Hi there! Just wanted to share that I have a new blog in development called Angel Bear Hugs at www.angelbearhugs.com

It’s another Word Press blog, but I’m hosting it myself.

It is a work in progress. I’ll be keeping this blog up for a while

I’m excited to share my journey with you!

Thank you for reading!

Hugs and love,
Lisa

Don’t you just love it when lessons repeat?

More layers of the onion to peel back…Always.

I guess that is good ’cause it means I’m learning and growing, right?

My lesson is about not getting frustrated with people, specifically people who ask for help or input–and then, they negate everything you say.

I don’t mind if people disagree with me. I like to discuss things. Heck, I was a political science major in college.

But, it sort of begs the question–why ask for help at all? Especially, if you’re just going to argue and disagree. It seems like some people like to argue with themselves.

I guess though sometimes, we need a sounding board. I’ve been there too. Sometimes, I just need someone to listen to me. I haven’t always resonated with advice I’ve been given, but rather than kick it to the curb in front of the person giving it, I’ll just nod and say thank you. I realize they are working to help me the best they can–and, well, I did ask for the help.

So, lately, I’m holding back from giving advice. I will even preface things with, “I’m just here to listen to you, so if you want something more, please tell me.”

Ahh, communication–and it’s specific! That is what I dig!

I guess this all came up again when this week I had a phone discussion with a non-specific spiritual seeker. She was telling me about her spiritual path in great detail. I wasn’t sure how to help her and she really didn’t ask me, so I asked her if she needed any help. I wasn’t clear on why she called me at all.

She wanted to know her next steps. I look back at the conversation and recall that I did give her plenty of ideas to take action on in the call. I was left wondering if she absorbed what I said. When I did start to give her more information, she cut me off saying she didn’t need what I talked about. So, I just left it at that.

I sometimes get people who want to talk to me about their path. I don’t always have time for this–not during business hours on my business phone. I used to just let people talk and talk, with the conversation sometimes being over an hour long. This would really tire me out. I figured I was tithing, not charging for my intuitive or spiritual counseling servcies. But, I realized that I many times, people are looking for a free reading–and taking the easy way out.

Oh well…love ‘em anyway, right?

But, there has to be an exhange of energy. Pay someone a small amount. Or, you can donate a small amount of money or time to your favorite charity. I know that my clients are not my Source. But, it’s nice to spread the good around.

Just had to get these things off my mind…

Blessings of love and light,
Lisa

I like a sunny day. If you’ve read my blog for any amount of time, you’ll know that I really like sunny, warm weather. I don’t know what my spirit was thinking when I chose to be born in such a cold climate. Oh well, there must be lessons of love it in somewhere (plus, I always can move someplace warm when I “retire” one day).

I was thinking of how spring is always around the corner. For me, spring represents new beginnings. Both quantum physicists and spiritual teachers talk about how change is all there is in the Universe. Change is the only constant. Everything changes. I’ve talked about this previously in my post about the butterflies.

On this winter day, I look outside my window and see that we are getting closer to spring, even in January. Also, collectively, it feels like we’re getting ready for some new, fresh energies for 2009. In with the new, out with the old! To the old energies, I lovingly say, “NEXT!” (I’ve watched way too many “Seinfeld” reruns in the past).

I’m excited for January 20th. It’s Inauguration Day. We’re getting a new President! I’m so stoked and I’m not afraid to admit that I’m happy with who was elected. I’m not afraid to mix spirituality and politics at all. I see the Divine in everything. Doesn’t it feel like something new and good is coming? I feel it in my bones. There are going to be great changes for everyone.

As I type this, I think about how Nature just goes with the flow. The animals and plants never wonder if their needs will be met, even in the cold winter months. They are a part of the Universe–but, so are we. So, why would it be any different? Wouldn’t we also be taken care of too? Of course!

On my birthday last week, I pondered abundance. You see, I have been clearing away some major blocks to receiving abundance as of late. I thought something sort of interesting on my birthday: I wouldn’t have been born unless I was meant to be taken care of and to experience love, abundance, and joy! And, then, I thought about how everyone is meant to experience love, abundance, and joy. It’s just a matter of allowing it and choosing it.

I highly enjoy working with Mother Nature. I’m not ashamed to admit that I like the fairies. I work with Doreen Virtue’s fairy oracle cards. One of my favorite decks of hers is Magical Messages From the Fairies. Today, I decided to draw a card from this deck for my blog post today. I drew the card “Dietary Change.” This is interesting. I know that I was just writing about changes here. And, I know that this time of year many are working on improving their diets. But, the artwork is what compels me. I see a young gal sitting with an older woman and they are sharing tea. Whenever I draw this card, I think of my grandma and me drinking tea when she was alive It’s amazing how many different possible messages there are when it comes to working with your intuition. I love it.

But, back to the dietary change message. Maybe it’s time to clean up the junk from our diets. No diet fits all. I think we intuitively know the best way to eat for us. With spring and summer coming, it’s exciting for me at least to think of all the good veggies and fruits that will be available. Until then, I’m honoring my body’s wisdom by eating curried veggies and rice for dinner to warm me. Or, sometimes, I’ll need to have a cup of hot tea with spices. It’s all about honoring the body’s wisdom–just my 2 cents!

Looking forward most to spring when I can ride my bike outside with the breeze in my hair. Looking forward to soaking up the sun while the squirrels come up to me on my deck to be fed. I’m looking forward to all the exciting things that the Universe has in store for me. I think, I mean, I know it will be quite the fun ride–heck yes! I’m ready for the new and so, I think I’ll start my spring early!

Blessings of love,
Lisa

P.S. I’m thinking of starting a prayer request page on this blog. I’ve enabled comments again since I’ve learned how to lovingly speak my truth Amen! Whohooo! Just felt like celebrating…

Okay, my title brings up 1990’s music, doesn’t it? Remember that song, I think it was by the C & C Music Factory? Hee hee!

All laughs aside, yesterday, suddenly around 3pm or so, my electricity just completely died. The power went out. I was typing on the computer and it went out.

I waited and decided when the weather is below zero, having heat is a good thing. I was worried that I’d have to freeze until the power came back on. I remembered the power outtages summer of 2008 in my area in which we had lost it for 2 weeks of one month–1 week twice (yep, I lost a lost of food).

Of course, I call on the angels for everything, so this was no different. I asked the angels to please have the power turned on by 5 p.m so I could workout and also, play electric guitar. I bundled myself up in some blankets and continued to do some work on my business stuff. I focused on feeling warm. I decided to not go into worry or panic. I also took earthly action and called the power company who even gave me a personalized call.

Right before 5 p.m., the power company truck pulled up. They easily fixed the problem. I was glad because I don’t like to see people having to work outdoors in this cold weather for long periods of time. I was so blessed. I opened the door, still in sweatpants and blankies and thanked the worker. He was so surprised. I waved (gosh, I hope I didn’t scare him with my messed up hair…oh well, gratitude is still a good thing no matter what the sender looks like!).

So, I Got the Power! I just felt like saying and typing that. I know, too, it’s grammatically incorrect–oh well…

The truth for me is that I have the power to create my life in whatever way makes my heart sing. This is true power. Also, for me, true power is love. When you focus on love and positive things, you can’t go wrong. Love just rocks, doesn’t it?

Loving power is awesome too. It’s when you are heart-centered and live and speak your own truth in a way that honors and respects you and others. I think this rocks too!

I’m grateful for many things in my life–a warm house is one of them. Thank goodness for the power! It’s the simple things in life that make me happiest.

Power to you!,
Lisa

For years, I’ve resisted being called a “psychic”. I decided at the end of 2008 that I’m owning it…but in a sort of conditional way. I decided I would like to be known as an empowering psychic. I intend for people to leave a reading with me feeling uplifted, hopeful, and optimistic–and in charge of their own destiny.

Nope, nothing “spooky” or negative in the readings I give. I prefer to focus on the positive and that which is loving and filled with light…because in truth, only love is real (yep, I’m a fan of A Course in Miracles).

A teacher of mine used to say, “The best way to know the future is to create it.” Amen to that! That is what I also teach to clients. Actually, I am being drawn to teach people how to embrace their intuition. Intuition is natural, normal…and very far from weird or spooky. It’s just an extension of our earthly senses.

So, I feel great owning the psychic label.

Blessings of love and light,
Lisa

It’s a brand new year!  I love new beginnings.  After some quick calculations and a consultation with my numerology book, I discovered that I’m in a One year which is all about the new.  Yep, 2008 was a 9 year for me–which means that I had to complete a lot of things and move forward.  Yikes!  Change can feel scary at first. 

The biggest change is that I’m moving forward with my life purpose.  I’m putting myself out there more to give angel readings and to do work as a Lightworker.  I realized that I had to start to take my business seriously–like a 9 to 5 job for a while.  No more playing small for me!

The holidays were fun, aside from all of the snow–I bet you knew I’d say that regarding the weather!  But, there were many other blessings and fun that I’d like to share:

1. The Hidden Messages in Chocolate?  Hubby and I rarely eat treats, but this year, we bought a bag of those mini Dove chocolate squares.  They are so cute and well, tasty!  I do have the willpower to eat no more than 1-2 per day, but with all of the other treats around, I had to really have good willpower.  Anyway, I happily report still being able to wear a loose size 4 jeans–amen to that! 

Oh, I almost forgot the point of this story.  Those little Dove chocolate square’s foils have printed messages on them.  Some are very heartfelt or cute.  I prefer my Yogi tea bag tags’ messages, but I digress.  Well, one of the Dove chocolate foils said, “Warmth on the inside can melt cold on the outside.”  It sounds nice, doesn’t it?  But, I swear–I received every single one of these from the bag!  It made my hubby laugh with glee because well, you know how I feel about winter.  Each time I read this message, I was wearing multiple layers just to stay comfortably warm.  I always would find myself sounding much like Charlie Brown’s “ARGGGGH!” when I read that little message.

I wondered why I kept getting this message.  You know how us spiritual folks are–”A bird landed on my head–what does it mean?”  Or, “I saw 111 a bunch of times, it means something!”  Okay, I’m like that.  I always am on the look out for spiritual messages.  This message challenged me so I decided it was about radiating warmth and love to others as much as possible.

And, yep, you may have guessed it from this subtitle–I do write the words “love” and “gratitude” on my water bottle.  In case you’re wondering what that is all about, please read Maseru Emoto’s book, The Hidden Messages in Water or see the movie, “What the Bleep?”

2. Playing the Wii.  Now this was fun.  I am not a big video game fan.  In fact, I abhor the game “Guitar Hero” ’cause well, I’ve been learning to play a real git-ar!  Anyway, I have played Wii in November with some friends–God bless them because they picked us up from the airport when we came home from Hawaii.  My hubby and I didn’t want to come home, so they allowed us to play in their house and well, procrastinate. 

Of course, the most fun part is making everyone into Mii’s.  They are a cartoony icon character you make for playing Wii.  When we went to my brother’s to celebrate Christmas on Dec. 30th, we all were made into little cartoon characters.  Hee hee!  I’m laughing still.  My Mii at my brother’s looks very similar to the one we created at my friend’s house in November.

We all played Wii bowling at my brothers.  My nephew is 4 1/2 years old and well, he kicked my butt in bowling.  I only bowled in the 90’s.  This is just not right!  I guess even if I were better though than my nephew, I’d still let him win though.

Speaking of letting people win, I have to wonder about when my hubby and I played the Wii boxing against each other.  Did he let me win?  Or, did I really knock him out?  Hee hee!  I felt really badly that I knocked him out.  Oh well, he’s turned me into a good athlete.  I tried not to laugh.  Oh man, I still felt badly, but hubby thought it was funny.  What a nice gift, letting your wife kick your arse in a boxing video game.  He knows I have a complex about sucking at video games.  At least my triceps ached for a few days…

3.  No Church Farts This Year!  It is something of an accomplishment to get me to go to church.  We were raised Lutheran and my mom now attends Methodist church.  It’s all good, but I just don’t resonate with organized religion.  I’m okay with others having their religions and beliefs, but for me, it just doesn’t work.  But, 4 years ago, we lost my grandfather on Christmas Eve.  He’s happy on the Other Side, so no worries or sadness, please!  Well, my mom has made it her tradition to go to church ’cause that is what she did after she left the hospital that night he died.  After she left, he decided to leave. 

I was up visiting my mom that day and hubby and I said, “Sure, we’ll go to Church with you.”  I suddenly was worried ’cause every time I’ve gone to Church with my family and my hubby, someone in the Church crowd has let out a very audible fart–often, in close proximity.  (And, no, it’s not me!!)  Well, we all would start what I call “the shakes.”  You know, when you really want to laugh, but can’t, so you hold it inside?  I mean, seriously, I can’t believe it–this has happened about 95 percent of the times we’ve gone to Church.  And, you know, if you laugh in Church, don’t you go to Hell?  Okay, I’ll be nice…

Church was nice.  I still can hit the higher notes on the Christmas carols.  And, hey, I didn’t even burn myself or anyone else with the candle they gave me (yes, they trusted me with fire).  Luckily, no one farted near the flames (or the other flames of Hell-fire would engulf later). 

Someone did burp audibly who sat next to me, but I won’t say who.  (Again, not me!)  My mom and I can’t sit by each other or we’ll laugh, so I’m glad there was a buffer person!

Whew!

3. Loss.  We lost a family friend named Emily close to the holidays.  Sending prayers to her family and loved ones at this time.  It’s hard when you lose loved any time, but at the holidays?  This is hard.  The only thing I can think to say is that maybe they really want us to remember them so they choose to leave on the holidays.  And, perhaps, they are surprising someone on the Other Side as a gift!  The divine is sometimes mysterious, huh?

Another loss hubby and I had was our pretty, majestic pine tree in the backyard.  One windy night after Christmas, the tree fell.  I didn’t see it until I woke up.  It was quite sad because she was such a tall, gorgeous tree that graced the corner of our yard for many, many years. 

Luckily, some angels and fairies gently helped her to land on her side, parallel to the fence.  We have low lying power lines too–so we are very lucky.  I’m a tree hugger hippie chick so this made me sad.  Our soil is too sandy, so we couldn’t save her.  The one winter melt unfroze the ground.  Luckily, hubby and I had sapling pine tree from the summer that was gifted to us to fill that area.  I guess that is all you can do–move forward.  That tree that fell is my teacher I suppose, showing me how to just let certain things go.

4. You Want Sushi as a Gift?  My hubby and I decided to mostly forego Christmas and birthday gifts again this year.  We’re working to live more simply.  And, well, it’s time to budget for us.  Hubby did ask me what I wanted for a birthday gift.  I decided I wanted to go to lunch for sushi.  That is all I wanted for my gift.  I also used to go to Starbuck’s more frequently–maybe 2-3 times per week.  But, we’ve curtailed that as well.  So, my other birthday gift was a Cafe Americano.  I like enjoying the simple things in life.

5. I Just Can’t Do the Mall Any More! Oh my gosh!  The mall is so crazy!  I forgot just how crazy it was until I went two days after Christmas.  I wanted to get hubby a warmer hoodie from Quicksilver, so off to a large mall in our area we went.  I can’t take the crowds any more or the lighting or that feeling you’re stuck inside.  No wonder I make most of my gifts myself!  I also felt really frumpy by the end of the whole experience.  Nothing like Consumer Capitalism to make you feel horrible about yourself.  I felt like I wasn’t stylish or “cool.”  I’m not going to the Mall again!

6.  And, Then…There Were 3!  I experienced a Christmas Miracle! (no, not a “Festivus Miracle” like in the t.v. show, “Seinfeld”).

At my mom’s house on Christmas Eve, hubby stumbled upon a little brown mush pile–no, it wasn’t poo.  It was a Baby Paws bear (made by Ty)!  He was a bit darker brown than the two I own, but I was so excited to see him.  I own two myself.  Well, one was supposed to be a gift, but I ended up keeping Paws #2 for me. 

My mom saw how well I loved this Baby Paws, so she let me take him and adopt him!  I am much like a big kid.  I’m 37 and I’m not ashamed to say that I adore stuffed animals, especially bears.  My mom also mentioned that she thought I bought Paws #3 for my grandma when she was alive.  I said that I hadn’t or I’d remember that. 

So, it felt like a Christmas gift orchestrated by my late grandma on the Other Side.  It was such a blessing.  And, I’m happy to report that all three Paws get along quite well with each other.  The other animals and bears have adopted Paws #3 as their brother too!

7.  Cookies Be Gone!  I’m so tired of sweets and cookies at the holidays.  I’m sorry to say that.  But, if you’re family or friends reading this, don’t stop giving them to us ’cause hubby will eat them–they don’t go straight to his hips!  

I guess I’m just puzzled why we bake and bake and then, we circulate all of this highly fattening stuff to each other as gifts and at parties–but, then, we complain about how we need to lose weight.  My strategy is to feed it to someone else.  Out of sight, out of mind.  And, I work out like a fiend at times if I do have 1-2 treats.  I guess at times, I’m prone to left-brained logic.  I sit here and think about how our main resolutions are about saving money and losing weight.  Now, if we just gave less gifts or more meaningful gifts (time, love, etc.) and stopped with the cookies, wouldn’t we get a head-start on our resolutions for the new year?

8. Speaking of Resolutions…I’m Done!  I’m so done with resolutions.  I’ve not made any in about 5 years.  I prefer to make a gratitude list of things every day.  Then, at the end of the year, I make a list of things that I’m grateful for from the year.  It just feels better.  I know the good stuff will come my way and then, I can bless others too–not just during the holidays or the new year!

9.  I Became Better at Barre Chords!  I’m so stoked.  After about a month of self-torturous practice, my barre chords actually don’t sound so darn plucky on my guitar.  For about a month, I thought I was going to be stuck in those 6 pages of Hal Leonard’s Book 3 for the rest of my life.  Guitar teacher said I was doing well, but I didn’t believe it.  It was so physically demanding too for me.  Barre chords are much harder than regular chords.  It is so incredibly hard–I can’t believe it.  But, I know that I’ll be playing guitar the rest of my life, so that I have a very long time to master them.  My intention is to be in a rockabilly band as a lead guitarist by the the time I’m 40.  I have a few years, I know.

10.  I Made a Specific Vision Board.  I’m so excited ’cause at the end of 2008, I was super guided to make a brand new vision board–but, this time around, I decided to make it much more specific.  I like looking at it as I work in my office every day.  The most fun part was writing things next to the pictures about my wonderful new life. 

If you want it,  you gotta live like you got it–or, live from the outcome.  I also put some affirmations on the vision board such as “I believe in me!”  I’m so excited looking at it.  I had to look up at it just now and it just gave me a great feeling!  Yay!  Maybe one day I’ll be brave and post a picture of it here…or maybe not.

11.  I Am Learning How to Speak Up.  I’m 37 and I’ve never been good at speaking up.  I’m still learning the ropes.  I’m so sensitive and so I totally don’t want to ever even possibly hurt another person.  But, I had a situation that called for me to be authentic over the past few weeks.  I kept receiving these unsolicited emails from a person channeling messages.  I found the emails to be fear-based.  I asked this person multiple times to remove me from his list.  Finally, he asked why and he asked me to tune in with what my guides said about him.  Excuse me?  Say what?  I was loving and honest.  I basically said I found his channelings to be fear-based since they predicted natural disasters.  Well, he was not so nice to me.  He disparaged me, saying that I wasn’t spiritually ready for his information.  He also said that I wasn’t a clear channel.

For about a day, I felt badly.  Maybe I was mean, but then, nope, it hit me.  I was respectful and that is all that matters at the end of the day.  I can’t control how people react to me.  You can be so incredibly loving and still piss people off.  I guess it is time for me to re-read the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.  One of the four agreements is about not taking things personally.  Hell yeah!  That is what I’m going to strive for–so, if I had to pick a new year’s resolution for 2009–that would be it–not taking things personally.

12.  I Saw My Yearly Movie.  On New Year’s, hubby and I went to see the movie, “Cadillac Records.”  It was based on the story of Chess Records.  I’m a big music fan and so I love all music movies.  I rarely go to the movies, but I had to go see this.  I thought it was well done, but it ended on a very sad note.  I don’t want to spoil it in case you see it, so I’ll be quiet.

13.  Curry Is Our Staple Meal Here.  I suddenly have found myself making curry every other day.  It’s warming and heck, we need as much warmth as we can get here in Detroit area.  It’s not just the weather, but I’ve noticed that people are so down-trodden here.  I work my best to smile at everyone I meet or talk to just going about my daily business. 

Things will get better soon!  We have to keep on believing in ourselves.  Just gotta keep on keeping on!  That is the whole idea behind that Dove chocolate message–”Warmth on the inside can melt cold on the outside,” I believe.  A smile can help.  Just one person can make a difference in this world.  That is what I choose to believe.

14.  I’m Sad That Phenomenews is Ending a 30 Year Run.  Over this past weekend, I heard about how spiritual magazine phenomenews is ending it’s 30 yearrun.  It was started in 1978 and has been my constant companion on the spiritual journey since 1996 when I started to read it.  I know that everything ends–it’s part of life.  But, just wanted to give a shout-out to them.  Those girls, Cindy and Geri rocked the house with their awesome energy and presence.  I wish them well and much love and light on the next part of their journey!

15.  I’m So Grateful That My Friend is Okay!  I mention this last, but I really wanted to put it first.  I always save the best for last.  That is how I work.  I’m so grateful that my friend’s surgery was a success and that she is home recovering well.  I never doubted that she would do well, but I love her like a sister, so I was concerned!  And, girl, if you’re reading this, I love you!  I didn’t want to go into specifics to respect her privacy, etc.  I’m so relieved though…

Well, that is about it in a nutshell about my holidays and the New Year!  Now you have some idea why I haven’t blogged as of late…

Wishing you much love and light for 2009–and beyond!

Love and blessings,

Lisa

Just wanted to say:  “Happy Holidays!”  It’s the time of year to celebrate, enjoy time with family and friends, and to relax after all the hard work. 

Actually, I really didn’t work hard this holiday season.  I didn’t bake, send Christmas cards, no holiday newsletter, no tree or other decorations inside or outside, and very few gifts were bought.  I’m not even sure why it was this way, but I’ve been just working on being okay with it being “as is.”

I’ve found happiness in simplicity.  I found myself more excited about making homemade gifts this year.  I also gifted myself a brand new vision board that I worked on this week.  It is specific about what I truly desire–what a great way to start the intentions for the new year of 2009!

I’m happiest when I get to spend quality time with my hubby, family, and friends.  This is the greatest gift for me.  I really like to hang out with people, enjoy good food, and talk.  It feels better to me than any store-bought presents.

Whatever holiday you celebrate and how ever you celebrate it and whenever, etc.–just enjoy it!  Hope you have wonderful holidays and enjoy them in your own special way!

Time to put on warm blankets, knit, and drink hot tea.  I’m so grateful to be curled up on a snowy day inside my warm house with my hubby.  This is a gift in itself.

Enjoy the holidays!

Blessings of love and light,

Lisa

Woke up today and the snow was really coming down.  By 2p.m., I believe we had 6-7 inches.  I think we ended up getting 8-10 inches of snow. 

Yes, it’s pretty–if you don’t have to drive anywhere.

I stayed at home today, working on some projects, including a new vision board that is more specific related to my personal vision.  It was fun to be inside where it is warm and dry.

My squirrel friends still managed to eat their daily seeds.  One little brown squirrel dug into the ground, making himself a make-shift igloo.  Now and then, he’d pop up to get air and all you could see was his little head.  A little black squirrel ate and ate up in the tree feeder while his fur coat was all covered in white snow.  Poor little things!

Did I mention that I really, really dislike winter?  I now have two comforters on my bed for the chilly nights.  My teapot is constantly going.  BRRR!

I find myself looking at my pictures from my recent Hawaiian vacation.  Actually, I’m working on finding a way to get to someplace warm again soon!  I am not sure where or when, but I’m putting it out there.  In reality, it’s more like I said, “Hey, Universe, get me out of the cold Michigan winters–now!” 

Yep, I have issues with patience.  I’m working on them.

But, I am grateful for my warm home and not having a day job to travel to every day.  I’m grateful that I am not going crazy this year with holiday stuff.  I am perfectly calm and relaxed.  This year, we didn’t send out Christmas cards.  We didn’t put up a tree or decorate.  We didn’t buy many gifts at all.  It feels really good to simplify our lives this way and to focus on what really matters–LOVE.

I still am not good at loving winter, however…

Hugs,

Lisa

Have you ever seen this saying in my post title?  Change is the only constant in the Universe.  Things change all of the time.  We change all of the time too.

I’ve decided to put my foot down–with myself.  I’ve decided to no longer procrastinate on my dreams that I’ve long held.  From now on, I’m not going to live with my light hidden. 

Things have changed a lot for me as of late.  I’ve felted tested.  I was tired of all of the challenges and delays.  I decided to stop seeing it as a test.  I just see it as the life I’ve created.  That’s all.  It’s just change.

For a while, I’ve been frustrated with others who won’t change.  I would become annoyed at their limiting beliefs or refusal to work to make things better in their lives.  One day, a simple grocery shopping trip taught me that I need to learn how to deal with change too.  I went with my husband and he not only parked the car in a different place than I usually park, but he drove the shopping cart.  My brain felt very challenged.  I have a routine and since I’m visual, I felt I had to shop this way to remember things in case I forgot to put something on my shopping list.  Gosh, I realized, I really need to get a grip.  I can’t be so rigid about doing things a certain way.  It’s actually probably pretty good for your brain to park in new places, take different routes, and to do things differently–to CHANGE it up.

So, I’m working on being more flexible in my life.  Also, I’m working to release judgments about others who won’t change–in my eyes.  It’s their life, their process, and well, it’s all good.  I like it when author Debbie Ford talks about resigning as General Manager of the Universe.  Okay, I resign!

Change is scary at first, but if you just breathe into it, change feels great.  I have been working on being okay with change as I do my yoga.  As I start my practice, I realize my body will shift and change by the time I’m finished with my practice for the day.  This is okay with yoga, so why wouldn’t it be okay off the mat.  That is actually the idea–live your yoga off the mat.  I feel like this lesson has recycled many times in my life.  When I’ve stopped doing yoga throughout the past 10 years on and off, I notice I will quit when I am experiencing many positive changes–some inner and some outer. 

Well, no more.  I’m not quitting this time.  I mean, seriously, change is good.  Change is needed–at least in my life.  I’ve been a stuck, stagnate procrastinator for way too long. 

I’m now singing that song, “Changes”–the David Bowie version…”Ch, ch, ch…changes…!”  Hee hee! 

Just my 2 cents–my spare change!

Enjoy the changes,

Lisa xo

Actually, winter is pretty when you’re inside with a cup of tea and a heatpack like me.  The snow tonight looked like glitter snow as I watched it briefly with the help of my porch light.

The thing is I still dislike winter here in Michigan.  It’s not even officially winter, but it’s been so cold.  It was very chilly last week here, in the teens and 20F’s.  I noticed I had an interesting daily routine last week.  In between working on my website, giving readings, and working on writing projects, I found myself heating up a heatpack in the microwave every 20 minutes.  In between meals, laundry, and housework, I’d make a cup of tea along with the heatpack.  Then, I was using lip balm, hand lotion, and putting on slipper socks and a hooded sweatshirt at times with a robe.

One day last week, I thought I’d go for a walk–to embrace the winter.  I was all bundled up with boots, ski jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, and multiple layers.  It was mid-morning and the sun was out.  I was excited ’cause perhaps, it would be a “warm day” of 40F.  Prior to leaving, I walked out to give the squirrels and birds their daily allotment of black sunflower seed.  Just this 20 foot walk was enough to send me running back into the house.  Brr!!  I mean, “BRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!” 

So much for embracing winter…

Another day, I was thinking of my energy usage.  I had the heat cranked up a couple of days to 70-71F.  Yes, that is high in our little house.  I thought maybe one day to help the planet and to help our finances, I’d try setting the thermostat lower–just for one day.  I set it to 68F.  I usually can cope with this on days that are in the 30F’s.  But, here, it was 15F!  I don’t watch t.v. any more, so I don’t really get plugged into the weather unless I either go outside or go to weather.com.  So, I guessed the weather wrong.

I thought, “Okay, maybe I just need more layers.”  So, I put on another sweater and a blanket.  I was freezing!  Turns out I put the thermostat at 62F.  I couldn’t cope.  My body shut down on me.  I put it back to a tropical 70F.  I could think straight and I could take off a layer or two.  I was able to not have to constantly make tea for myself–just once per hour.

Then, there is the driving in snow factor.  I really refuse nowadays to drive in any bad weather.  I’ve lived through enough white knuckled moments on the roads in the winter.  Driving to meet a friend last Friday, I was worried ’cause it started to become wet snow outside after it had cleared from snowing all day.  I went further west about 5 miles and the weather became even worse–what is called snow squalls.  So, I kept driving and just as I was thinking of heading home, I went south and there was no snow at all–none, nope, all gone.  The roads were dry and so I was able to safely meet my friend for dinner.  Driving home later that evening, I noticed my area was completely dry too.  There’s a saying in Michigan about the weather:  “If you don’t like it, wait five minutes.”  Yep, works every time.

The worst thing about driving in Michigan weather is what I call the in-between factor.  When the weather hovers around freezing and there is any kind of precipitation on its way, you risk the chance of encountering freezing rain.  This is worse than any snow (save a blizzard) to drive through.  Ever been ice skating?  Think of that, but you’re driving instead!  It is not fun.  You drive 5 miles per hour and still white knuckle the whole way.

Another aspect of driving in Michigan during the winters that is not so fun is sharing the road with people who forget each year how to drive on the roads.  Many forget despite living here for many years.  Each year, there’s a learning curve when it comes to driving again.  It’s like people have to relearn each year.  I say this with a lot of love and humor.  I’m similar, but I always remember the basic laws of physics–and, well, TRACTION.  There’s a snow belt area when I drive home from visiting my mom’s house.  You always know to slow down when you start to encounter pick-up trucks doing spin outs and ending up in the ditches.  Time for me to take my foot off the gas and coast.  You never want to do anything sudden in winter driving conditions.  Slow and steady is the best rule of thumb. 

I totally get why people buy winter homes in warm places.  The lack of sunlight here can really get to you.  I have to take Vitamin D supplements half the year while living in Michigan or I get sore, tired, and very depressed.  Once in a while though, you’ll have a sunny day.  I open up all the blinds wide open to get that greenhouse effect to help lower the heating need for the day.  Sometimes, I’ll sit in the sun spots like a cat to warm my chilly bones.

A year or two ago, someone said to me that as you get older, you cope less with the cold winters.  This cracked me up because this person was maybe 5-6 years younger than me.  Hee hee!  So, I just smiled and said, “Yes, you’re right.  Every year, I get more and more fit from riding my bike and lose more body fat.  So, I lose a layer of insulation.”  Getting older has its perks like being more shapely and muscular  

But, BRRR!

I find myself making lots of curries as of late to warm me.  I remember a few years ago, I began eating raw vegan.  I was never more cold in my life eating cold food all the time.  I am grateful that phase (I mean, experimentation) is over.  How did I ever handle two winters eating raw food?  It might be a good way to eat if say you were spending a winter in Tampa!  But, not in Detroit. 

I digress…

I can’t even bear the thought of going outside at times.  Just getting the mail requires a sweater now.  I used to get it barefooted from my porch.  Not any more.  I dislike the idea of driving any place too ’cause the weather can change in a heartbeat here. 

I’m really working though to have gratitude for winter.  I get to knit.  I get to work on indoor projects, especially ones related to my life purpose.  If it were nice outside all the time, I may not ever get my book finished.  I was able to revamp my website with hubby’s help too.  I guess winter does have some benefits.  I think of animals who hibernate in the winter.  I guess that is kinda what I’m doing in a way.  You go within and withdraw a bit from regular life in the winter.  You work on projects indoors.  You do the holiday thing.  You spend time curled up with someone.

I’m so grateful that I have a warm, cozy home, especially in the winter.  As I give my spare change to the Salvation Army this time of year, I think of how fortunate I am and send blessings to all who don’t have a place to call home.  I’m so grateful to have warm food, warm clothing, and so many other blessings. 

I think I’ll quit my bitching about winter now…

Blessings,

Lisa