Wow.  When I sit back and think about how far I've come in the past 8 or 9 years, it is actually mind boggling.  It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day reality and feel like change is not happening and that you are "stuck" where you are.  It isn't until you really start thinking about it that you realize you have been moving forward all along, even if it has been small steps.

I have worked on myself A LOT in the past few years.  Whether it is through Reiki, Mediumship and Psychic studies, health and wellness, new friendships or setting stronger boundaries, one thing is for sure- I have definitely progressed.  And although I am very proud of how far I have come, I was given a gentle reminder this morning that I still have work to do.  In the past, this would have made me upset and anxious knowing that I wasn't going to reach my idea of "perfection".  I have finally realized that learning and growing is a life long journey- one that will never end and quite frankly, I don't really want it to .  The person I was way back when is so very different than the woman I am today.  Not good or bad, just different.  I am so confident in so many aspects of my life right now and yet there are still times when I second guess or doubt my capabilities.  

The one thing I am certain of is that I am so grateful that I live in a time and place that awards me the opportunity to learn and grow.  I have access to so many amazing people, I have connected with souls that challenge and support me in a way I never dreamed of and I am passionate about seeing growth in others as well.  I will continue on this path and although I may be on a completely different one years from now, I embrace the changes that are bound to come my way.

So, here we are going through the 3rd lockdown in just over a year.  People are tired of businesses closing, and we are becoming very lonely, full of anxiety and sadness.  I think the hardest thing we are dealing with is missing our loved ones.  We haven't seen our family or friends in ages and it is definitely taking its toll.

The other day while working from home once again, I walked to our mailbox which has become my daily routine of excitement.  I saw that the "red arm" was up which meant that something was there....most likely bills.  Nonetheless, I made my way to open it up and see what was there.  To my absolute surprise, I pulled out the most amazing friendship postcard sent from one of my best friends.  Along with the truly heartfelt note she wrote to me, I was so honored to read the message on the front.  Here we are, worrying about the fact that we aren't seeing our loved ones and I was given a very clear reminder that reaching out doesn't necessarily mean physically seeing each other.  With this one, simple gesture, we were able to reconnect immediately and I was so grateful for this gift of love.

Yesterday was such a beautiful, sunny day in Renfrew and I was able to spend it offering Reiki to all of the animals at the Smeltzer Ranch.  I have worked with horses many times but pigs and cows were a first!!
 
For those of you who knew my dog Bo, Sara Smeltzer was his second mom and would take care of Bo while we travelled.  Sara and her family watched and loved him for almost 10 years.  My way of giving back is to work with Sara’s animals.
 
This is me (and my bleeding heart) in action.  When I am working with animals, time seems to stand still.  There is nothing like it for me!
 
#Smeltzer Ranch Dog Boarding

We are almost there.  Restrictions are lifting (for the second time), stores and restaurants are opening and some businesses are starting back.  It has been almost a year and fingers crossed we are getting to the end.  Never before has the entire world shut down at the same time.  We keep moving forward as there really isn't another option, but what happens when we come out the other side?  Will we think back in disbelief?  Cry with relief, but sadness for those who were lost?  Will we take the time to truly reflect and be grateful for what this time gave to us?

I like to think of it as a 'new beginning'.  Over the past year, I have gone from a very regimented, scheduled individual- up at 5am, out the door to the gym, workout for one hour, complete a work day, drive home and start over again the next day.....to a very relaxed, slower paced woman with no real schedule.  The first few months were definitely amazing.  It was so nice to sleep in a bit longer, stay up a bit later and eat all three meals at my own kitchen table instead of on the run.  Although I have never really been able to meditate, I have started a new practice of 'walking away'.  During my day, I will move to a comfy chair, take a few deep breaths and close my eyes.  This can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 20 minutes and allows me to keep calm.  I was able to spend 24/7 with my aging dog, Bo who recently passed away- something I was never able to do while being in the office.  I learned how important my family and friends are and how much I miss spending time with them.

My goal as we get closer to the finish line is to remember the amazing things that have come out of this.  What has shifted for me?  What do I want to continue doing when we get back at it?  And most importantly, what did I learn about who I am that I no longer need to carry with me?

It has been tough, heart-breaking, scary and sad.  But oh, the blessings.  xo

I know January can be a bit "blah", but I have always viewed this time as a "new start".  Although its not necessary to label one day a year to have a new start, it can be really be done at any time, it helps me to move forward.  

This year because of the pandemic, the holidays were very quiet which is very unusual for me.  I was nervous about how that would feel, but I actually enjoyed and appreciated my down time.  I was grateful that all of my friends and family were happy and safe and although we were not spending the time together, we were all here and in good health.  I found myself on a few occasions just staring out my back window, thankful for where I am.  I am completely surrounded in nature and I don't think there is anything more beautiful than seeing the snow on the trees.

January is my time to complete my goal list.  Yes, I know there is A LOT of information out there at this time of year.  Ads telling you that you need to set your resolutions, take a look at your weight, make huge changes, etc.  But this can be very scary.  I think I have written in the past about the "101 Goal List" that I have been doing every year since I was a teenager.  This tradition was passed to me from my best friends' mom and it is one that I still use to this day.  For over 30 years I have been doing this and it is my "reset" button.  I have tracked my lists for years and it is so interesting to see how my priorities have changed.  I know 101 sounds like a massive number, but I break my goals down into very simple, little steps.  I have anything from cleaning out a closet, to volunteering my time.  This system works for me.  I don't believe I have ever accomplished all of them, but I have made progress every year which is great.  This year, my main goal is to be the best HUMAN I can be.  I don't put pressure on myself as I have a full year to work through these goals, but it gives me an excellent guide to refer to.

Thank you 2020 for the lessons.  Welcome 2021...I know the blessings are on the way!

November, the month of Remembrance Day.  As busy as our lives are, we typically take one minute on the 11th to give thanks and then we go about our day.  Except this year was different for me.  

Leading up to November 11th, I couldn't help but think of my grandparents and what they went through.  My grandfather served in the war and was seriously injured, however he lived which means he was one of the lucky ones.  Because he survived, my entire family was created.  He came back from the war, married my grandma who was a nurse in the war, had triplets (one being my dad) and here I am!  One small bit of chance, that Louis Sciarra survived while so many others met a very different fate and my world was shaped.

I have always been thankful for those who fought for us, but I don't think I have ever really taken the time to put myself in their shoes.  Men, women and animals gave of themselves so we can be free today.  The Canadian flag has always given a sense of calm, pride and home but this year it went far beyond that for me.  

I thank all of the veterans, from years ago and today for keeping us free and safe.  I thank my lucky stars every day that I wake up in Canada.  Most of all, I thank the fates for bringing my grandpa home all of those years ago.  I look at my family, nephews and nieces and can't imagine my life without them.

THANK YOU.   

I'm an October baby so it may be assumed that I would love the fall.  But I don't think people automatically love the season they are born in.  In my case, it's true!

I was born the day before Halloween so for as long as I can remember, my birthday parties would consist of many exciting costumes.  As I became an adult, everything turned towards nature and colours for me.  I still feel that there is nothing more beautiful than Canada in the fall.  The most famous painters would not be able to paint the beauty that Mother Nature does for us every year and we are asked for nothing in return.

We are nearing the end of this remarkable season which means most leaves are on the ground, the trees are bare and there is a huge chill in the air.  I could look at this and feel a sadness, but Fall is in my heart.  Remember, it's not the end but the preparation for a new beginning.  

Until next year my love...

In my quest to continue working with and learning about animals, I have now completed an amazing Animal Communication course- Level I, taught by the wonderful Marie-Lune Fortin.  I am working through an Equine Massage course- The Masterson Method to continue my work with horses and I am expanding my Reiki work with animals.  With each modality I am studying, I learn more about how beautiful these souls truly are.  Animals are just like us- they need the same level of care, respect and love in order to thrive.  

I am having a lot of fun with animal communication.  Through each "conversation", I am able to see the true personality of the animal and learn what is important to them.  I have actually giggled out loud with some of the things I have heard as animals can be quite comical.

When I saw this photo, I naturally wanted to tune into this cutie to figure out what was on her mind!  Its our little secret......

So here I am, 1 1/2 weeks before we move into a brand new home.  This is the 4th time so you think that I would be a pro by now.  I have watched my behaviour over the past few weeks and I keep wondering when the panic and stress will set in....only it hasn't.  

In all of our houses, we have created our space, worked hard to make it ours, but it never really felt like "home".  We are now pouring our hearts and souls into our new place, but it extends beyond that.  We are moving to a home within the trees.......the healing power of nature at our finger tips.  I have never felt so grateful and blessed.  Birds, wildlife and nature- my favourite things.  

To a blessed new beginning!!

It is no secret that I am an avid animal and bird lover.  So much so that I have been training in both Animal Reiki and Animal Communication.  I am learning and discovering that one of my true passions in life is helping them. 

A couple of weeks ago I was sitting out on my deck when I noticed a hummingbird that was struggling and had been hurt.  It was able to fly up to the feeder I have just above but I know that it needed help.  Whenever this happens I don't think, I just jump into action.  While I was giving Reiki to the injured bird, several more began circling around me.  This may not be unusual at first glance, however we have only ever had 3 hummingbirds maximum at our feeders.  At one point we counted around 7-8 birds circling.  One was even brave enough to sit on the top of my hand while the injured bird was being treated under that same hand.  Since this magical day happened, I have only ever seen 2-3 again. 

The injured hummingbird did end up flying away healthy and safe.  This was one of the biggest blessings I have ever encountered with wildlife and I am so grateful.

I have attached the video so you can share in this small miracle with me!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vxc9t7u9h1v3lwg/AADe0AXfVTvXhY3CN3ulK2DBa?dl=0

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