resilience
The Power Of Knowing Your ‘Why’
In a recent spiritual counseling session, I had the privilege of working with a woman who was facing a profound life challenge — stage 2 locally advanced colon cancer.
She spoke with a quiet resilience as she recounted her journey through chemotherapy before surgery, followed by four additional rounds of adjuvant chemotherapy.
There was little emotion in her words, but the weight of her experience was undeniable. It was a story of survival, perseverance, and the sheer will to move forward.
She then admitted that she longed to live a healthier lifestyle, but struggled with unhealthy eating habits. She had gained a significant amount of weight after her surgery, and despite her best intentions, she found it difficult to resist sweets and processed foods.
After hearing her story, I gently reminded her that I could not give her medical advice. Nor am I a nutritionist, and I advised her that professional guidance was essential for her dietary needs.
What I could offer, however, was a way to break the cycle of unhealthy habits. And I could help nurture her mind and emotions and guide her toward a life of greater wholeness and balance.
She lit up with hope. “That would be wonderful!” she exclaimed.
When Love Feels Right, But The Timing Is Wrong
Timing in relationships is one of those things that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but it plays a huge role in whether a relationship thrives, struggles, or falls apart completely.
Timing isn’t just about when you meet someone – it’s about where you are in life and what you’re ready for, both personally and spiritually, and whether the circumstances around you support the growth of the relationship.
Maybe you’ve met someone at a certain time in your life and thought, “Wow, this is perfect. This is exactly who I need in my life right now.”
Then you move forward, determined to make it work.
But somehow life gets in the way – distance, responsibilities, personal growth, outside pressures, trauma wounds, or unresolved karmic debt – and suddenly what seemed so perfect turns into something stressful, confusing, or even painful. You wonder what went wrong because in your heart you believed it was right.
Or maybe you’ve been on the other side. Someone comes into your life and they’re ready for more than you are. Maybe you love them, but something inside you says, “Not yet. I need more time.”
But they are insistent, determined to make it work, and you go along, unsure but hopeful. And then it all blows up – because deep down you weren’t really ready and they didn’t want to wait.
What The Mind Believes, The Body Perceives
Self-talk and inner dialogue play a crucial role in our overall well-being – body, mind and spirit. The way we think and talk to ourselves shapes our reality, affecting not only our emotions and moods, but also our physical health.
For example, if we wake up and immediately think, “I feel terrible. I’m still exhausted. I don’t want to face the day,” our body will respond in kind. We’ll move sluggishly, feel each ache more intensely, and reinforce a state of fatigue.
Negative self-talk can even affect digestion, metabolism, and immune function because the body takes its cues from the mind. When we repeatedly tell ourselves that we lack energy, the body responds by slowing down.
However, when we consciously shift our thoughts to a more positive perspective, we cultivate an inner environment that supports healing, resilience, and vitality.
The same principle applies to how we perceive ourselves physically. If we stand in front of the mirror and focus on perceived flaws, our posture and energy will reflect that self-criticism. We may unconsciously choose clothing that reinforces our negative self-image and move through the day with slumped shoulders and diminished confidence. Our bodies reflect the beliefs we hold about ourselves.
Conversely, when we practice self-talk that is uplifting and empowering, our body responds accordingly. By consciously choosing to carry ourselves with confidence, even if it feels unnatural at first, we initiate a shift in both our emotional and physical states.
Tarot Forecast April 2025: The Five Of Wands
The Five of Wands sets a confrontational tone this month, predicting energies of challenge, competition, and inner or outer conflict.
But don’t be alarmed by the mayhem and drama it implies — this is not a card of disaster. Rather, it’s a reminder that the most meaningful growth often comes from pushing through obstacles, navigating differences, and finding our unique voice amidst the chaos and discord.
The Five of Wands represents differences that are not insurmountable, but rather opportunities for growth through constructive conflict. You may find yourself in situations where differing opinions, clashing ideas, or rivalries take center stage.
While these moments may feel chaotic at first, they have the potential to lead to breakthroughs and innovative solutions. Embrace the chaos as an opportunity to sharpen your skills and prove your resilience.
In the coming weeks you may experience moments of intensity, whether in your relationships, your career or your personal life. But this energy also urges you to rise above, to think creatively, and to remain adaptable.
While this card does not promise smooth sailing, its message is one of growth through resilience. By maintaining balance, addressing conflict head-on, and remaining open to collaboration, you can turn this month’s challenges into stepping stones to success. It’s a time to fully engage, adapt, and emerge stronger on the other side.
Rune Forecast For The New Solar Year 2025
As the Sun moves into Aries, we welcome a new solar year full of transformation, movement and empowerment. The shift to Aries signals new beginnings, renewed energy, and the courage to take action.
Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, embodies the courageous essence of initiation, signaling a time to embrace new possibilities and harness our personal power.
This period marks a cosmic invitation to pursue new beginnings, to align with the flow of change, and to step boldly into action.
The energy of Aries, infused with renewed vitality and determination, encourages us to set clear intentions, embark on transformative endeavors, and move forward with unwavering confidence.
Whether we are initiating projects, fostering personal growth, or seeking clarity about our life’s direction, Aries offers us the courage to navigate life’s transitions with purpose.
To gain insight into the collective energy shaping the journey ahead, I turned to the ancient wisdom of the runes. The four runes I cast – Raidho, Laguz, Uruz, and Kenaz – present a profound narrative.
Raidho speaks of movement and life’s journey; Laguz reflects emotional flow and intuition; Uruz symbolizes inner strength and vitality; and Kenaz illuminates the path ahead with enlightenment and creativity.
Together, these runes guide us to embrace change with resilience and to embrace the transformative year that unfolds before us.
Unlock The Door To Mental Freedom
We’ve all been there — lost in thought, replaying a conversation from years ago, wishing we’d said something different, or fixating on something that hasn’t happened yet and probably never will.
Our minds have a clever way of trapping us in the past, or pulling us too far into the future. In the process, we miss the beauty and joy of the present moment.
Being fully present is the key to happiness — the hidden treasure of everyday joy and fulfillment.
When we embrace the here and now, we experience true mental freedom. Instead of being burdened by past regrets or future fears, we begin to see life as it is — vibrant, alive, sometimes challenging, but always full of infinite possibilities and countless blessings waiting to be appreciated!
Think about the last time you were fully immersed in any experience. Maybe it was watching a sunset where the sky lit up with color, listening to music that made your soul soar, or laughing with a friend until your stomach hurt. In those moments, you weren’t dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about tomorrow’s to-do list — you were just there, experiencing life in real time.
Now, think about how often you are distracted by the constant pull of digital technology that keeps you from being fully present. Your phone pinging with notifications, drawing your attention away from the people and experiences around you.
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life!
We’ve all had those days when all we do is tear ourselves down. In moments of self-judgment and negativity, we tell ourselves that we’re not good-looking enough, rich enough, smart enough, young enough, thin enough, talented enough… the list goes on.
While occasional self-criticism is normal, for many it becomes a lifelong habit of self-torture — an internal dialogue of negativity that shapes their reality.
Negative thinking and judgmental self-talk have profound effects on both mental and physical health. Chronic self-criticism fuels anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, often leading to feelings of hopelessness and inaction. On a physical level, this mindset increases stress and weakens the immune system, making us more susceptible to disease.
But beyond psychology and biology, this pattern also has metaphysical implications — it acts as a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more we tell ourselves that we are unworthy, incapable, or unlucky, the more these beliefs take root in our energy field. Over time, they manifest as actual experiences in our daily lives, reinforcing the very negativity we wish to escape.
The good news? Just as negative thoughts shape our reality, so do positive thoughts. When we shift our mental energy toward uplifting, empowering, and constructive thoughts, we raise our energetic vibration. Over time, this inner shift produces tangible results — our confidence grows, new opportunities arise, and life begins to feel more fulfilling.