My shadow is my friend. I am not my shadow, yet it is a part of me. I bring into the light that which is hidden. Not revealing her means certain darkness.
I face all circumstances and situations that come to mind – the dark places where I’ve caused harm to others, and the even darker places where harm was done to me.
I move forward into my mirror, I break the looping horrors dead in the head.
I let the pain and fear wash through me. I learn what true forgiveness is. I let it be, intentionally.
My shadow is my friend, my darker, harder friend. We carry on together, to reach a higher high and to bleed tears from our faces, because we alone know why.
Some people may not consider birthdays or holidays important, but I believe this stems from a lack of understanding about the brevity of our lives. We’re allotted a mere 70 to 125 years, if we’re lucky, and it still feels like an insufficient amount of time. Aging, too, seems unnatural in its rapidity. In contrast, ancient accounts speak of human beings living for 900 or more years. The biblical figure Methuselah, for instance, is said to have lived to be 969 years old. Some pharaohs were believed to have lived into the thousands.
What changed that shortened our lifespan so dramatically? Did our environment, lifestyle, or genetics shift in a way that affected our longevity? The history of human evolution may hold some answers. It’s possible that our ancestors’ lifespans were influenced by factors such as diet, climate, and exposure to diseases.
Moreover, the idea of human evolution raises intriguing questions. Did multiple humanoids coexist in the past? Could different species or subspecies of humans still exist today? These questions challenge our understanding of what it means to be human and encourage us to explore the complexities of our existence.
In conclusion, it’s essential to value every moment of our lives, not just every day. We’re not here for long, and our time is precious. Let’s cherish each minute and make the most of the time we have. By acknowledging the fleeting nature of life, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present moment and live more intentionally.
One risk I took that I don’t regret is learning and practicing Reiki. Despite being surrounded by skeptics and doubters, I remained committed to my journey. In fact, not having the support of my closest family members turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Working with friends and strangers to hone my skills forced me to grow and improve as a practitioner.
Through Reiki, I’ve had the privilege of helping numerous individuals, including those struggling with serious health issues and emotional challenges. Witnessing their progress and improved quality of life has been truly rewarding. This journey has also led to lifelong friendships and a loyal client base.
My passion for Reiki only grew stronger, and I decided to take my practice to the next level by becoming a certified Reiki Grandmaster. There’s nothing quite like seeing my students discover their own potential and passion for helping others. Sharing this knowledge and watching others grow has brought me immense joy and fulfillment.
I’m grateful for the risk I took in pursuing Reiki, as it’s led to a deeply rewarding career and a sense of purpose. If you’re considering exploring Reiki or other alternative healing modalities, I encourage you to take the leap. You never know where it might lead you.
I use social media to advertise my Reiki Treatment and Teaching services. I share and sell my Jewelry, Spell kits, Smoke sticks and artwork to my followers and clients . I also use it to keep in touch with family and share photos with the members who are on my friends list, that might not, otherwise, be able to attend family reunions or weddings. Additionally, I use it to stay available to family and friends, so they can contact me in case of a death in the family or other matters that might concern me. That’s it. I could live without it; it hasn’t really added anything significant to my life. I prefer using the video chat feature rather than typing messages. I like to save my typing for my writing. Plus, with live conversations, there’s less room for misunderstandings. I value the clarity and connection that comes with video chats.
In the end, social media is a tool, and like any tool, its value lies in how we choose to use it. For me, that means keeping things simple, focusing on what truly matters, and prioritizing meaningful connections over video chats and supporting others through my likes and shares. I hope my approach inspires you to find your own balance and make the most of the digital world, without letting it consume your life.
I’m so happy to be back writing again. It’s been a stupid break with nothing gained. Sitting around in my Jammies, day after day. Watching days turn into weeks with greasy hair sticking to my forehead. One quick, unwelcome and uncomfortable glance at myself in the mirror changed the whole game 😂. I’ve decided to get my shit together and get back to the land of the living. And here I am reading all of the creative, interesting, intelligent and humorous blog posts that you’ve all been submitting in my absence and I sure am grateful to be back. It’s like a deep soothing breath of fresh morning air, that not only nourishes my lungs and body but refreshes and nourishes my soul. I love this Blog site! You are all amazing and talented writers. Thank you all. Xo
As I watched the local news this morning, I was struck by a segment on the awkwardness of saying goodbye in face-to-face interactions. My inspiration for this article came from that CTV news story, which highlighted the struggles people face when parting ways.
Awkward goodbye Mom waving
A Personal Perspective
My mother always taught me the importance of positive energy when leaving someone’s company. She’d say “see you later” instead of “goodbye,” as she believed the latter was too final. She believed that goodbye was something you said when you were never going to see someone again, such as a break up or heaven forbid, someone is about to pass away. This mindset stuck with me, and I’ve always made an effort to end conversations on a positive note. There’s always a clear ending to the conversation whenever communicating with me.
Free library image
However, with the advent of texting, I’ve found that conversations often lack clear endings or goodbyes. It’s as if we’ve forgotten how to say goodbye. I often find myself asking, “Is that it?” or “Are we finished talking?” only to be left staring at my phone, wondering if the conversation is finished.
The Impact of Technology
Research suggests that the way we communicate has changed significantly with the rise of digital technology. A study by the Pew Research Center found that 97% of Americans own a cellphone, and 77% of them use their phones to text. If people are texting, they’re not talking. When discussing this fact with others, I find that most people are confused about the intention behind text conversations.
Emoji response
In my opinion, we can’t know the intention because we can’t hear the persons voice or see their faces. We’re interactive beings and need vital cues like body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions to navigate interactions correctly. This includes understanding empathy, compassion, or even ignorance and anger.
This shift towards digital communication has led to a decline in face-to-face interactions, which are essential for developing social skills, including the art of saying goodbye.
The impact Google Image
The Consequences of Texting
The impact of texting on face-to-face interactions is multifaceted. When we rely too heavily on texting, we miss out on nonverbal cues, which are essential for building meaningful relationships. Furthermore, the abrupt endings common in texting conversations can’t be translated to face-to-face interactions. We would never just stop talking in the middle of a conversation and walk away.
Google Image (conversations)
When we’re used to ending conversations with a simple “lol” or “ttyl,” we may struggle to find the right words or actions to say goodbye in person.
Google Image Google Image
Revitalizing the Art of Saying Goodbye
To combat this issue, it’s essential to make an effort to engage in face-to-face interactions and practice meaningful goodbyes. This can be as simple as saying “it was great seeing you” or “I’ll catch you later.” Physical contact, such as hugs, handshakes, or high-fives, can also help solidify feelings and create a sense of closure.
My mom and great aunt Dorothy
Conclusion
The struggle to say goodbye in face-to-face interactions is a symptom of a larger issue – the decline of meaningful human connections in the digital age. By recognizing the impact of technology on our communication styles and making an effort to engage in face-to-face interactions, we can revitalize the art of saying goodbye and nurture deeper connections with others.
Let’s make a conscious effort to say goodbye with intention and meaning, even when texting or messaging. Our relationships depend on it.
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
By Tracy Schruder
As I reflect on my journey, I realize that a perceived failure in my early career as a hairdresser was actually a stepping stone to success. My story begins with a passion for beauty and a desire to become a hairstylist. I landed an apprenticeship at Delilah’s, a local salon, and was eager to learn from the experienced owners, Barb and Joanne.
However, my enthusiasm was short-lived. A series of mishaps, including a particularly pungent pedicure client, led to a stern reprimand from my bosses. Despite my best efforts, I struggled to meet their expectations, and the criticism continued to mount.
The final straw came when I was reprimanded for greeting a friend who had come to the salon for a haircut. My boss’s harsh words and refusal to cut my friend’s hair were the last straw. I realized that I didn’t want to become a hairdresser if it meant adopting the same attitude and behavior as my bosses.
I left the salon and enrolled in college to complete my cosmetology course. Although I finished the program, I couldn’t secure another job in the field. It was as if the experience at Delilah’s had tainted my reputation.
But, as it often does, adversity became an opportunity. I found work at a coffee shop and began to focus on my true passion: writing. I went back to school to study creative writing and started working on my craft.
Today, I am proud to say that I have built a fulfilling career as a writer, administrator, and Reiki practitioner. My first self-help book for women is awaiting publication, and I am working on several other manuscripts, including a memoir and autobiography.
In hindsight, I am grateful that my hairdressing career didn’t work out. If it had, I might have missed the opportunity to discover my true calling as a writer. My experience at Delilah’s was a failure, but it was also a blessing in disguise. It taught me that sometimes, what seems like a setback can actually be a stepping stone to success.
What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?
By Tracy Schruder
I can’t say, I don’t think that far ahead. If a challenge should present itself, in the next six months, then I will cross that bridge when I get to it.
2025 Calendar with a piece from my Floral series of oil paintings
If I could give my teenage self advice based on my current experience, it would be to settle down. As a teenager, I was wild and restless, with little patience and a stubborn determination. I partied hard, often suffering from hangovers, but that never slowed me down. I attended school every morning, regardless of my condition, and even held a job at the same high school, working in the office and library.
Between the ages of 15 and 17, I worked in the office, preparing morning announcements and handling late slips for students. I also directed students to the waiting area for meetings with the principal. During my lunch break and after school, I worked in the library, checking in and out books, and using the Dewey Decimal System to shelve them.
In hindsight, although I was achieving success in my studies and career, I realize I rushed through it all, taking on too much and moving too fast. I also regret not appreciating my amazing boyfriend at the time. I was young and refused to commit, dragging him along until he eventually left and started a family with someone else.
If I could go back, I would advise my teenage self to settle down, take a breath, and seriously consider a life with children. I could never really grasp the importance of having a family back then. I likely would have had children and a rewarding career had I heeded such advice, by now.
Although I am satisfied with how my life has turned out, I do have some regret about not having children. I occasionally imagine what my life would be like being a parent or if I could have given birth to a boy or a girl but reality always comes to mind and I chose to live in the present with all the joy and happiness that comes with it.
I am fulfilled through the love of my nieces and nephew, as well as the next generation, which is currently growing every year. I now have four great-nieces and am very close to them all. I’m grateful for my husband, pets, and successful career, and I’m excited to see what comes next. Who knows what the future holds?
I conclude this blog post with a well-intentioned piece of advice to my teenage self: “settle down.” However, I’m aware that deep down in my heart, I know I wouldn’t have listened to it. In all likelihood, things would have unfolded exactly as they have, regardless.
If there were a biography about you, what would the title be?
A Life of Self-Discovery and Transformation :
The title “Lost in the Dream” may seem a bit paradoxical, but for me, it accurately describes the essence of my life’s journey.
As I reflect on my experiences, I feel that this title is fitting and I imagine it to be similar to a lost puzzle piece, once found, can complete the puzzle.
Growing up, I was a child with a vibrant imagination, I often escaped into fantastical worlds full of utopian societies constructed with 5D ideals, of my own creation.
While my imagination served me as a source of comfort and inspiration, it also made life somewhat challenging for me. I had difficulty connecting with others and navigating the complex nature, of the real world. I often felt like I was living in a dream, detached from the world around me yet, very much a flesh, blood and bones, part of it.
As I entered my teenage years, this illusionary sense of disconnection continued to exist. I struggled to form meaningful relationships, and when I did, I found myself drawn to people, who were unavailable to me and often my love was not returned. I felt as if I was searching for a sense of validation and love in all the wrong places and this was more truth than fantasy. I felt like was lost in a dream of idealized love and relationships.
As I joined together the dots in this pattern of behaviour, I allowed it to continue well into my adult life. I struggled more and again I attempted to find my place in the world.
I most definitely needed to define myself and my purpose. I felt like I was drifting through life on a loosely secured raft , without direction or an anchor to hold me to my path of travel. I often felt trapped in this never-ending dream. I believed that I was unable to wake up to reality. I refused to see the obvious truth.
However, as I approached my thirtieth birthday, something shifted within me. I had to accept a life without being able to contribute to life, in its most sacred way, there would be no children for me. I had to be honest with myself and face the truth, head on. I had to find another way to make my life matter.
I began to take responsibility for my actions, my emotions and the space I that inhabited on this planet.
I began confronting the patterns and behaviors that had held me back, for so long. It was a painful and difficult process, but it marked the beginning of my journey towards self-discovery, self compassion and transformation.
I ultimately realized that life was short, and that I had a choice to make. I could continue to drift through life, lost in my dreams, or I could take action, pursue my passions, and make a meaningful impact on the world.
The title “Lost in the Dream” may have once described my life, but it no longer defines me. Instead, it serves as a reminder of the journey I’ve taken, the lessons I’ve learned, and the growth that I had experienced. I am no longer lost; I am found, and I am living my best life with intention, purpose, and passion.
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