Lake Tahoe in Winter
Here has 4 letters, so does love. Enemies has 7 letters, so does Friends. Lying has 5 letters, so does Truth. Negative has 8, so does Positive. Under has 5, so does above. Cry has 3 letters, so does Joy. Anger has 5 letters, so does Happy. Right has 5 letters, so does wrong. Hurt has 4 letters, so does Heal.
It means life is like a double edged sword….so transform every negative side into an aura of positivity. We should choose the better side of life.
It is time to no longer keep you guessing and provide a little more info on what I’ve been up to.
Coming back from Germany last December, I was in a very bad place and shape health wise. There were many uncertainties and I have felt like fighting the fight of my life ever since. The stresses encountered while working on a relationship with Mom, her nearly passing away, and having to place her in a nursing home against her will, but it being her only chance of survival, had taken it’s toll on me. Not to mention being away from my own surroundings and means of independent tools, such as my car, my own four walls and my support systems and loved ones. For ten months my life was packed into one suitcase I was allowed to bring with me.
It was a tough road and on Christmas Eve, traveling back to the states, there was a time at the airport I didn’t know if I’d make it back. The RA had returned with a vengeance for weeks already, and it was much worse than my first bout I had years ago. Back then in 2006 I as forced to make some lifestyle changes and was lucky enough for the RA to eventually go into remission. I never forgot that time, and how much pain I was in. This time was much worse and like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I’ve always believed that stress was a huge culprit and I vowed to keep it away from me to the best of my ability. It worked for better or worse, but anything was better than that initial onset of encountering this mean, unforgiving, crippling disease.
Fast forward to the time at the airport, when all of a sudden I could hardly walk to my next connecting flight, or even get up and out of the airplane I had been in since the long flight from Frankfurt. I was unable to hold on to the seat in front of me to pull myself up and into the hallway, and it was pretty scary. I don’t need to give you a full history over the past eight month, but this time has truly shown me how strong we can be when fighting and being strong is all we have left. You’d be amazed at the reserves you’ll find and how you can conquer things unimaginable before. Things that never even came to mind before so awful in nature.
I spent much of my time with the arts and the creative process, unable to work and struggling through daily basics we normally take for granted. Getting dressed or combing my hair was a major chore. I felt so lost and vulnerable and the daily pain was robbing my positivity and the way to believe and see hope in my future. Unable to open bottles or doors at times, the pains were rooted throughout my entire body.
I’ve always enjoyed the arts, from being an avid amateur photographer trying to capture all the beauty that catches my eyes, which often lies in the simplest of things, to producing handmade goods. Doors opened and I came across various things that peaked my interest. I look back and I’ve taught myself so many new techniques over that timeframe. I truly learned a lot. I’ve completed and certified in three energy healing courses; got my Reiki Master degree and focused on numerous crafts. From acrylic paintings, to fluid art pours, to felted goods, handmade soaps, handcrafted journals, alcohol inks, wire wrap jewelry, and a few other items. I’ve shared my progress here and there with you cheering me on, which lead me to pursue higher dreams. You see I believe that everything happens for a reason and this time is all about me. To work on what fuels my passion, to shoot for the stars and hopefully turn my passion into something that can sustain me financially as well.
“Youniqua” was born, a zen place for unique art. Much thought was placed into the name and into a mission statement that represents me and what youniqua is all about. I think in today’s world you have to be unique, to differentiate yourself and offer more than just a product or convenience. There are so many choices out there, but what makes you truly unique? Why would people choose your goods over the next persons? I have a few ideas I hope to bring to the table to embrace the “youniqua” concept. One of those concepts is printed right onto my business card, called Meraki.
Meraki…,
To do something with soul, creativity, or love. To put something of yourself in your work.
All of my creations are unique, one of a kind and bare that message, meaning they were made with love, soul, and hold a piece of myself. I hope for so much more than just being able to sell these goods, and each transaction is a personal connection, a way to support each other and to bring a piece of that energy to you.
Here is to making my dreams come true and going for it. Please stay tuned for a follow up post introducing one of my staple items soon. 😉
Words from the Wise Goddess via daily vibe/Facebook
Healing doesn’t happen in a week or in a month.
It is an ongoing cleansing of pain.
Transcending the thoughts of the past associated with trauma.
Connecting to the present moment and raising the vibration to joy.
It’s a daily process of knowing the importance to your mind, body and soul of just feeling better.
To grab the best feeling you can find and flow with it.
1. The past can’t be changed.
2. Opinions don’t define your reality.
3. Everyone’s journey is different.
4. Judgements are not about you.
5. Overthinking will lead to sadness.
6. Happiness is found within.
7. Your thoughts affect your mood.
8. Smiles are contagious.
9. Kindness is free.
10. It’s ok to let go and move on.
11. What goes around, comes around.
12. Things always get better with time.
Picture taken from yahoo
Today we are exploring the word Ukiyo…
“The floating world”
Living in the moment, detached from the bothers of life.
This picture spoke to me and I liked the peaceful and idyllic look of it. It feels like a place where I could surely detach from such bothers of life, although I recognize the dangers of getting too close to the edge.
Luckily there are many places like this where I do find these moments in Mother Nature. When all troubles become still, where I can detach and float in a magical world that knows no trouble. The journey to get there, often requires much effort, especially on a day where the RA reminds me of my limitations. This itself also present a little danger where I walk and climb close to the edge not being a 100% stable. Little falls and such have happened but I can’t let it discourage me from getting out there and pushing the very limits to my existence.
I believe that such outlets are important for all of us, and that we all need a place that comforts us and allows us to gather new strengths for the times when we can’t be out here. Whatever it might be that gives you that strengths, I hope such place exists for you and you can visit them as often as possible. ❤️
“One life. Just one. Why aren’t we running like we are on fire towards our wildest dreams?”
Is it the fear of the unknown? The scary feeling of leaving our comfort zone? Is it that we don’t believe in ourselves enough? Or is it fear that we will fail? What will others think of us if we do!!! Who cares…pfft…run anyways. Find the courage and just do it. We get one life…just one.
I am trying, for sure. Better yet I am doing it and it’s hard work. But then on the other hand, nothing worthwhile is ever easy and if it was, everyone would do it, right?
Professionally I am chasing my wildest dreams, and I am building my own business. There have been many detours and delays, pauses, frustrations and experiments along the way. It takes courage and a belief system that can’t be shook or intimidated. I am doing it, and it’s work in progress. I hope to present you soon with my own Etsy shop to share my excitement with you.
Personally I am out on little adventure and get away this week. My posts are pre scheduled until I return to catch up and dive into more work that is the realization of my dreams. Once again I ask for your patience in the response to your comments and blog visits. Thank you so much and much love to you as always. ❤️
Silence can be quite uncomfortable when you find yourself amongst the wrong company. You may remember the urge to make idle conversation and engage in meaningless small talk. It’s all an effort of avoiding that strange, uncomfortably feeling. It’s trying to fit in, to not be labeled “weird”, to do what we think is expected of us.
Silence can also be grace saving and soothing depending on the situation. Especially when working in retail I think. Silence may allow you to enjoy quiet time on your own, being able to do whatever you want, not having to be considerate, while giving in to your every whim without distractions and interruptions.
But is there a third scenario? Personally I like people I can have comfortable silences with. Have you met someone like this? Isn’t it blissful…it’s like coming home… having finally arrived, and being accepted for the beautiful self you are without pretense and disguises.
A concept, an aesthetic, and a worldview that focuses on finding beauty within the imperfections of life and accepting peacefully the cycle of growth and decay.
This is a recent picture from a few weeks ago. It’s been month since I could make a fist with my left hand. I’ve tried, but all I could do is slightly curl my fingers, that was all. When I gently wrapped my fingers with my other hand, helping it to make a fist, I could only go so far and you could literally hear the bones grinding against either other. The sound alone was painful to hear not to mention the actual feeling. Sometimes my hand got stuck in an awkward painful cramp, until it finally snapped into action. Either into the desired direction or back to the way it was before the attempt. It was always painful, but I had to try. It was scary times for sure, losing control, your life, especially when my right hand started to show similar symptoms. And then eventually it happened and I could make a fist again. So what happens?
I’ve kept quiet thinking it might be some fluke, a good day where the universe had finally heard my prayers. The last thing I needed was to jinx it. I almost didn’t believe it myself, but more and more days followed, good days, still painful to make a fist, but days when I could do it. That in itself was a miracle to me. I’m by no means out of the woods, but I can’t help but contemplate about what contributed to it. And feel pretty darn blessed, empowered, and proud that I have kept my vision and never gave up. That I believed and surrendered my swords to love and faith. You know how the universe answers your prayers based on your thoughts? Well today I believe that I am experiencing remission and it just has to be this way. I’m thinking it, I believe it and the universe will do the rest.
I think some of the things that helped me getting her is that I stopped fighting against it. That I let my resistance and fear fall to the wayside. Mostly and whenever I could. Some things are simply out of our control and I recognized this as such a thing. I accepted the imperfections, the growth and the decay, no matter how hard it was. I tried to find the beauty in the lessons and the imperfections of life, in Wabi-sabi.
I stopped drinking out of plastic cups for the most part. I need to get a new metal bottle for when I hike since my old one started to leak, but I made changes.
I do have my copper gloves I wear here and there. They soothe my hands and feel comfortable but I can’t credit them to alleviating stiffness in the morning.
I don’t type as much on the computer and sometimes days go by before I get to your comments. I don’t like that part but I can’t force it when I’m dealing with the pain and thank you for understanding. You already know that I always come around again when I can to catch up and to see what you’ve been up to.
Ibuprofen helps with inflammation and pain but is not your friend. What a weird concept. You feel better but more damage is done in the meantime. On an autoimmune protocol ibuprofen and aspirin is a no go, and I only take it if I absolutely need to now. There used to be a time I needed to take it every night just to get a decent pain manageable amount of sleep.
I cut out sugar and sugar substitutes and sweeten with honey.
I eat less inflammatory foods.
I have become more mobile and have gone from hardly being able to walk in December to managing 8 miles on a good day.
I have become a energy healer and have gotten my Reiki Master certificate amongst some others. I am calm most days unless you invade my privacy on the trail and fly a drone over me to film me. Sorry side note but true example of poor trail Etikett. Can you believe it? Yep that happened to me this week… my words “Do you mind?” Gee
I have been lucky being able to listen to my body and allowing it time to heal. To not get sucked up in a physical job and to have had all this time off to really mend myself and look after myself. It’s been a long, painful process, but it’s been a journey where much was learned and the lessons are not yet over. This time taught me just how strong we can be and how extraordinary yet fragile the human spirit is. How easily the balance can tip and things turn to chaos and being out of whack.
My blog has definitely helped me by connecting to other kindred spirits and extraordinary souls. I am blessed to have crossed paths with you. I could never thank you enough and I hope you know what you mean to me.
Plus another powerful and most amazing gift is that I receive healing and love from other powerful healers and a very special shaman that sends me their light and love every day. I couldn’t have done it without you.
These are just a few things that come to mind and really it is a collection of many things. Maybe it is my guardian angels watching out for me. Attending the full moon celebrations, releasing energies that no longer serve me and weigh me down. Maybe it is setting new goals and intentions during the full moon and manifesting such throughout the month. I am sure it is the healing power of crystals and without a doubt it is inner peace and quieting the turmoil we so often find ourselves in. It is following my passion of turning my crafts into a business, of bringing something special to the table, a sense of belonging and being needed. It is being loved and appreciated. It is having purpose. So where do you find all these things you might wonder? Life is not perfect and never will be, but most of it is a matter of your perception and how you react to those moments. If you see a lesson or just another downfall. If you feel the victim or embrace the cards you are dealt with. You don’t have to like it one bit and believe there are still things I don’t like and need to change, but I will continue to try and make the best out of these situations. Maybe tomorrow I take a step for the worst, but I’m not even going to through this thought out into the universe because today I celebrate the achievements I have made in claiming my life back. And so can you…
Namaste ❤️
A Goddess is a woman who emerges from deep within herself. She is a woman who has honestly explored her darkness and learned to celebrate her light.
She is a woman who is able to fall in love with the magnificent possibilities within her. She is a woman who knows of the magic and mysterious places inside her, the sacred places that can nurture her soul and make her whole.
She is a woman who radiates light. She is magnetic.
Here is to all of you beautiful goddesses and warriors who inspire me every day. May your light shine bright and always help you find your way back home. ❤️
The Lions gate portal reached it’s full aperture on the 8th of this month and will be completely closed today, the 12th of August. I came across this cool little chart, listing our individual mantra based on our zodiac sign and the day we were born. These are the energies for August and what propels us into the coming months. I had to share the great news and I know everybody has been ready to catch a break and have positive change enter their life’s.Take a look for yourself and take the blessings in what is yours to receive and celebrate. Write your mantra down to activate these energies and consider it done.
Here is my personal message from the Lions gate and I am ready…
I am blessed, balanced and awakened. ❤️🦋
