Healing really can happen

“‘I think no more of taking a wife than I do of buying a cow,’ was one of Heber Kimball’s delicate remarks. made from the stand in the Tabernacle to a congregation of several thousand. Most of his hearers thought even less of it, for they would have had to pay money for the cow; and as for the other, he had only to throw his handkerchief to some girl, and she would pick it up and follow him. - Ann-Eliza Snow

I grew up in a very, very conservative religion — like a Young Earth…

An exercise in clarity

I stand for Kindness, because it matters.

I stand for Honesty, because without trust we’ve got nothing but fear.

I stand for Love, it really does make the world go round.

I stand for Inclusion, because, as the Rev. Jesse Jackson said, “When everyone is included, everyone wins.”

I stand for Intuitive Living, because we all hold Truth deep within our cells.

I stand for Spiritual Action AND Connection, because thoughts and beliefs without action are empty half-formed things.

I stand for Owning & Telling Our Stories, because our stories matter and, as Anne Lamott so…

And why timing matters

“You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” -Louise L. Hay

Loving ourselves while living in a culture focused on tearing us down, is a sacred and sometimes scary act of devotion. The healing journey towards completely unconditional self-love is a lifelong one. It never ends, it is, indeed, a practice.

How you speak to yourself matters — often more than any outside voice you hear throughout your daily adult life. Our inner voices are shaped by our child and young adulthood. The first voices…

I tend to write in coffee shops… because if I’m at home, I get distracted by the television or the cats or my husband, or… you know — all of those things that make it easy to procrastinate. — Cassandra Clare

I used to get so much focused writing and creating done at coffee shops and I’m sure I will again one day, once we’ve conquered Covid. Until then, I will continue doing all of my writing, scheduling, researching, planning, and creating here in my home office. …

You deserve freedom from the stuckness of shame

“Shame is that warm feeling that washes over us, making us feel small, flawed, and never good enough.” — Brené Brown

Experiencing sexual assault is one of the most traumatic experiences possible. No matter the age, gender, religious or political beliefs of the victim. This is because being sexually assaulted is a direct violation of who we are — it is the most physically intimate violation we survive. It can leave victims feeling helpless, hopeless, powerless, and, worst of all, full of shame.

I was raped in September of 2013.

For the…

Saturday’s New Moon is our last one before the Spring Equinox. Consider it a much-needed reset opportunity. This simple ritual’s focus is on what you intend to do/be/create/experience during this last full week of Winter.

A ritual water cleansing is a good idea — if you can manage a full soaking bath (with candles and essential oils even!), then I heartily recommend it before you sit down to write out your intentions. If a bath isn’t an option, gently and with great attention and care, wash your hands and face before engaging in your writing.

A short and sweet, straight-to-the-point…