patience
Reflections On Time…And The Timeless
During my morning walk with the dogs, I found myself nostalgically reflecting on a time in my life when “there was a place for everything, and everything in its place.”
As comforting as that kind of order once felt, I’ve shifted considerably in how I relate to time constraints in recent years.
Over the years, I’ve gathered a menagerie of many rescue dogs and cats who’ve taught me to prioritize what truly needs my attention and focus, and to stop “sweating the small stuff.”
A neighbor also recently reminded me, “Hay tiempo para todo.” There is time for everything.
The general approach to life in the Spanish town where I live is (sometimes annoyingly so!) very easygoing, with a shared belief that what doesn’t get done today will simply get done tomorrow.
You often hear the locals say, “Mañana,” with a smile, which seldom means “tomorrow.” It means, “Tomorrow is another day, so don’t stress, don’t rush, it’ll all get sorted in time.”
I’ve reflected on this often, and the quality of life enjoyed by most Spaniards is a testament to the fact that perhaps they’re doing something right? It is especially evident in family life still being a priority for people living here.
In our little town of around 8,000 souls, people still pause to smile and greet one another. I’m lucky to be able to converse with the locals in their own language, but I’ve also seen how warmly they respond to foreigners, especially those who are still finding their way with Spanish. There’s no judgment, just appreciation for the effort.
The Empath’s Guide To Toxic Friendships
Our friends are a beautiful and enriching part of our lives. In some cases, they even become our chosen family through the bonds of mutual caring and shared life experiences.
Healthy friendships are built on a foundation of balance. They’re marked by mutual support, trust, loyalty, acceptance, and honesty, all with a touch of compassion. But for the empath or highly sensitive person, friendships can sometimes be a bit of a rollercoaster.
We might feel like we’re always giving and giving, and sometimes we might even feel drained. It can be hard to know when to draw the line with someone who might be taking advantage of our energy.
Friendships can be so many different things, and it’s important to remember that not all of them are the same. They range from casual acquaintances to deep, intimate bonds we form with those we call our “besties.”
It’s so important to have a close friend you can trust with your most private fears, dreams, and vulnerabilities. But, sadly, this isn’t always the reality. If you’re the kind of person who is sensitive to the feelings of others, you know how hard it can be when you’re betrayed or disappointed by someone close to you. It can feel like the saying “keep your enemies close” is true in these situations.
Some of us are more outgoing and have a large social circle, while others are more introverted and have a small social circle. Empaths can fall into either category. Regardless of which category an empath falls into, it is wise for us to exercise discernment.
Mercury Retrograde: A Time To Revisit, Reflect And Realign
Has it felt like the universe has been playing a cosmic prank on you lately? Maybe your phone or computer has started acting up, or your travel plans have taken an unexpected turn, or maybe every conversation feels like a confusing game of telephone?
You’re not imagining any it, and you’re definitely not alone. Blame it on the astrological phenomenon known as Mercury Retrograde.
Mercury began its current retrograde motion in the sign of Leo on July 18, 2025. This phase will last for 24 days, ending on August 11, 2025, with Mercury still positioned in Leo as it returns to direct motion.
But this energetic shift doesn’t stop there. After Mercury stations direct, we enter the shadow period, also known as the post-retrograde shadow or retroshade. This phase usually lasts for about two more weeks, meaning the lingering effects of the current retrograde may continue through August 25, 2025.
Mercury retrograde occurs three, and occasionally four, times each year due to the planet’s swift orbit around the Sun. As the innermost planet, Mercury completes this journey in just 88 Earth days.
During its retrograde phase, Mercury appears to move backward in the sky from our earthly perspective, creating a temporary disruption in its usual energetic influence. Because it is the planet that rules communication, travel, and information, its retrograde motion often stirs up confusion, delays, and misunderstandings in these areas of life.
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.
Walking In Faith Through Life’s Ups And Downs
Most of us go through life like it is a roller coaster ride. We have our ups and downs, our good days and our hard ones. Sometimes we catch ourselves saying things we probably shouldn’t, or reaching for that chocolate chip cookie even though we promised ourselves we wouldn’t.
Temptation is everywhere. That little voice in our head tells us to go for it, even when our gut or intuition says it’s not a good idea. It can leave us feeling torn and unsure of what the right choice really is.
And then, on top of all our personal ups and downs, there’s everything going on in the world around us. Lately, it feels like we’re living through constant upheaval: wars, natural disasters, political division, economic stress, runaway technology, and so much uncertainty about the future. All of it adds to the pressure we already carry.
It’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed or tempted to numb ourselves with distractions. When everything feels unstable, it’s easy to lose our sense of direction or forget the spiritual tools that keep us grounded.
That’s why staying connected to faith, however that looks for you, is more important than ever. It becomes an anchor in the storm, something solid to hold onto when everything else feels like it’s shifting.
Faith helps us pause, speak with care, and make better choices. It gives us insight and direction. When we turn away from it or get stuck in negative thinking, that’s usually when life starts feeling harder and more complicated.
How To Connect With Your Guardian Angel
There are many angels, guides and guardian spirits in the spirit realm, each one shining with light, wisdom, and unconditional love. These divine beings are not bound by time or space, and they’re always near.
Every one of us has at least one guardian angel whose assignment it is to guide, nurture, and protect us throughout our time here on Earth. Whether we realize it or not, they’re always there, ready to offer their support in whatever form it might take.
But how can we connect with these celestial companions? The first step is to just ask.
Angels are an integral part of the spiritual law that respects and values your free will. They can’t just show up in our lives. They need an invitation. When we make a conscious choice to connect with our angelic guides, we start to create a relationship that is healing, empowering, and deeply personal.
There’s no one correct way to connect with your angels . It’s all about finding what works best for you. What matters most is your sincerity and openness. Some people feel most connected when they speak aloud, whispering their thoughts and questions into the stillness of the night.
Some people prefer to write letters or keep a journal, using the pen as a bridge between worlds. Another really powerful method is meditation. All you have to do is sit in silence, focus on your breath, and let your angel know that you’re open to their presence.
What To Do When He Disappears Into His Cave
He tells you he loves you, wants to be with you all the time, and can’t get enough of you. He calls and texts you constantly, and you feel like you’ve found the perfect relationship. You love the way he makes you feel. He must be “the one.”
Then, suddenly, he’s gone. No calls, no texts, no dates, nothing. Ghosted.
And you’re left wondering: What happened? Where did he go? Was it something I said, or did?
Well, no. He just retreated into his “cave.” It is where your man goes to think, breathe, and figure out what’s going on in his head.
This is the mysterious and often frustrating time-out that men often take when they realize things are moving too fast, or when they start to feel deeply attached.
For us women, especially those who are spiritually aware and emotionally intuitive, this sudden withdrawal can be very confusing and even painful.
Women tend to thrive on connection and open communication, and we naturally want to nurture and support others. So, when the man we care about suddenly becomes distant, it can trigger our deepest fears of abandonment or rejection.
But here’s what you need to understand: his retreat is not about you.