Holistic Life Coach

Ahhh, the richness of these words . I suggest reading them 3 times and slowly taking them in.

"Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self." - May Sarton

My Cat Fred.. who I inherited a year ago... It's taking him some time to get comfortable...

Current Prince Fred situation. Catnip chill.

# chrysalischris

This speaks to me of 12 step and other support groups. We do not have do this alone!

My experience is that it grows only deeper—this desire to be met and seen and known. In the brokenness and chaos we live with, in the loneliness and fatigue, there is a longing to hear ourselves being called back into life. Even as grief can blunt that longing, making us want to turn away and hide, it can also have a way of sharpening it, of making that longing for life more fierce. This is a difficult, beautiful gift. I am so grateful for the blessings that keep bearing this gift, including the blessings that come in the form of people. Like you, for instance. Bless you.

I have been working on downloading all my blog posts form one website to another for my crystal business, ChrysalsiChris. I stumbled across a blog post I did for Women's History month and wanted to share part of it as we often see the clouds and forge that there are many rainbows...

Our presence and our words have the ability to strengthen, heal and inspire just as they have the ability to beat down, wound and kill a spirit. This year for women's history month I am reflecting on the women that inspired me and empowered me to strive to be the best version of me that I can be. Many of them were a "rainbow in the clouds."
Maya Angelou is the one who brought the phrase "rainbow in the clouds" into my sphere of consciousness. There is an important back story about the "rainbow in the clouds."

There is a 19th-century African-American song popularly known as “God Put a Rainbow in the Clouds.” I recently listened to a talk that Maya gave at Evergreen State College : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nYXFletWH4
in which she said "I’ve had so many rainbows in my clouds. I had a lot of clouds, but I had so many rainbows.”
A shorter version from Oprah's Master class: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nYXFletWH4
Dr. Angelou said she always carried these “rainbows” with her to her speaking and teaching engagements, whether in a large venue or intimate classroom. “I bring everyone who has ever been kind to me with me,” she said. “Black, white, Asian, Spanish-speaking, Native American, gay, straight, everybody. I said, ‘Come on with me. I’m going on the stage. Come with me. I need you now.’”
Whether her “rainbows” were living or had long since passed, Dr. Angelou said she always felt and drew strength from their support. “I don’t ever feel I have no help,” she said. “I had rainbows in my clouds.” She also encouraged people to apply the “rainbow in the clouds” philosophy to their own lives. I am fortunate enough to say that there have been many women in my life that were rainbows and am grateful that I have been able to share that light with others.

It could be a person, pet or event...What rainbows do you have in your life?

I can say that the light always comes....though there have been times that I kept my eyes and my heart closed and did not see the light when it came, convinced I had been forsaken. NOT!

Gentle reminder....keep your eyes, mind and heart open so you can see and receive the light when it comes.

In the thick of this Florida summer, it is such a fine thing to be in the studio, thinking about Advent. I’m creating a new online retreat for this Advent and am so looking forward! I love offering the Illuminated retreat and traveling in the company of folks around the world who want to move through the season with intention, grace, and hope.

In the meantime, here’s an Advent/Christmas blessing for you from me on this summer’s day:

HOW THE LIGHT COMES

I cannot tell you
how the light comes.

What I know
is that it is more ancient
than imagining.

That it travels
across an astounding expanse
to reach us.

That it loves
searching out
what is hidden,
what is lost,
what is forgotten
or in peril
or in pain.

That it has a fondness
for the body,
for finding its way
toward flesh,
for tracing the edges
of form,
for shining forth
through the eye,
the hand,
the heart.

I cannot tell you
how the light comes,
but that it does.
That it will.
That it works its way
into the deepest dark
that enfolds you,
though it may seem
long ages in coming
or arrive in a shape
you did not foresee.

And so
may we this day
turn ourselves toward it.
May we lift our faces
to let it find us.
May we bend our bodies
to follow the arc it makes.
May we open
and open more
and open still
to the blessed light
that comes.

—Jan Richardson
from Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons

Nice, short read with practical tips.

6 Ways to Build Trust in Yourself It can feel more difficult to make decisions when you can’t trust yourself because you fear you will make the wrong choice.

What is your number 1 challenge, area of discomfort, feeling stuck? Type in the comments section and I will respond with at least one suggestion to help.

Writing what we are grateful for reminds of of what's not wrong....yep, read that again...what is not wrong. So often I get caught up in what is not right that I forget that there is a lot more that is not wrong...

Why You Should Write Down the Things You're Grateful for Each Day Keeping a gratitude journal is a simple and effective way to relieve stress and increase your overall emotional well-being. Learn how to get started.