goals
The Magicless Misery Of ‘Compare And Despair’
I once attended a Toastmasters meeting where a gentleman was delivering his first speech to this specific group. It was an ice breaker to have us get acquainted with him. Instead of the typical short autobiographical introduction this speaker chose to give us an overview of his philosophy of life.
He told his audience that he sees himself entering a new phase of his life right now. He spoke about how important it is to get to know yourself and to take care of yourself first and foremost, and to always live in the moment.
After the speech and applause, the toastmaster reflected briefly on what the talk meant to him as he had listened. He said it reminded him of a mentor who had once, many years ago, said to him, “Compare… and despair”. If in life you are constantly comparing yourself to others, or comparing what you have with what others have, or what you feel you lack, or need to achieve, then all that will do is bring yourself unnecessary despair.
The only thing you should ever compare yourself against, his mentor added, is yesterday. Today did you do something constructive or grow in some way that makes you a better person than you were yesterday?
Too often we compare ourselves with our peers, both in our personal and professional lives. Why did he get a raise and not me? Why can I not find a soulmate like she did? Why can’t I be a successful entrepreneur like him? How come they get to have all these wonderful vacations?
Be The Light That Darkness Cannot Touch
The nightmare continues every day. The very thing we fear the most has come to look us right in the face, staring in our eyes. This little imp taps us on the shoulder, reminding us of all the stupid things we did, all the hurtful things, how we messed up, time after time.
We messed up time again, no one agrees with us, we are reminded that “they” are so much smarter, did things exactly right every time.
We are at a turning point. We can give up, turn, run for the hills to hide, but still there is the demon of fear lingering around the deep recesses of our mind.
Surely this little devil of fear tells us we can see how we don’t deserve to reach our dreams, or accomplish our goals.
Stand back! Truly look at everything from all sides. Become like an eagle, or an owl, or a hawk, with eyes that see far beyond the surface where the heart lies.
Try to be kind and loving. Put your mind in the thoughts of being kind, being positive, no matter how much doing so lays open our heart for others to stomp on, even though many others will think you have lost your mind.
When we try with all our hearts to do something toward our dream, with love, with pure knowledge, we are listening to spirit. Then we gain strength, we gain courage, we pass over the top of the highest mountain to reach the other side. Let this outlook enlighten your heart, mind and soul toward a new attitude, for a new beginning.
Tarot Forecast August 2025: Strength
This month’s card is the Major Arcana’s Strength, which symbolizes inner fortitude, patience, and compassionate control. This month, we are invited to look within and embrace the quiet, enduring courage that lies beneath the surface.
The Strength card traditionally shows a calm, confident woman gently taming a powerful lion. Her white robe symbolizes purity and spiritual focus, and the lion represents raw emotions, instincts, and untamed passions. The infinity symbol above her head denotes eternal wisdom and the balance between the material and spiritual realms.
This scene beautifully captures the harmony between courage and compassion. Rather than dominating the lion through fear or brute force, the woman subdues it through love and understanding.
Her calm demeanor reflects her inner strength and her commitment to responding rather than reacting. Overall, the scene symbolizes the triumph of the soul over the ego and the mindful over the impulsive.
Instead of seeking power through force or dominance, the Strength card reminds us that true mastery comes from the heart, through calm resilience, loving intention, and unwavering self-belief.
The card calls for emotional balance, urging us to act from our higher self, even when faced with chaos or challenges. It’s time to align with your spiritual center, trust your instincts, and rise above fear with the grace of someone who knows their worth.
A Fabulous Life Beyond Limiting Beliefs
Many people go through life without ever questioning, let alone challenging, the limiting beliefs they were taught since childhood. They blindly follow whatever their family, community, or culture prescribe, often without realizing it.
Some of these limiting beliefs have been passed down through generations, remaining unchanged for thousands of years. If we never stop to examine these inherited mindsets, we remain trapped in limited thinking – always confined within the box.
I often find people are stuck in the emotional patterns and thought habits of their parents or grandparents.
For example, those whose families lived through the Great Depression, or who endured scarcity of food, heat, or other basic necessities, may feel compelled to save everything.
What if I need it someday? I paid so much for it, and it’s still perfectly good to keep. What if… what if…
A good example here where I live in the state of Maine is when an old Northeaster storm is supposed to come, bringing in double digit inches of snow.
Some folks then panic and rush to the nearest grocery store and stock up on two or three of the same items, because what if I can’t get out again for two weeks? Which, as a matter of fact, has never happen in my lifetime! Realistically you may only be marooned a day or two at the most in most parts of Maine.
Tarot Forecast July 2025: Nine Of Cups
July arrives with the vibrant energy of the Nine of Cups, promising a month filled with possibility and growth. Often called the “wish card,” this tarot card signals a month of fulfillment, gratitude, and emotional well-being. It invites us to revel in the joy of our achievements this month and reflect on how far we’ve come.
The Nine of Cups symbolizes not only external success, but also the profound truth that true satisfaction comes from within. It encourages us to anchor ourselves in self-love and contentment, radiating that inner harmony into every aspect of our lives.
This July, we’re all about celebrating life’s joys and embracing the many forms of emotional abundance. From nurturing relationships to personal triumphs and moments of serenity, let’s make this July the best one yet!
This card is incredibly powerful, and it’s amazing to see the impact it has on people. It doesn’t shout or demand; rather, it rests in the confidence that everything is as it should be. As you move through the month, consider what it means to feel “full.” It’s not just material, but also spiritual, emotional, and energetic! Which dreams have come to fruition, and which new wishes are beginning to form?
The Nine of Cups is a symbol of new beginnings and fresh arrivals. It often represents a thrilling pause between chapters that invites celebration and reflection. It’s a call to action to express gratitude for what we have and who we are becoming. Whether you’re enjoying long-awaited rewards or learning to appreciate the everyday joys, July is the perfect time to trust your inner wisdom and embrace the richness of the present moment.
Manifest Your Best Life While You Learn To Meditate
Meditation is an ancient, time-tested practice that offers remarkable health benefits that can profoundly impact our overall well-being and happiness.
It can also shape our daily reality in powerful ways. A regular meditation practice can improve your ability to manifest your wishes and desires.
Meditation is a conduit for life-altering experiences with seld and spirit. It opens a line of communication with the universe that is both thrilling and comfortingly familiar. It offers wisdom, clarity, and peace, inviting you into a deeper relationship with your own divinity.
Unfortunately, many people struggle to make meditation a daily habit because it challenges modern habits of constant stimulation and relentless productivity. In a society that values busyness, the idea of “sitting still” or “doing nothing” can feel strange or uncomfortable to many.
Another major barrier is the common misconception that meditation requires a completely “cleared mind.” This sets an unrealistic expectation.
When you consider daily distractions, lack of time, and uncertainty about how to begin, it’s easy to see why so many people don’t meditate. However, the beauty of meditation is that it meets you where you are, and no perfection is required.
One of the most enduring myths about meditation is the belief that your success hinges on completely clearing your mind and eliminating all thoughts. In reality, this is just one type of meditation, and it’s a particularly difficult one to master!
Manifest Your Best Life With The Moon Phases
Aligning with the moon’s phases is a powerful tool for manifestation, emotional balance, and energetic cleansing. Its ever-changing phases offer varying energy frequencies that can be used to improve many aspects of life.
Many ancient traditions revered the moon as a divine feminine force. Honored as a celestial goddess, her light was believed to guide humanity. Her journey across the sky mirrored the universal cycles of life, death, and rebirth that govern everything.
For the Greeks, the moon was Selene, the shining personification of lunar power, radiating purity and grace as she drove her chariot across the night sky. Selene was also linked to Artemis, the fierce goddess of the hunt and wild places. This connection embodied the moon’s untamed nature and its link to the wilderness.
Another important figure was Hecate, the formidable goddess of magic, witchcraft, and crossroads. She represented the moon’s mysterious and powerful aspects, guiding souls through the night. In Indian mythology, Chandra, the moon god, personified beauty and light, bringing calmness and tranquility to the night.
Throughout these ancient traditions, the moon was consistently viewed as a mysterious guide and careful keeper of sacred timing. Her rhythm influences everything from harvests to human emotions.
When we intentionally tune into this ancient, cosmic rhythm, we discover the profound, often subtle ways the continual ebb and flow of lunar energy directly influences our inner being and daily life. Our emotions, energy levels, and thoughts are closely tied to the moon’s gravitational pull and energy shifts.