck, reared back her head, and squawked loud and long. She let me know in no uncertain terms that she wasn't happy with me! Garry & I had to laugh because she was so verbal in her displeasure - she certainly made her point.

The curious thing was that she didn't leave me - not for the three days we were there. She visited every day, strutting close by or sitting calmly in the sand a few feet from me. She even followed me every time I took a walk along the shoreline. Garry said it was quite a sight - a seagull tagging along, almost side by side, down the beach and back. No other bird was allowed anywhere near me either; she chased them all away if they moved in too close.

I know everything in nature speaks to us because we're all from the same Source, all connected through It, so I was quite comfortable in knowing she was bringing me something inspiring. Besides, I enjoyed her company. Seagulls have a bad rap as they can be pests and make a mess, but I discovered she really is a beautiful bird. I knew to do a little research when I returned home to see what her characteristics and symbolism were and find my message.

Sure enough, her presence and determination that I pay attention brought me a message from the universe. Seagulls are great communicators (as I dramatically discovered). They have regular codes for all their purposes and activities and speak their intent to other gulls.The timing of her presence in my life was noteworthy as I was strongly feeling it was time to return to writing this blog. I was also scheduled for the week we returned home to participate in a "Lightworkers Festival", providing intuitive readings, and selling my book and intuitive drawings - all means of communicating with others. Myrtle was validation for me that the time was right for moving forward in this direction.

The universe talks to us; we just have to be open to its voice and be willing to hear it. There's nothing mysterious about it. If there's something unusual, or grabs our attention, or hits us in the gut, or peaks our curiosity, or, any other thing that strikes us and grabs hold, it's time for a closer look.

Myrtle gave me a new appreciation for birds like her. I had to laugh though - it's almost as if she sent out a call to one of her long distance cousins to make sure I got the message because the story continues.

While driving back to Michigan at one of the rest stops along the way, Garry & I got out of the car, a gull swooped by us, landed high on the light pole, stretched her neck, reared back her head and squawked loud and long.

OK, I got it, Myrtle, thanks for the message.

For the time being...

My heart is full of love and concern for the children of the world. They're hurting in so many ways, but at the same time, are just so full of joy and possibility. I would like to try to tap into the positive energy they exude and foster and spread it around. One way I can do this to to write them stories. My plan is to take a break from this blog and concentrate on writing children's books. The goal is to have them puslished and read by children all over the globe to help them know of their own inner beauty and innate goodness.

I believe the future is in their hands and they need our helping hands to make this world a better place for everyone. My prayer is that my books will be a part of this process. You can help me by saying a prayer that I'm successful both in my writing and then in finding a publisher to get the books in their little hands and, hopefully, their hearts.

Feel free to 'pop in' anytime to re-read previous posts. You can still contact me by clicking on 'email me' (left side of page) or click 'comment' on any post.

I'll be back in a couple months with an update on my progress or a new post - thanks for your support and prayers.

Margaret

"Everyone has inside him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!"

 Anne Frank

A Hummingbird Tale

It seems like overnight we've gone from hot and humid summer weather to the 20-25 degrees cooler weather of fall. Mother Nature has shown her fickle side lately and while the cooler weather is welcomed, I'm not sure we're quite ready for this change of season.The summer flowers however, are struggling and the leaves are beginning to show a little bit of color, so, ready or not, a new season is upon us.

One thing I've noticed among the seasonal changes is that the flow of hummingbirds to our feeder has picked up. They tend to stay around here for a few more weeks, but it seems as if they've begun preparations for an exodus soon. It's been fun having them here year after year and they've been a source of fun and joy to us, getting to know them and watching their antics. I've always considered them a sign of the delicate side of nature, but, at the same time, I've also witnessed their harsher side, too.

They are quite territorial and really don't like to share. There must be a secret code among them that only one bird at a time is allowed at the feeder. The problem is that each one seems to believe that it has propriety rights and that the feeder is there for its pleasure alone. We've often seen one bird swoop in and chase another away. We've seen in-flight battles taking place, fighting for the personal and private right to the sweet nectar held in the feeder vials. One day while working in the garden, I even saw and heard one dramatically and forcefully ram itself into another hummingbird to get its point across - this is mine and you can't have it!

But here's the rub and it keeps coming back to me - there's an endless supply of nectar available for them to enjoy, both in the flowers of my garden and the feeder itself. Now I know they cannot intellectually process this fact and they don't have the ability of rational thinking, but I wonder if this isn't another lesson gifted to us by the world of nature. Are we, all of mankind, like these birds, fighting for our space, our right to have whatever we want or believe is ours alone, using bullying and aggression all the while not seeing that there is abundance enough for all of us? There is an inherent gentle side of our own human nature, a gift from our Creator, but it tends to get overlooked and swept aside when we believe our own is threatened or that we have to get our share before someone else gets to it first.

Yes, there is 'survival of the fittest' in the animal kingdom which influences their behavior and much of what they do is done from instinct and self-preservation, but if we step back and take a closer look, we'll see that nothing has been permanently gained from the endless fight. Sooner or later, change occurs and life moves on. A study of history shows this is true as it applies to mankind as well. We can be aggressive, angry and annoyingly self-righteous and battle even to the death in our own never ending struggle with our adversaries. What a pointless endeavor this seems to be. The hummingbird of the moment has gained only a very temporary win, but he never wins totally. His counterpart will return to the feeder; he just has to wait his turn.

I think this presents a very valuable lesson. There's no point to all the fighting among us, not on any personal or worldwide level because it's guaranteed that change will occur. When we recognize this and act from our inherent gentle and compassionate nature, the world itself will be changed. Only when we accept and honor each other, will everyone's needs and wants be met without fear of personal loss or infringement of boundaries. We will have moved past the idea of 'survival of the fittest', a battle we, as a worldwide people, cannot win.

We each have something the hummingbirds don't have - a spirit of giving and a soul of loving. It would be great if we would see each other with these two divine gifts. The hummingbirds can't see this way and so they fight. But we don't have to. We can see things differently. If only we would, our world would live in peace.

"There's a place in God's heart that only you can fill."

   Author Unknown

Open Hearts

When the heart is open, it speaks a language all its own. This video speaks for itself. Enjoy! :)

Back Again

It wasn't my intention for so much time to pass since my last entry, but it seems that this is exactly what's happened. I believe when I write that I am inspired by a guiding hand and I just haven't felt the inclination to make it to the computer to begin a post. I try to listen to and honor my intuition so I held off writing, knowing that something else was taking place in its stead. I'm back today tho', again trusting that it's time to write down some thoughts.

It's been a happy time with the change in season. I marvel at the warmer weather, longer and sunnier days and the kaleidoscope of colors that comes with the spring and summer months. It's so easy to forget the blasts of winter snow and cold once these current days take hold. Just being able to throw open the doors and windows allowing fresh air and the scents of blooming trees and bushes to enter the house is one of my favorite things.

The doves returned to their nesting spot in the tree that literally sits two feet from our back window. This up-close-and-personal view allows us the perfect opportunity to watch the courting and nesting process and the birthing and raising of the latest youngsters to join the flock. Since both the male and the female are a continuous part of the entire 4-6 week journey they take in this dance of new life, I'm reminded once again of the importance of both the male and female aspects that reside in each one of us and the need to honor, balance and care for each of them.

The hummingbirds have also returned to the feeder that sits just outside our other back window. The strength and power of these little birds and the need for constant sweet nectar to supply the enormous amount of energy they expel, reminds me not to neglect those things that give me pleasure and to savor the sweetness of life. They are a symbol of great joy and no matter how many times they come to my window each day, they make me smile. Again, a reminder to treasure even the simplest of moments, finding happiness in every one of them.

Planting a variety of flowers in bright happy colors in pots and landscape tracts (I call it "playing in the dirt") gives me an enormous amount of satisfaction and pleasure and, since the garden season is short in Michigan, I like to get them going as soon as I can. To look out any door or window and see a bounty of blooming color lifts my spirits each and every time. The energy, work and time of planting and potting doesn't mean a thing in the overall picture of what I receive back from the view everyday. I hold my hands over them and set my intentions that they prosper, bloom and make those who see them smile within...a reminder that Nature's wonders are for the delight of all of us.

One day while planting flowers, I was joined by a huge bumble bee, a butterfly, a dragonfly and a hummingbird all at the same time. It didn't last but a moment, but what a moment it was! I believe that Nature speaks to us and each big or little critter holds its own meaning and message. The dragonfly, with its luminosity and airiness, is a symbol of light and moving with ease through the air. The butterfly is a symbol of changing form, new life and beauty. The bumble bee makes sweet honey and, along with the hummingbird, represents the sweetness of life. My message in that moment was clear - release the burdens that bog me down and move into the light and air with ease, stay in the joy and the sweetness of every moment, savoring the good that each gives, and allow the newness of life to come with all the beauty it will bring. Add to that the flowers themselves, symbols of beauty and unfolding and cycles of life and that of the dirt, the very essence of where life takes hold as a tiny seed only to yield magnificent bounty and the message was compounded a thousand-fold. All in the space of a moment! Again a reminder to stay in the present so the universe can be noted and heard.

We miss so much in our days of work and obligation, running here and there, doing ten different things at the same time, but there's so much more. There's something deeper, richer and more vibrant that we can tap into if we allow ourselves to notice. It's the 'real' world and touches the truest part of us and the reason why we are here - to enrich our hearts and each other's with the best parts of life. Once we see the little things and note and follow their meaning, then a natural progression to bigger, brighter and more satisfying things can occur. There is immense importance in every second - the tiniest thing in one moment of time can be the springboard for the biggest event of life to occur.

The season of change can be at any time, not just that dictated by the calendar and changes in the weather. The season of true change occurs in the heart and spirit. Paying attention to nature is a start - noting that a bird can be more than just a bird and an insect more than just an insect. Ponder the message that may be in that moment, look beyond the obvious, the concrete and logical aspects and ask yourself, "What's really happening here?" Once you begin to notice, take some time - the answer is in your heart. Listen to what it's saying. You may be led to the best 'change of season' that you've ever experienced.