charity
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.
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.
The Soul Legacy Of A Life Well-Lived
It is natural for spiritually aware people to reflect on the lives we live and the impact we have on the world. We often ask ourselves, are we making a difference? Is our contribution meaningful? How well are we serving our family, community, nation, environment, spirit, the divine?
Some people’s legacies are marked by awards, innovations, or public achievements. Some live their lives as great inventors, artists, scientists, philosophers, activists, spiritual leaders, leaving a measurable trail of impact to make the world a better place.
The names of those with such remarkable legacies are etched in history books, and their contributions change the course of societies and industries. We witness their contributions in news headlines and biopics, and learn about them in books and classrooms.
But these remarkable individuals represent only a small minority of humanity. What about the rest of us?
What about those of us who get up every day, not to chase fame or fortune, but to fulfill the humble, yet noble responsibilities of everyday life — raising children, maintaining a home, showing up for work with integrity, running a small business with courage, caring for neighbors, rescuing animals in need?
For most spiritual seekers, our life’s legacy is not about accolades or recognition. It is simply a reflection of the heart, a matter of daily presence, generosity, kindness and compassion, and the quiet ripples of goodness we send out into the world.
The Touching Tale Of The Praying Hands
In the fifteenth century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, Germany, lived a family with 18 children. Yes, eighteen! To put food on the table for this mob, the father and head of the household, a goldsmith by trade, worked nearly 18 hours a day at his trade, as well as any other paying job he could find in the neighborhood.
Despite their seemingly hopeless situation, Albrecht and Albert, two of the older children, had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they were well aware that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to an art academy.
After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the two boys finally worked out a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go down to the nearby mines and use his earnings to support his brother, who would attend the academy.
Then, after four years, when the brother who won the coin toss finished his studies, he in turn would support the mining brother to also attend the academy – either by selling his artwork or, if necessary, by working in the mines.
They tossed a coin one Sunday morning. Albrecht Dürer won the toss and went to Nuremberg to study art. Albert went down into the dangerous mines and spent the next four years financing his brother, whose creative work at the academy was almost immediately a sensation.
Albrecht’s etchings, woodcuts, and oils were far superior to those of most of his fellow students and even his professors, and by the time he graduated he was beginning to earn substantial fees for his commissioned works.
The Ripple Effect Of Radiating Good Vibes!
There have been times when leaving home on a miserable day has felt like a major challenge for me as an empath. However, after completing my errands, I often find myself unexpectedly uplifted, simply by the energy of the people and places I encounter.
Recently, while shopping for a new journal, one particular notebook caught my eye because of the title printed on the cover: Good Vibes. I ended up going back to add it to my cart because those two simple words stuck with me. Some good vibrations are certainly always welcome in today’s chaotic world!
In this particular store, the staff is incredibly friendly, always ready with a smile and a warm greeting. Even the people stocking the shelves take a moment to acknowledge customers, creating a welcoming atmosphere. These small, everyday interactions are still commonplace in the small town where I live in Spain, and long may they continue!
The little notebook and this friendly exchange reminded me that “good vibes” is not just a phrase on a cover, but a very real force that shapes our daily experiences.
As I was driving home thinking about this, I noticed a gentleman who was busy smoothing out some gravel on the country road. He had stopped to have a conversation with the person in the car in front of me.
As I was about to go around them, he said goodbye to the person he was talking to and approached me. My first thought was that he was trying to warn me of a problem on the road ahead or maybe point out a problem with my car. It was drizzling and damp and he was soaked, but when I rolled down my window he just smiled and asked how I was doing.
Embracing The 12/12 Energetic Portal
Today, we have the opportunity to align with the powerful energy of the 12/12 portal, a sacred gateway traditionally celebrated in the esoteric community for its symbolic themes of unity, completion, and integration. This portal offers a chance to reflect on the lessons of the past year and prepare for the transformative energies that lie ahead.
The number 12 represents cosmic order, harmony, and wholeness. It’s a complete number tied to cycles such as the 12 months of the year, the 12 signs of the zodiac, and the 12 disciples. On December 12, this numerical energy doubles, amplifying the vibrations of balance, completion, and unity.
The 12/12 portal marks the final energetic gateway of the year, offering a moment to integrate the wisdom we’ve gained in 2024. It encourages alignment with the universal flow and the bridging of personal growth with collective evolution. Unity isn’t just about external connections — it’s about uniting the different aspects of ourselves. Consider this portal an invitation to balance your mind, body, and spirit, fostering inner peace that radiates outward.
As the year draws to a close, the 12/12 portal serves as a moment of reflection. What lessons have you learned? What challenges shaped you? This energy threshold encourages embracing both your triumphs and setbacks, recognizing them as essential parts of your personal growth. Integration is key at this time — taking a step back to evaluate how you’ve grown and how you can carry those lessons forward ensures that you will enter the next year wiser and more aligned with your higher purpose.
Embracing The Spirit Of Thanksgiving
The spirit of thanksgiving invites us today to pause, reflect, and embrace the blessings in our lives — both the visible and the invisible. It calls us to appreciate not only life’s big moments, but also its simple, everyday miracles.
Gratitude is much more than a fleeting emotion or a polite “thank you.” It is a transformative energy, a wondrous frequency that opens pathways to abundance, prosperity, well-being, and fulfillment.
Thanksgiving offers us the perfect opportunity to align with this sacred vibration, blessing our daily lives and deepening our spiritual journey.
In today’s world, even the smallest gestures — a smile, a kind word, or the warmth of a loved one’s embrace — can lift our spirits and shift our perspective. Shifting our focus to appreciate life’s simplest gifts enriches us spiritually and helps us face life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
It is natural to celebrate life’s great achievements and monumental blessings, yet the most profound moments are often found in the ordinary: a breathtaking sunrise, a shared laugh, or the quiet comfort of companionship. How often do we stop to truly savor these moments? Thanksgiving reminds us to appreciate the beauty, joy, and abundance that surround us every day.
When we live with gratitude, we connect more deeply with Spirit and the divine flow of the universe. Gratitude becomes a bridge to positivity, aligning us with higher frequencies that revitalize our energy and attract harmonious connections. A grateful heart radiates light, transforming our aura into an inviting beacon for blessings and manifestations.