Heart and Soul

If you’ve been with me for awhile, you know I have written about the many life experiences I’ve had in order to connect with others. Making connections and helping others has always been the key to my writings. Well, that and talking about heartlights shining which at this point, I find even more curious since my heartlight is due for a shiny upgrade.

Being a breast cancer survivor, (now at the 20 year mark!), I thought that it would be smooth sailing from here on out. Apparently, my soul had signed up for a few more life experiences at earth school that I wasn’t aware I needed. So here I am, asking for your help, your prayers and your good thoughts, because open heart surgery is next on my schedule.

I know, shocking, right? It was to me, too. My entire life I’d known I had a heart murmur, low blood pressure and I would describe myself as a fainter (not often, but enough to not surprise myself that I faint at the sight of a needle etc.). It was my normal. However, it wasn’t normal. It was due to a genetically deformed aortic valve that I was born with – a bicuspid instead of a tricuspid valve that received more damage over the years by chemotherapy, radiation – and needs to be replaced now.

I’m not your typical heart patient. There are a multitude of complications to navigate for the cardiologists and luckily, they are prepping their strategies with the help from my previous doctors for hopefully the best outcome – a renewed heart.

So there it is – my latest news. I’ll admit that as the date gets closer, I get a bit more nervous. I’ve danced with the ‘what if I don’t make it’ through the surgery. I’ve battled the ‘I don’t want to have the surgery’ and I’ll take my chances. I’ve curled up in a ball and cried myself to sleep, feeling sorry for myself. I’ve had every emotion imaginable and ended up here.

Interestingly, here is where I am processing the letting go of fear. There’s something amazingly freeing at this point in my life to know that there’s a chance I will not make it through the surgery. It makes the last few days before it more meaningful, more urgent to share the truth of how I feel, most important to tell those whom I love and appreciate, how much they mean to me. I have nothing to lose.

Whether or not I make it through, I love that I am unafraid to speak my truth, finally…interestingly how the soul knows and I do not question life school anymore. I wanted to share this with you because you have all been on this blog journey with me over the years and I have appreciated your loving support, your help and your friendship. My life has been richer because of our connections. You have my sincerest love and gratitude for being you!

Keep shining your heartlights! I’ll be looking for them!

Shine On!

xo

Heart Of The Matter

Those ‘a-ha’ moments are fascinating when we realize the breadth and scope of the bigger picture, don’t you think? In the moment perhaps we are stunned by realizations, but afterwards, a few steps beyond the initial shock, we realize what we’ve known all along and chosen not to see. I often wonder if it is the heart or the mind which blocks the inner knowing until we are able to understand fully. Either way, I am now grateful.

The heart of the matter came unexpectedly as those types of realizations often do. Searching for answers, for reasons, the path became clear almost immediately when the realization was freed from prior naiveté. What I believed was normal for me was not at all. Believing that it was all in the brain was proven to be incorrect. It is in the heart, the soul’s residence, from which our heartlights emerge. It came as a huge surprise to me even though others did not have the same reaction. Perhaps it is in how I love that could be different, that makes no sense to those who find my thinking nonsensical, my forgiveness extraordinary and my silence merciful. But I am none of those as typified by normality. I’m an empath who has emerged from her cocoon without fear.

I imagine, after all is complete, I will emerge as a healed Phoenix from the ashes, ready to soar to the heavens with grace, strength and wisdom from the experience. There are so many cliches I want to input – my heart will go on – but it’s true. I am hoping I will go on as well and not leave this earthly plane before my allotted time. There is still much to do for me here.

Shine On!

xo

Homesick For The Light

There are times when the low vibrational energies drain us.  I’m still hearing from friends who are talking about this energetic shift that is progressing so slowly that at times we feel as if we are in a stagnant pool of waiting.  It’s as if all is flowing in slow motion to the point of actually not seeing any movement, even though we know there is progress.  Does that make sense to you?

The phrase Homesick For The Light popped into my head this morning so I’m just going to flow with it.  To me, the phrase means that we are longing to be surrounded by kindness, tranquility, and being bathed in heartlight for a little while.  To me, that’s home.  This seesaw energy and spiritual chaos exhausts many of us.  As our eyes have been opened, it is hard to watch others who manipulate, deceive (themselves and others) and prefer disconnection to unity.

I think what frustrates many of us is that we know there is another way – unity, compassion, love, kindness, peace, connections.  We have seen and felt the light shine from our own heartlights and been united with similarly thinking souls.  We know how great it feels.  So when we find people in our lives who have turned towards the shadows, we long to help, but we are thwarted for different reasons.

May you find your light in the everyday moments.  May you shine your heartlights brilliantly.  May you light another’s light when theirs dims.  May you find comfort in connections.  May you find peace within and spread your peaceful countenance to all.

Shine On!

xo

April First – Rabbit Rabbit and Rainbow

I couldn’t stay away today being that it’s April 1st and you know what we do on the first of the month!

Rabbit Rabbit, White Rabbit, White Rabbit!

Then to add to the fun of the New Moon in Aries, when I went outside this morning, this beautiful huge rainbow was streaming across the sky in front of me. Immediately, my grin widened and as I sat there just enjoying the absolute beauty of it, I finally remembered to take a photo. This one doesn’t really do it justice though since it was taken with my phone. Just image the colors brighter, clearer and the rainbow being HUMONGOUS! Then you’ll see it the way I did!

However, I thought I’d share my rainbow with you, in case you needed a little bit of extra hope, love, luck, and some more light for your heartlight because I know life can sometimes be difficult for even the strongest of us all. WIth the new month beginning, we must make time to be present in the moment, to look up at the sky and see if by chance, there’s a rainbow quietly waiting for us to marvel at its magnificence.

A reminder from the Universe and God that miracles happen, quietly without fanfare, if we take the time to look. Keep shining your heartlights. Our world needs more light everyday.

Shine On!

xo

Twenty Years Ago Today

Time is such an interesting concept as sometimes it goes by very quickly and at others, it seems to plod along slowly. As with many anniversaries, today is one of remembrance and I wanted to honor those who we lost on September 11, 2001 and those who we lost subsequently because of this heart wrenching tragedy.

Many of us know exactly where we were when we first heard the unbelievable news. Especially being a Jersey Girl and so close to NYC, we felt the fear, the grief and the hole in our lives in different ways. As I gazed up at the clear blue sky this morning while drinking my coffee and listening to the peaceful sounds of nature, I prayed because it was a morning such as this that changed so many lives in ways that nobody could have dared to imagine.

Even so many years later, I am stilled by this anniversary. Does it affect you as well?

One of my favorite songs we sang at church when I was growing up was Let There Be Peace On Earth. While I was sitting outside this morning, the song came to me and the words nestled into my heart. So I had to share them with you in case you feel as if you’d like to sing along.

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
Let there be peace on earth
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin 
With me (me)
With me

I’m sending heartfelt hugs to all of you. Please continue to shine your heartlights and share your loving kindness with those around you. Our world feels mighty heavy lately. Your beacons of heartlight shine so brightly and help us all to remember that we are not alone.

God Bless.

Shine On!

xo

All You Need Is Love

There’s a popular song by the Beatles called, “All You Need Is Love” which you may remember. When I awoke this morning, I heard that song in my head and chose to share it today since Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us.

Life sure feels strange lately with all the upheaval. There’s so much fear and uncertainty. Politically people are at odds and then there’s the Covid-19 virus which has many worried as well. I try not to watch the news since much of it has negativity to it. I like to stay informed, but I also don’t want to get caught up in the whirlwind.

As light workers shining our heartlights, we continually need to feed ourselves positivity. Not in a Pollyanna sort of way, but in choosing to stay centered, and with kindness, love and caring for all people. Love holds the key to unlocking so many of our troubles these days. Perhaps that’s why the song resonated with me this morning.

Love is all you need is a great reminder to what’s important in this world. Giving and receiving love heals us all. Love makes the world go round, don’t you think?

Shine On!

xo

World Cancer Day

February 4th was World Cancer Day. I didn’t know it until now, so obviously I am a day late. It’s strange how I saw people post Happy World Cancer Day and I found it hard to read. Because even though I am a cancer survivor myself, I’m not quite sure I could put the word “Happy” in front of it even though I understand how they’re thinking. That it is a day of remembrance for all cancers world-wide.

I pulled this off a post somewhere today so I can’t give credit to whomever made it unfortunately. But I was stunned as to the different colors associated with each cancer. I began to look at each one and think of those whom I know who have endured that type of cancer. It took me quite awhile to go through the color wheel of cancers as I sat quietly in their presence and sent each and every one of them a prayer of healing. To those whom we lost to their battles with cancer, I sent them a blessing and prayers up to Heaven.

I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t know of someone who has had cancer, let alone anyone who hasn’t had a family member who has been touched by cancer. I truly wish we could find a cure for all of it.

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the passing of a very dear friend who had pancreatic cancer. She fought her battle like the warrior she was and left family and friends bereft without her light in this world. Her legacy of love and of the inclusion of all was a blessing to many. Her family not only included the biological members and their spouses, significant others and even the children, but the ex’s as well which some may have a difficult time understanding. She made it all possible with her light of love and her compassion for all people. While she never made anyone feel uncomfortable, her welcoming nature helped many wounds heal over time and she made this world a better place by being herself.

Today I ask that you take a moment as well to review the color wheel of ribbons, each representing another cancer and take a moment to pray for those whom you know/knew who had each one cancer. You may be utterly surprised as I was as to the amount of dear friends and family’s lives that cancer has touched.

I am shining my heart light to you today and to all whom have been affected by cancer.

Shine On!

xo

Our Deepest Fear

Our Deepest Fear
By Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.

We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us;
It’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we’re liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

 

Just a little inspiration for all of us.  May you continue to shine your heartlights!

Shine On!

xo

Greetings 2021

Happy First Monday of 2021 to all! I hope you had a lovely New Year’s and that you are quickly settling into writing 2021 as opposed to 2020! It always takes me a few days to get used to writing a new year in the beginning. Do you have the same experience?

I awoke this morning and realized that this is a new decade for me and my loved ones. A lot happened in our lives during the last decade 2010-2020 which brought about so many tears, changes and much upheaval. But I am looking forward to this new decade which comes in altogether differently with a breath of fresh optimism, love, light and healing. I am so grateful for the past decade which taught me so much even when it was so difficult. I remain blessed that what I endured during these last ten years has made me stronger, more resilient and has taught me more about life and people than I ever really intended. I’ve learned so much which allows me to help others who are in similar situations. For walking these paths is not easy and sometimes we simply need a hand to hold onto as we continue on. As always, I offer you my hand in friendship.

What I love is that I can honestly tell you that I am happy, and that I have healed from the past decade’s experiences. Overcoming so many life’s challenges without losing myself, nor my positive attitude, has been miraculous. I have had much help over the years and I am truly grateful for those who stayed and supported me, took the time to listen, to help me to heal and to inspire me to believe in love and life again. These gifts are so precious to me as are those people who reached out with kindness and caring.

I am raising my glass to you and to 2021 in greetings! May we continue to see the glass as. half full and be grateful for the glass itself which is refillable. May we hold precious those who care and love innately. May we be filled with hope, inspiration and the light of goodness as we fill our days shining our heartlights. May we never forget The Presents of Presence no matter how hectic our lives become – for this lifetime is short and is never guaranteed for a certain period of time.

So live a life that you are proud of,

a legacy of love,

that helps all with whom you connect

to feel the blessings

that your presence is to our world.

Shine On!

xo

As The Wind Blows

I’m a Jersey Girl, never far from the beach even if I don’t frequent it as much anymore. My happy place has always been by the sea for its power of calm, strength and beauty.

But the winds have kicked up today and the temperatures have dropped significantly. I was recently gifted a wind chime and I can hear its melodious tune, never ending in this wind. It’s a sweet reminder on the day after All Souls Day to honor those loved ones who have passed away.

I feel as if these winds are blowing away the remnants of whatever each of us still clings to that is not for us anymore. Releasing feels key here, especially with the helpful winds. Letting go and finding peace within, centered and calming will certainly help us in the coming days for there seems to be a building of emotional uncertainty that may affect those of us who prefer peace.

I wish you all peace. I wish kindness, caring and patience to surround you. I am grateful to see your heart lights still shining. That in itself keeps mine shining as well.

Shine On!

xo