By Tracy Schruder
Walking through the forest deep
The sky so dark, the moon so bleak
The crusted snow crumbles beneath my feet
With each step forward, closer I become
To the grand opening before me
High up above, streams trickle through your walls
Each sound and twinkle leading to the falls
Bare feet in the snow, and feeling no cold
Toes dig in slightly, leaving a melted hole
A slow, deep breath, lungs full and grown
Exhale ever so slightly, keeping my head in my goal
What is something others do that sparks your admiration?
By Tracy Schruder
A storm is brewing, chaos reigns, a woman stands among its fury with a calm heart and rational solutions brewing. She is the voice of reason, the higher vibration, the calm eye of the storm. She is ready, she always knows what to do.
She’s connected to her higher self, she’s made one from two. She’s the light that cuts through the fog, guiding all who would follow through the narrow gate. She’s home to every person that’s lost. With simple words, she melts away the frost.
Something in others that sparks my admiration are the present ones who share the warmth and love of presence.
By Tracy Schruder
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.
What’s your favorite cartoon?
By Tracy Schruder
Bugs Bunny: the wascally wone who’s had a bigger impact on my life than most people. Let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to be as clever and charming as a cartoon rabbit who outsmarts a hapless hunter every time?
I mean, Elmer Fudd’s quest to turn Bugs into rabbit soup is basically the plot of my life, and I’m here for it.
Growing up watching Warner Brothers cartoons on Saturday mornings was a highlight of my week. I’d be chillin’ with a bowl of cereal, laughing at Bugs’ zany antics, and developing a lifelong love of comedy. Fun fact: did you know Bugs Bunny has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Yeah, he’s a legend.
Speedy Gonzales was my next fave – that mouse is the speed demon of cartoon land! And let’s not forget Wylie Coyote… poor guy’s failures are just too funny. Who else can make a giant anvil look like a great idea?
Bugs’ influence on my worldview is clear: if you can’t outsmart the bad guys, are you even living?
What could you do less of?
By Tracy Schruder
I’ve been sitting with the prompt “What could you do less of?” for what feels like an eternity – five hours, to be exact.
I find it amusing how something like this can make us step back and try to consider if we are somehow doing something bad or unhealthy that we need to do less of. It’s ludicrous how it can make you question your worth, if only briefly – the feeling lingering and the thought got mulled over.
This prompt triggered a thread of doubt, so I meditated, reflected, and took a thorough inventory of my daily routines and habits. And you know what? I’ve come to a fascinating realization: there’s nothing I’d do less of.
I do what I want, when I want. I make choices that feel right for me, every time.
I’m present, I’m curious, and I’m embracing this wild ride called life with an open heart and mind. No judgment, just exploration. It’s about following my curiosity, diving headfirst into new experiences, and soaking up every moment.
What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?
By Tracy Schruder
It’s hard to know where to start with my list of positive events that have happened in my life over the past year. Like an old, folded-up love letter that went through the wash in my overall bib pocket, my list was full of great potential but difficult to unfold.
I had several goals to accomplish this year, each one a positive step towards a better future.
2025 started out cold and slow. I was feeling the down grey days of winter and dealing with the tail end of menopause. I was overweight and overwhelmed.
My main goal was to finish writing my manuscript, “Journey To A New Self.” I stared determinedly at my box of journals, preparing to jump in once again and finally put the finishing touches on my book.
As I leaf through the pages, I realize just how far I’ve come since starting this project in 2017. That’s when it dawned on me that I could pull myself out of the pit of despair and work the manuscript as I had before to bring myself back to life.
I would put into practical application my own advice, that worked its magic on me, just a couple of short years ago.
Well, I was delighted and impressed. By the time March came around, I was on the mend and had developed a new, fresh routine for myself. Come September, my manuscript was ready for publication. The end of the goal is now approaching completion, and my book will be in stores very soon. So I achieved that! Yay on me!
Other goals, like expanding my Reiki practice and setting up an online education portal for my students, were also achieved. The year may have started out like poo, but it’s ending like a jewel.
Do you ever see wild animals?
By Tracy Schruder
I feel I’m extremely blessed to live in the countryside because of this I see wildlife every day.
I always have my camera gear fully charged and ready to go. I never waste an opportunity to capture the grace and beauty of my natural environment.
I’ve seen raccoons, skunks, fox and coyotes but they have proven to be too sky for my quiet shoes. I’ve never been successful in sneaking up on them.
However, I have an excellent collection of the more slower wildlife in my area.
I love the rabbits , even though they rob my gardens every year. They sometimes become really still as I approach them as if they have unwavering faith in their camouflaged fur. I have seen them with their babies but was too smitten to run for the camera… maybe I get a shot next spring.
I’m deeply grateful to all the bird species in my area. Most times they let me get at least one shot. If I’m lucky, they are doing something neat, like this beautiful Bluejay
I can get pictures of birds at any time of the year. Here’s some more photos of birds that I took over the years.
I also have a beautiful family of red squirrels in my backyard.
Chipmunk
Some interesting frogs.
A couple insects.
Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it?
By Tracy Schruder
“Heart Island holds a special place in my heart – it’s my favourite place I’ve had the pleasure of visiting, and I’ve been lucky enough to go there five times! Each visit is like the first time, and I can’t get enough of the magic of this place.
I absolutely love taking the Gananaque boat tour to get there. The guides are amazing, and hearing the history of the island and Bolt Castle is so captivating. The energy of the place is palpable, and the scenery is just breathtaking. I’ve been with loved ones, including my husband and his parents, and it’s always a wonderful experience.
What I love about Bolt Castle is the history – it’s a story of love and devotion that Alexander Boldt built the castle as a tribute to his wife, Louise. It’s truly romantic and inspiring.
No matter how many times I visit, Heart Island always feels like coming home. I’ll definitely be going back – it’s a place that never fails to leave me feeling enchanted and at peace.”
By Tracy Schruder
I often find it difficult to express my gratitude to those who fuel my enthusiasm with their love and support. I never feel I’m giving enough.
The rewards in my life are many, continuously unfolding into the next present moment, ideas anew, downloading from the cosmos, inspired by folks like you.
A simple like on my blog and your supportive comments warm my heart. It’s the tiny things that stir the breeze.
A successful Reiki student or a client in relief, all take place beneath my feathers, so deep. When I see you don my jewelry around your necks and wrists, you carry with you my wish that it can always bring you bliss.
I fly so high above in the sky so icy blue,
Because of the soft breeze sent to me, from you.
Share five things you’re good at.
By Tracy Schruder
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