Okay sisters, it's time for me to come clean about a few things.

Those of you who know me personally or follow my work know that I've been stepping out in some very bold ways lately... Launching an e-book, hosting teleseminars, writing articles and booking local workshops in more and more venues across South Florida.

All of this is very exciting and... believe it or not, very scary for me.

Recently, one of my private students and dear friends told me that she didn't know how I always seemed so confident, like nothing ever frightened me. Yeah, right!

The truth is, all of these bold steps make me feel pretty damn vulnerable. I get scared putting myself out there, knowing that some people will "get" what I'm doing and others simply won't. 

So if I seem confident, it's not because I'm not nervous or frightened, it's because I truly believe in what I'm doing. If I didn't, there's no way I'd be able to pull any of it off.

The reason that I want to share this with you is to encourage each and every one of you to move beyond your own fear and embrace your vulnerability; to step out of your comfort zone and into your true potential. And to assure you that anyone who tells you they're not scared to do just that is a liar.

So be scared. Just do it anyway!

To check out my next bold and scary move, click here! 
 
Playing It Safe 03/08/2010
 
For those of you who like to play it safe...

I realize that you may not understand me, and that my actions may seem rash and daring at times.

I get that you might think I’ve lost my mind… that I’m too bold, too outspoken and just plain too much sometimes.

I understand that my desire to shake up the status quo can be scary, even threatening, on occasion.

But please try not to judge me too harshly. Because behind every “rash” decision I make is a well-thought out plan, and every “daring” action I take is an intuitive act of spirit-guided faith.

Sometimes I do allow myself to “lose” my rational mind so that my creative and inspirational mind can step forward. And because I’m confident in who I am and how I move through this world, I will often take risks, say things others are thinking but are too afraid to voice, and generally push the envelope.

And no, I’m not afraid to shake things up when they’re not working and I can’t, in good conscious apologize if that makes you uncomfortable because maybe, just maybe, you needed to step out of your own comfort zone to grow.

Just in case you’re wondering, sometimes I am afraid to take these risks, but I do it anyways, because I’m more afraid of being stuck. So, yes, I can be bit unpredictable at times (just ask my husband), but that can be a lot of fun if you’re willing to surrender to it.

And sure, every once in awhile, no matter how good my intentions are, I screw things up along the way (oh the stories I could tell you!), but I generally learn from my mistakes and I keep going because, really, what’s the alternative?

So I offer you this blog post, not because I’m seeking your approval, or because I expect your validation. I offer it instead to thank you for your patience as we share this space together. I offer it to thank you for being the stabilizing forces in the world so that those of us who are too restless to rest can keep working and playing and dancing our vision into existence.

I offer it to say, I understand where you’re coming from and sometimes wish I could play it safe too. I wish I could be happy with a stable 9 to 5 job and a two-week vacation every year. But I’m just not made that way. It’s not that I’m better (believe me I don’t think that at all!), I’m just wired differently.

I have a gypsy spirit. And to put that gypsy spirit in a suit and sensible shoe and march off to work every day with a briefcase in my hand ~ like I did for nearly a decade ~ is the spiritual equivalent of drinking cyanide for breakfast for folks like me.

So although I don’t expect you to understand, approve or condone my actions. There’s nothing to say you can’t just sit back and enjoy the show.

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Yesterday I had a mini-meltdown. Yep, that’s right. Just after 5:00 last night I sat on my girlfriend’s couch with a glass of white wine in my hand, a fuzzy blanket wrapped around my legs and a box of tissues in my lap as I let the floodgates open.

My two best Divas sat on the couch across from me with compassion in their eyes as I blubbered on about my family dramas, my business challenges and my self-doubts.

They didn’t interrupt me, they just listened. They didn’t tell me that everything was fine when we all knew damn well that it wasn’t. And they didn’t judge me when I finally broke down and allowed myself the rare indulgence of self-pity.

When the tears dried, they offered me some solid support, a new perspective on some old issues and a few inspired ideas for change. Not the usually lip service you get from people who are just trying to make you feel better ~ I’m talking the deep stuff that comes from people who truly know your soul.

And when I left their sacred company I felt a little lighter, a little freer and a little more confident than when I had arrived.

Remember ladies, the Goddess smiles on us through our vulnerability, she cleanses us through our tears and she heals us through our Divas. Viva la Diva!

To stay connected with Michele, click here to sign up for the Wake Up Goddess ezine.
 
Would You... 03/01/2010
 
How would you treat your body today if you truly accepted it without judgment or criticism?

Would you move it, stretch it, bathe it, pleasure it?

Would you fill it with nutritious foods that delighted your palate and satiated your appetite?

Would you pamper it with scented oils and luxurious lotions that made your skin as soft as silk?

Would you honor it with your thoughts and words, believing everything positive about it and rejecting all else?

Would you give it permission to relax, to enjoy and to play without apology?

Would you paint your toenails cherry red and let your hair fall down around your face?

If I told you that you were perfect just the way you are, would you believe me?

Love yourself today ladies ~ love your curves and your laugh lines; love your softness and the way you move; love the imperfections and the unique beauty that is all your own. Would you?

For more from Michele, sign up for the Wake Up Goddess Ezine by clicking here.
 
 
Yesterday I had the amazing opportunity to take my 16-year-old son, Tyler, to see His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama give a live speech at a local university.

The very fact that we had the honor of being in the presence of someone who is such an embodiment of compassion was not only humbling, but also very inspiring… as you’ll see.

The Dalai Lama, although a rock star by most spiritual standards, seems to be one of the most down to earth people on the planet. He was warm, approachable and very funny throughout his presentation, even laughing at his own jokes at times.

Although Tyler admittedly had a difficult time understanding some of what the Dalai Lama was saying (his accent is very thick and his English is sometimes broken), apparently the message got through in a big way.

Among the simple truths and spiritual wisdom offer by His Holiness yesterday was the idea that compassion should be the foundation of all of our human interactions. Because despite our vast outward differences, we’re all basically the same on the inside; we’re all just human beings.

But, as the Dalai Lama pointed out, sometimes fear, anger, trepidation and a whole host of other negative emotions can stand in the way of compassionate interaction between human beings. The biggest danger we face in life, he cautioned, is loosing compassion for one another.

It sounds simple, and it is; very simple in fact. But not always easy. Sometimes, life clouds our perception and muddies the waters of compassion.

As honored as I was to hear first hand the spiritual messages and concepts passed along by this beautiful spiritual icon, today I must admit that I had an even bigger experience. Today I saw the art of compassion in action.

You see, my son Tyler had a doctor's appointment this morning and, as we sat in the lobby of the office waiting for his name to be called, a strange man approached us.

The unshaven man in the dirty, tattered shirt was obviously down on his luck and most likely homeless. He wore a hospital ID bracelet on his right wrist and walked with a slight limp.

When he walked up to us, holding hospital discharge papers in his shaking hands, he explained that he was a veteran and he’d just been released from Good Samaritan Hospital after being robbed and stabbed in the leg. A fresh wound on his calf lent credibility to his story.

He said he’d been walking for hours and he just needed bus fare, and could we help? Sadly, I’m not in the habit of carrying cash on me, so when I looked the man in his sad, distant eyes and told him that I didn’t have any money, I was being completely honest.

The man gave a resigned nod and began to walk away. Just then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw my son stand up, reach into his pocket and produce a $5 bill.

Without hesitation, Tyler walked up to the man, tapped him on his shoulder and said, “Excuse me sir, here you go. I hope this helps,” and then quietly sat back down beside me.

Right about this time, the clinic staff discovered the man and asked him to leave. Obviously used to this type of reaction from folks, the man said simply, “Okay, thanks to this young man I can go catch my bus now.”

Tyler didn’t say a word, he just looked up and nodded as the man made his way out the door amongst the suspicious and frightened glares of the staff and other patients.

My eyes filled with tears because in that moment I knew that where others saw some weird, scary homeless guy whose experience was worlds away from their own, my son saw only another human being.
 
 
Yesterday was a difficult day. Why? (Cue rant…) My grandpop discovered that the cancer that had been in remission for years has returned more aggressively than before. My brother-in-law had his second car accident in two days. My mom’s dog was hit by a car. My best friend’s grandfather was admitted into the hospital for kidney failure. And I’m fighting off a miserable little sinus infection that makes my head feel like it’s going to explode. (End rant... refocus...)

Yesterday was a difficult day. But today will be better.

Today I will focus on the fact that grandpop is in good spirits and that I have the pleasure of enjoying his company while he’s here from his home in Belize for his medical treatments. I will be grateful that my brother-in-law, who I love like a brother, is absolutely fine. I will breathe easier because, although my mom’s dog is a little banged up, she’s not badly hurt. I will remember that my friend’s grandfather is surrounded by loving family and uplifted by the prayers of those who can’t be near him physically. And finally, I will honor myself by caring for my body and soul in ways I've neglected lately.

Like many of us, I have a terrible habit of letting my own health and wellbeing go when I’m stressed out. I don’t exercise; I eat foods that lower my vibration, making me feel heavy and weighed down; I don’t sleep at night; I work too much; and I don’t take the proper time for meditation, journaling and all the other things that ground and center me in my spirituality and help me reconnect with my divine nature and spiritual support system.

But today will be better. Today I’m going to start out with a long walk to clear my head and listen to my Guides. I might even follow that up with a little yoga just for good measure. Then I’m going to take a good healthy dose of vitamins and eat wholesome, nourishing foods throughout the day that make me feel vibrant and alive. I’m even going to see if I can schedule a massage with my friend Taina who just had the most beautiful little girl, Anala Rose, who’s angelic face brings me joy and hope for the future.

Today I’m not going to race the clock or push myself into the corners of my schedule. I’m not going to worry about my deadlines. I’m going to ignore phone calls I don’t want to take and I’m not going to return e-mails unless I absolutely feel like it. Today I’m going to play a game with my son and kiss my husband on the lips and not beat myself up for anything I don’t do. Today I’m going to take care of myself so that when I need to, I can take care of others without feeling drained or stressed or overwhelmed.

Yes, yesterday was difficult, but it's over. And today will be better. It will be better because I will make it better. Because life isn’t about what happens around you or even to you, but how you move through it. My goal is to move through it with grace, and with the faith that today will be better.

For more tips on how to care for you body and soul, click here to sign up for my newsletter.
 
 
Dear Mercury ~

Lately I’ve been feeling that you’re rather distant. In fact, sometime it feels like you’re pulling away from me and I don’t like it one bit.

When you’re not around my life just seems a bit off kilter. Sure I go through all the motions, but it’s like I can’t really communicate my true feelings sometimes. Even the simple things get fouled up and everything seems harder.

So please, please come back to me. Just hold me in your embrace and tell me everything’s gonna be okay. Be my partner again, because together I believe there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.

Tell you what ~ I’m available this Friday, the 15th. Looking at your calendar it looks like you’re free then too, so whaddaya say we make it a date? Can’t wait!

Love,
M.

 
 
I'm one of those people who can usually hold a head cold off even when people are coughing and sneezing all around me. But last week my family was here ~ a whole tribe including two younger sisters, three nieces ranging in age from 2 to 14, and one really patient brother-in-law. And, you guessed it, they were all sick.

So despite my neurotic hand-washing (during which I sang the "Happy Birthday" song to myself to make sure I lathered long enough to get the best germ-killing results) I caught their crud, and so did my son Tyler.

In fact, Tyler's been sulking around the house with a low-grade fever for the past 3 days mumbling, "That darn baby" in a voice that sounds exactly like Napoleon Dynamite's.

As for me, being sick holds some blessings, like reminding me to take impeccable care of myself. So to this end, here is my recipe for recovery when coping with the common cold:

1st ~ Nap all day long and allow yourself to be utterly  relaxed, ignoring any distractions that would cause you stress, guilt or worry (especially house work!).

Case in point... right now my Solstice tree sites downstairs half decorated, while ceramic snowmen and stuffed Santa's look back at me with sad, knowing smiles as they prepare to make their annual sojourn into the attic. And although this would normally send me into an OCD frenzy of activity, today I pay them no attention.

2nd ~ Read a semi-trashy romance novel. It's important to have mindless entertainment when you're sick and romance novels fit the bill perfectly. Make sure to read the whole thing cover to cover and avoid full-length mirrors until you've actually washed your hair and changed out of your pajamas.

3rd ~ Take lots of long, luxurious hot baths. And use the good bath salts! I cannot stress the importance of this step enough. Water is healing in nature and soaking just feels good.

Plus, as  an added bonus, you can take your romance novel into the bathtub with you and read while you soak. Add a cup of hot tea and that's the best you can possibly feel when your sick.

And 4th ~ If you have an appetite (and I always do, even when I'm sick), eat really simple, really healthy foods. And, whenever possible, have someone serve them to you in bed.

My hubby actually did this for me yesterday and it instantly raised my energy, making me feel very well cared for and loved.

So there you have it ~ 4 tested and proven ways to "get well soon" or at least make the most of being sick.

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Bonus Tip ~ Stay in your most comfy pajamas all day long. I do not understand why or how, but I'm pretty sure pajamas have magical healing properties. Be well!
 
 
The New Year is a time when even the least sentimental of your pessimistic pals will wax romantic about the passage of precious time and look forward with a raised chin and a new resolve to the days ahead and the promise they hold.

It's a time when people think about new beginnings and give themselves permission to start over, no matter how badly they think they've screwed up in the past. It's a clean slate, a fresh start, a brand new day...

And why not? Why not just go ahead seize the energy of the new year and move it forward into the rest of your year? Grab hold of it with both hands ~ the promise, the possibilities ~ and leap into the next decade with abandon.

In 2010 I want to be awake in my life and live it fully. I want to taste fabulous food for the pleasure and the nourishment of it. I want to float in the ocean with my eyes closed and know that the entire sea supports me. I want to run, just because I can. I want to dance with my friends and laugh until my cheeks hurt.

And the only person who can stop me is me. So in 2010 I resolve to ~ as my Guides have so kindly suggested already (darn learning curve) ~ get out of my own way and really enjoy my life. I hope you'll join me on this amazing journey into... well, I don't know what yet, but I bet it's gonna be a blast.

Click here to sign up for your FREE Spirit Guide report and Wake Up Goddess E-zine!

 
 
This week was full of beautiful and interesting synchronicities. But in the midst of it all I also dealt with some unexpected fears and insecurities that seemed to sneak up out of nowhere.

Can I do this? Am I good enough? What was I thinking? Who will care? These are all fear-based thoughts that can paralyze us if we allow ourselves to stay stuck in them.

But as human beings, these thoughts do occasionally grab hold of us and stop us in our tracks as we walk our spiritual path. The important thing is to move past them quickly and not let them derail us from our purpose.

A few years ago this type of anxiety might have had me down for weeks, but I'm happy to say in less than 24-hours I'm already seeing the folly in these false beliefs and moving on.

Now that I'm moving out of the funk reclaiming my mojo, I can see the purpose and growth that comes from these times of fear and doubt. Yes, they do indeed make us more determined and strengthen our conviction, if we're willing to look at them for what they really are ~ lies we tell ourselves.

But I'm no longer willing to live a lie. No way! I'm moving right past that fear and into the truth of who and what I really am ~ a beautiful expression of Divine Love (and so are you!).

Blessed be!

PS ~ Click here to receive your Free Spirit Guide Report today!