I find myself thinking of you often, and hoping you are doing well — finding that beautiful ooey-gooey center of peace within yourself during all the whirling energy out there in the world.
I recently discovered a peaceful song on YouTube that has a healing frequency of 528 Hz. (If you’re curious to know more about the healing frequencies in music, let me know and I’d be happy to share what I’ve learned.)
If you’d like to listen to this song, you can find it here.
…I think it was the image of the dolphin that drew me in! 🙂
Also…
Would you like to receive a short, personal note from me?
I thought it would be fun to play with sending some eCards via Paperless Post to those of you who feel like a note from me in your inbox might brighten your day!
If you want one, simply send an email to coachingwithcaitlin@gmail.com with the email address where you’d like me to send your note. 🙂
I’ll send as many as I can over the next few weeks. 🙂
Again, hope you’re doing well, getting some good rest and finding that inner connection balm that soothes the soul and brings strength during challenging times.
I’m with you and I love you — and I’m holding you in my heart always.
I melt into the navy leather arm chair, feeling my body rest down into it as never before.Â
My shoulders relax, and something in my chest area starts to open and calm as I listen to Martha Beck say that all we ever have to do is this moment, right now.
As I relax into her words of comfort and reassurance, saying that no matter what happens, you’ll always have the strength for THIS Moment. Just this one. And that nothing else is ever needed.
I’d heard my dad talk about the “Power of NOW.” He became quite obsessed with it, and rightly so, in my opinion. That was a time in his life where he needed the message, and it found him.
This was a time in mine, where, while I’d tried to practice it with some success beforehand…
There’s nothing quite like every moment of your own life becoming a complete and utter uncertainty, to help you open to something new.
And that is what had happened.
Away from school and my job as a teacher, sick with never-ending vertigo and a slew of concussive symptoms, my life had been changed forever. And I was now on a journey through taking Life Coach Training, that at the time, I don’t think I even realized had begun.
As often happens with illness, the very capabilities of your body to do what you’re accustomed to doing changes.
I’d lost my health, and with that, my job, uncertain of when, if ever, I’d be able to return. And with that, my community — both my students and the teachers with whom I’d worked. Many of my friends, my financial stability…all of it, gone. Seemingly overnight.
Sound familiar?
While there are MANY differences between much of what I went through and what so much of the word is going through now, I see the similarities. The golden threads of hope — which to me, offer a new perspective, and a new way of doing things.
When things fall apart, we’re given an opportunity to go inward.
When we don’t know what to do, we’re given the opportunity to open to something new.
Once we let the old fall away — so painful! — we can find, sometimes quite unexpectedly, a brand new beginning that is brighter than we ever dreamed it could be.
So I offer you tremendous compassion today, for whatever feelings you’re feeling, whatever situations you’re facing, whatever loss you’ve suffered, whatever you find swirling around you or within you in any given moment.
And I pray that you find the strength to keep going — to keep offering yourself the love and kindness you deserve.
Because you are worthy of so much love, dearest one — ALL the Love in the Entire Universe, in fact! 🙂
This is a song I listened to often about 5 years ago, in one of those layers I mentioned of opening to something new.
And there was one stanza that called out to me in particular. So much so that I took a gold-colored sharpie and wrote it out on a little index card that I used to keep by my bed.
It read:
“May the light of a thousand suns shine through.
Live the life of grace that you were meant to.”
So in whatever way, today, this week, may each of us open to the new level of being, and the new way of seeing that has become open to us.
May we find hope where there is heartbreak. And peace and love in all things.
And if you feel like playing with some feelings, I’m hosting a free call on Thursday called Funky Emotion Paragraphs. 🙂
Every time I’ve taught this process or shared it with someone one-on-one, it has been a hit, and magical things have happened. So now seems like the perfect time to share it again.
It’s a process for looking at an emotion in a creative way, that takes it out of the context of the situation where you find it arising, so that surprisingly wise (and often funny!) insights come through. I’d love to have you join us! 🙂
No need to register. Just use the link below. 🙂 And I’ll hope to see you there!
Topic: Funky Emotion Paragraphs 🙂
Time: Apr 2, 2020 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
May you be blessed with infinite peace today, and each day, as we go through this great big process, and unfolding of whatever is going on — together.
Much love,
Caitlin
P.S. If you and/or your kiddos are feeling like a cozy story time, I did a Facebook Live over the weekend with a reading of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. If you’d like to snuggle in and listen, you can do so here. Love you lots! 🙂 (Also, if you enjoy, please let me know and I can make it a regular thing while we go through this pandemic together.)
P.P.S. I’ve received a couple requests to offer another Gratitude Call, where I shared a new way of gratitude journaling that I started playing with over the winter months. If you’d be interested in something like this, let me know! 🙂 (Just comment below, and say, “YES! I want to play with gratitude journaling!” — or something to that effect 🙂 and I’ll know to put it on the calendar. Wink!)
“We all live in a yellow submarine, yellow submarine, yellow submarine…”
Photo by Sung Jin Cho on Unsplash
This Beatles song keeps popping into my mind and unexpectedly flowing out of my mouth over the last few days and weeks.
Sometimes the songs I hear, or find myself singing (seemingly out of nowhere) have messages, or strange synchronicities that make me smile.
I found myself wondering what this might be about.
(Especially given the fact that I’ve never been a huge fan of this song.)
And then it hit me, it’s like we’re all in a great big yellow submarine together.
Some of us more closely, given the quarantine and shelter in place and social distancing precautions.
But even more than that, it’s the message that…
We’re all in this together.
This great big planet spinning through time and space is like a big ship…or a yellow submarine, that we’re all trying to find our way through and learn how to navigate, together.
One person’s joy affects the multitudes. Each small action, whether fearful or loving and filled with peace, affects everyone.
That’s why my motto or mission during this time so far has been to anchor as much joy as I can.
My theory (just because it feels good :)) is that this virus can’t survive JOY.
Of course, if you’re feeling sad or scared or panicked or even just a low grade sense of anxiety or helplessness, PLEASE allow yourself to feel those things. I’ve felt them too, and it’s important not to just set them aside for some pretend joy thinking that’s going to help.
Fake joy can’t help, but true, genuine, smile-from-the heart-so-big-that-it-lights-up-your-face joy — I believe that can.
So do whatever you find joyful today.
And if joy feels too far out of reach, try offering yourself the compassion you would offer a sweet, innocent, beautiful and amazing child. What kind thing would you say to a little one who is afraid?
You would comfort them, not berate them for feeling their emotions. (Unless you’re trying to avoid your own.)
But yes, kindness always matters. Especially when you can begin to find a way to offer it to yourself.
You are worthy of kindness.
You are worthy of respect.
You are worthy of feeling heard and appreciated for who you are.
So today, as we float through the sky in this great big yellow submarine, know this…
You’re not alone. Anything you’re feeling or experiencing, others are likely experiencing it too.
You are loved. You are worthy of infinite compassion and grace, especially during hard times. Often, those can be the times where it can feel hardest to offer ourselves the kindness we deserve, and this is when we need it the most. So offer yourself some kindness, be gentle with yourself and know that as you follow the flow of that, only good things can happen — from the inside-out.
I appreciate you. You are appreciated, seen and heard for all that you are. You are a blessing in this world and I’m so glad you’re here.
Remember that.
You are loved. You are not alone. And you are infinitely appreciated for the gifts you bring to this planet…to our yellow submarine. 🙂
Wishing you peace and infinite blessings always,
with a side of gentle clouds and soft sunlight to light your way,
Caitlin
P.S. If you’re feeling stressed out and would like to play with some coaching or writing to see how that can help (HINT: It is AMAZINGLY helpful) just send an email and let me know. We can find something perfect — supportive and kind — just for you. ❤Â
It’s okay to start where you are. It’s okay to allow yourself to move forward with what calls to you to do. You do not need to be held back by small mistakes of the past, or a fear or doubt that you cannot do it.
Know that you are worthy of all that you dream of having in your life.
For me, I dreamed of sharing my grief journal, creating more journals with ease. Publishing them on Amazon, being a published and well-loved and celebrated author.
I always dreamed of this. Even in past visions or meditations, and beautiful ideas for children’s books.
It has always been a dream of mine, but one I’ve held so close and near, afraid to name in case it doesn’t come true.
It’s okay to name what you want.
It’s okay to dream the dreams you dream.
Without your dreams, the world wouldn’t be the same, the fairies and fireflies couldn’t dance in the midnight’s sky.
Your dreams are beautiful. They help make you who you are.
And all that you are is your dreams coming true.
When have you ever had a dream come true, that it brought you to life the moment it was fulfilled?
For me, it was visiting Easter Island. The very experience of that dream coming true, standing there along the ocean’s shore, breathing in the fresh salty air and feeling the sunshine on my skin…
I danced with delight on the inside and it put the biggest smile on my face.
You are worthy of your dreams coming true.
Allow them to give you energy, not like a bag of rocks weighing you down.
Anytime you feel like a bag of rocks or a ton of bricks are weighing you down — stop and feel inside, if those rocks or bricks are really yours.
For you know the dream you dream is yours, when it makes you feel light and happy and free.
Not weighed down with fears or anticipation of judgments or what others think.
This is not your responsibility. It’s okay to set those rocks down.
That’s what I wish I could go back and tell my former self — and even what I’m still learning right here, right now — today.
Is to let the rocks of expectations go, and trade them in for freedom instead.
So what would feel like the most freeing thing for you today?
I’ve found that when I focus on freedom, and what feels nurturing and loving for me to do, usually leads to the greatest rewards — the greatest surprises, and unfoldings and synchronicities.
This is likely true for you too, and I wish I could tell that past version of myself the same.
That you don’t to have it all figured out right away — that it’s okay to take steps into the unknown. And that it’s okay if others don’t understand.
You know what’s true for you. You know the brilliance that you hold within your hands — your life, your love, they are but treasures to be found, as you follow the voice from within.
Allow her to guide you — that sweet, most innocent and pure, delighted version of yourself.
And she’ll carry you all the way home.
Sending you infinite love & blessings, today, and this week~ Caitlin
P.S. If you’d like to join us for our Virtual Tea Party tomorrow, reach out here and let me know! I’ll make sure to send you an email with all the details.
Make some tea, bring your journal and let’s connect!
I still remember standing outside visiting with people after church. I could feel the warmth of the sunlight on my skin, but I couldn’t feel the compassion or understanding of those around me. It felt like an invisible curtain appeared right in front of my face as I talked with them — you couldn’t see it, but you could feel it. An invisible barrier laced with the belief that no one cared, that they couldn’t understand.
And to be honest, they probably didn’t. I’d recently lost my dad, and even those who had experienced loss couldn’t express their sentiments in a way that I could feel. Somehow their genuine concern got lost in translation.
They had already made it to the other side, to a place where their grief was no longer felt at the same depth as mine. They were no longer standing in the very same hole that I felt I’d been plopped down into.
I wanted someone who could crawl down into that hole with me and keep me company while I was there.
And that’s what I’d love to do for you — crawl down into whatever exact, uniquely shaped, and sized hole you are in, and shine some light, share some love, and walk beside you or sit with you with compassion.
Compassion is my specialty.
Just ask anyone who knows me, and it is often one of the first traits people will mention.
I care. Deeply. And it’s one of the things the people I’ve coached thank me for most.
And it’s also one of the things I’ve practiced most deeply in my life — learning to care for and be kind to myself.
Do you have that challenge too?
My guess is, if you’re here reading these words, you might also be on a similar life path of learning to offer yourself the same kindness and grace that you so readily offer to others.
And I’d love to work with you.
I’d love to shine a light in all of the dark corners and lift them up with evergreen grace.
I’m here for you. All you have to do is decide you’d like to open your hand and welcome some fresh love in.
Try it right now. Open your hands, palm up and feel the love that is here for you.
Now — let me know where your “hole” is located and I’ll be right over! With your favorite cup of tea and a beautiful strand of twinkle lights.
We’ll shine some twinkle lights in the darkness until you find the light and strength of your own. And we’ll do it, together.
You don’t have to go through any of this alone.
I’ve got you. And I care.
And that’s a winning combination.
Not that there’s anything to win. But the ability to feel better, even when the circumstances around you don’t change, is one of life’s greatest gifts. It’s something I’ve learned again and again in new and deeper ways, and continue to practice every day.
So if you feel curious about the idea of hanging some twinkle lights to bring a little light and ease to any challenges or losses in your life, I’d love to talk with you.
Schedule a time on my calendar for a free 30 minute, Shine The Light On Your Life call where we can talk about your dark hole of a challenge or loss, and what some possible twinkle lights might look like in your life right now, even if it’s just one teeny tiny bulb to add a little glow.
In the meantime…here are 10 ways to feel more connected when you’re feeling alone.
Feeling disconnected and unable to connect with the people around you, whether because of loss or illness, is one of the most gut-wrenching experiences I believe we can ever have. I also believe that it is an opportunity to get creative and find other ways to support yourself in feeling connected.Â
I know from personal experience how hard it can be, and whether you’re in a tough place right now or not, I know these can help. They are my top 10 favorite ways to connect! Enjoy!
1. Take a 5 minute nature break.
Spend some time sitting or walking outside, or looking out the window. Just take some time to notice your breathing and look at what’s around you — notice the rocks, the leaves, any trees, or blades of grass. Even if you don’t FEEL anything, just keep noticing. Keep observing. And eventually you’ll start to feel more connected both to yourself and to your surroundings.Â
(Bonus: Make note of how you’re feeling both before and after your 5 minute nature session to build evidence for yourself if it’s helpful and to watch how your experience changes over time.)
2. Write down how you feel.
Science shows (and I’ve learned from personal experience) that naming your feelings can help lessen the severity right away. And then writing them down is an even deeper way to acknowledge your feelings and offer yourself compassion and support. Take 1 minute and write down as many feeling words as you can that describe what you’re experiencing.Â
(This can be a post it note, a note on your phone, the back of a letter or piece of mail, anything nearby will work.)
They don’t have to be complete sentences either, anything goes! Scared, alone, twist in my stomach, hard to breathe, numb. Whatever it is, write it down. See how you feel when the minute is up. Any better? Want to keep writing? If so, keep going. If not, move on with a greater sense of connection to yourself and awareness of your emotions and experience.
3. Do a Lava Volcano Quick Write.
This is where you set a timer for 5 minutes and just write down EVERYTHING that comes to your mind. And when I say everything, I mean everything! Every thought, even if it’s “this is a stupid exercise.” Letting whatever is swirling around in your head flow out through your pen onto the page (or note on your phone, etc.) is one of the easiest, and most powerful ways to set that energy free. Try it and see how you feel!
4. Connect with your breath.
This is one of the easiest ways to begin feeling more connected — and also one of the most challenging to remember or make time for…or, let’s be honest, find the motivation to actually DO. But it’s effects are far reaching and healing in ways our minds can only imagine.Â
To do this, simply stop wherever you are.
Notice your breath in, and feel what the air and oxygen feels like as it fills your body. Does your belly expand, your chest rise? Do you feel it in your neck, head, shoulders, feet?
Then exhale slowly and notice the physical sensations in your body there as well — does your chest collapse and relax forward, do you feel an openness in your belly, sleepiness in your eyes?
Whatever it is, just notice. And then at the end of your exhale pause, and wait for your body to naturally inhale. Follow this sequence for as long as feels good and notice how little effort it actually takes — that you’re not the one who has to MAKE breathing happen, that in fact, you’re the one being breathed.
5. Write a note to a friend.
Whether it’s a text message, an email, or a handwritten letter, reaching out to those we care about can have huge mental health benefits. But what do you do when you don’t FEEL connected? Reach out anyway. Send a kind word, a thought about how your day is going or ask for some support. If there’s something you need — ask. This is SO hard, I know from personal experience and it’s harder for some of us than others. But even if you simply write to wish THEM a wonderful day or to say “I’m thinking of you,” there’s some part of you that will receive that kindness too.
6. Write a love letter to yourself.
Take some time, set aside maybe 10-15 minutes and write out some of the things that are troubling you. Then, look through your list and imagine your dearest friend was experiencing these things. What would you say? What words of comfort or compassion would you offer? Now write “Dear, (and your name),” at the top of a fresh page, and begin pouring out all those loving and kind words of support to yourself. Allow yourself to gush as much as feels comfortable — and know that it might not feel comfortable at first, but that’s okay. The more you practice this, the easier it will get. And before you know it, you’ll be connecting with yourself in an easy and compassion-filled way each and every day.
7. Listen to a song with a melody or lyrics you love.
Let the music wash over you. Get up and dance if you feel inspired, or sit and wrap yourself in a blanket and allow yourself to cry if they lyrics move you. Allow yourself to feel connected to the rhythm, the harmony, the connection of another person’s words and music, knowing that anything that artist could write or compose or sing about, is something they’ve experienced too. So if it moves you, know that there is a connection there. A life and a spirit of compassion and love. An empathy of sorts — being sent out through time and space in the sound waves of this favorite song.
8. Do a short loving-kindness meditation.
Find a calm and quiet place where you can relax. And sit down, or lie down and close your eyes. Call to mind the image of a pet or family member or friend who naturally makes you smile. Hold them in your mind’s eye and send them all the love and support that naturally arises. Do this for at least 3 breaths.Â
Then see yourself standing there next to them, and continue offering the same loving support, and any kind phrases or wishes that come to mind. “May you be blessed with peace / ease / gentleness / kindness / love / forgiveness / healing.”
Now, imagine that this friend or other person or animal needs to go somewhere else for a bit (they can always come back if you need them!), and see yourself standing there in the golden glow of this love, and all of the wishes and kindness you have offered.
Now spend 5-10 breaths sending even more love and support directly to yourself — this vision of yourself you’re holding in your mental movie screen. Offer her all the love and beautiful wishes you can and see how you feel.
Repeat as often as necessary, and as mentioned, you can always bring that loving family member or friend back if that helps make it easier to send the compassion and love. You’ve got this. And you’re infinitely loved. Allow yourself to step into that circle and receive some love yourself. You so deserve it.
9. Pet, snuggle, or play with a pet.
This can either be your own pet, or someone else’s. (And if you don’t have access to a pet, try watching a bird or squirrel out the window, or pulling up a cute animal video online.)Â
Connect with your pet — talk to them, pet them, invite them to sit on your lap if appropriate, stroke their fur, play a game with their favorite toy — anything that helps you connect. What do they like to do? Offering one of their favorite things and watching them enjoy it can help you feel more loved and connected in turn. And can even help spring forth some new feelings of joy and relaxation. Enjoy!
P.S. If you’re really struggling this might even look like sitting in a favorite chair with your pet on your lap or by your side, not engaging but just sitting together, looking out the window or staring at the wall. Do whatever feels best to you and fits your situation. You are so loved!
10. Sing a song.
I know this may sound silly, but there’s nothing like the power of singing a song to help you connect to the voice and the power within yourself. It’s like you connect to yourself through your song. Any song that comes to mind is perfect, or maybe a lullaby your mom sang to you as a child. Maybe you have a favorite song that always brings tears to your eyes or helps you feel relaxed and at home. Even if you don’t have a song in mind, just humming whatever random sounds or tones come to mind can help put your mind at ease and connect you with yourself as you notice the vibration and humming sensation in your body. Give it a try!
I hope this helps the next time you find yourself feeling low, or alone and like no one understands. There are so many other ways that you can connect with the people around you — but when all else fails, don’t ever doubt the connection you have with yourself, and the power of tapping into that with compassion.Â
I’m sending you so much love, and I’d love to know — which one of these ideas was your favorite? Is there one you feel like you could put into practice today or sometime this week?
Hit reply and let me know! I love hearing from you.
And as always, sending lots of love and many blessings your way,
Caitlin
P.S. You’re Invited…
I wanted to do something beautiful for us as a community, and so I thought, hey, wouldn’t it be fun if we had a virtual tea party!? So…
Join me August 1st at 3pm Pacific for a cup of tea, some journaling, Q&A and conversation. We’ll go wherever the wind blows so be prepared for an adventure!
All you need to do is subscribe here, if you’re not already, to receive weekly newsletters and the link to where we’ll meet at the designated time.
Make sure to bring a cup of tea (or other delicious beverage of choice) in your favorite mug, a cozy blanket, your journal if you have one and something to write with. Looking forward to it!
One day as I was walking through the woods, listening to the birds chirping from the trees and watching my cute little dog Dino run along the forest trail, happily sniffing everything in sight…
I decided I wanted to have a summer of JOY.
If you’re not familiar with Susan Hyatt, this thought was based on her Summer of Yes. If you’d like, you can learn more about her work here.
It’s all about making your summer memorable, and saying yes to the things that light you up, or in my case, with the inspiration of the lovely Marie Kondo, spark joy.
I’ve wanted to have a Joy Diet Book Club FOREVER. It’s based on one of my favorite books by Martha Beck, The Joy Diet.
And so I’ve decided — it’s time.
It’s time to say yes to the power of joy, and summer, and beautiful forward momentum in a way that is nourishing and provides a sense of community and belonging. A summer that Sparks JOY.
Because I believe that as we follow our joy, we’re led to the ways we can make the biggest difference — and have the greatest impact in the world.
Our joy matters. Just as our stories, our mission, our experiences, and even our pain do.
Joy can be a tricky one to claim. It can often feel elusive and is one of the most vulnerable emotions, as noted by Brene Brown.
So why not do it together? And follow the steps, practices, and insights that Martha lays out in her book, The Joy Diet. Here are the chapters, or as she calls them, ingredients:
#1: NOTHING
#2: TRUTH
#3: DESIRE
#4: CREATIVITY
#5: RISK
#6: TREATS
#7: PLAY
#8: LAUGHTER
#9: CONNECTION
#10: FEASTING
Here’s how the Book Club works.
When you sign up, you’ll get:
Access to a private Facebook Community to connect with other Book Club goers 🙂
A series of 10 Live weekly group Book Club Calls on Wednesdays @ 10 am, starting on July 24th
And, practices and journal prompts to accompany each of the 10 chapters in the book.
As a bonus, you can also select an option that includes an individual coaching session with me, or a package that includes three sessions, all in addition to the book club itself.
I once heard a spiritual teacher ask the following question:
If all was well and wonderful in the world, and no one needed a single thing from you…what would you do? How would you spend your time? What feeling state would you bless the world with?
THAT is your mission. That is your purpose and part of why you’re here.
I’d love to know your answer!
Mine was Joy. My immediate answer was, “dancing around singing” like I did when I was a little girl.
So if you’d like to carve out some space for yourself this summer to invite more joy into your life, then I whole-heartedly and joyfully invite you to join us.
Questions? Email me at coachingwithcaitlin@gmail.com and I’d be happy to talk with you and sort out whatever you need.
Much love, and many blessings always,
With infinite grace & compassion,
And with much joy,
Caitlin
P.S. I was recently selected as one of 25 people to receive a partial scholarship to an online business school because they loved my vision and mission for my writing & coaching program! If you’d like to support the mission but aren’t available or interested in participating in the Book Club right now, you can still donate to the cause here. (Just make sure it’s set to “friends and family” since it would be considered a gift.) Even $5 makes a difference!
Thank you so much!
And here’s a cute picture of Dino for good measure. 🙂
There’s a way that love sparkles. The way that the light feels when it hits your face with the glorious glow of sunshine, or even in the moment you notice a sparkle in your very own eye.
One of the things I’ve found that creates this luminosity and sparkle in my own life, and presence, and heart… is clearing space for new things in my life.
That letting go of things we no longer need can bring clarity, insight, freedom…and even, JOY!
This is the story I share in the post below about a time I cleared some clutter, only to find some tremendous and unexpected joys and surprises!
I hope you enjoy!
It’s called: Why Giving Things Away is The Absolute BEST!
Originally published Oct. 12, 2015
I stood in front of the bathroom mirror. As I stared at my reflection, wearing the red Chiefs sweatshirt, I noticed some things. I didn’t like the way it looked. I didn’t like the way it felt. And I didn’t like the way I felt wearing it.
It was uncomfortable. I felt droopy and kind of weighed down. All of this could only mean one thing: the time had come to let it go.
I took a few minutes to remember how much fun my brother and I had together that crisp and sunny October weekend five years ago. It was the first trip I’d made back to the Midwest on my own, and I flew into town for a quick visit and a Chiefs game. Naturally, this meant stopping at the store to buy some Chiefs gear on the way.
But now, holding the sweatshirt my hand, my mind carefully clicked through the following:
I wasn’t going to wear this thing again.
Giving it away would not erase any of my cherished memories that were created while wearing it.
It would be awesome if someone else could have the opportunity to wear and enjoy it.
And just like that, the years of keeping it stored it the back of my closet, thinking I would or should wear it again, finally came to an end as I added it to a bag of items destined for Goodwill. Then I went about my day, happily imagining a Chiefs fan unexpectedly stumbling across it in Portland, thrilled to have something new to wear on game days this season.
A few days later, my mom came over to load everything up. She took the first couple bags down to the car and came back WEARING the sweatshirt! And it looked fantastic on her!
I experienced FAR more joy in those first five minutes of seeing her wear the sweatshirt than I did in the entire 5 years it had been in my possession. All of the things that made it less than ideal for me — the orangey shade of red and the way the collar pops up in the back — are the exact things that make it perfect for her! Needless to say, I had no idea that the Chiefs fan to find treasure in my old sweatshirt would turn out to be my very own mom! I was, and still am, thrilled!
Maybe you have something similar in your possession — something small, something you hardly think about, but something that if you were to take a second to consider it, you’d realize there’s some memory, emotion, or “should” attached to it. I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below and I can’t wait to hear if you experience the same sweet taste of freedom that I did.
Because this simple sweatshirt didn’t take up much room. I didn’t think of it all that often. And yet, it was sucking energy and joy from my life without me even knowing it. I only realize this now because of the feelings of lightness and freedom I felt once I’d let go. It became a release of guilt that I didn’t even know I was carrying around — for not having worn it enough, for not having gotten my money’s worth, etc.
So it turns out, I let go of something more than just a sweatshirt. And I was rewarded tenfold, receiving something SO much better in return.
Big surprise, little things are powerful. This definitely shouldn’t be a surprise at this point, but somehow I find myself in awe of that simple truth EVERY time it pops up.
Simple yet profound. Small but mighty. It never gets old.
Wishing you freedom and JOY, And some awe for good measure,
You get a free copy of the book before anyone else, and you get to connect with me, and the rest of the group, leading up to launch week — and even after, if you’d like!
And you commit to read the book (or play with a few of the prompts that speak to you), leave a review on Amazon, and help to share and spread the word during launch week —
which could look like anything from calling and telling a friend, posting on social media, or writing an email to your audience. The sky is the limit and the “how” is completely up to you!
It’s a chance to gather and celebrate and share the book with anyone you think might enjoy it, or benefit from a tender loving presence and safe place to write during their experience of grief. ❤ And, of course, get a free copy for yourself! 🙂
Having returned home from a trip to Easter Island, at one point it dawned on me–
Grief is like being plunked down on a distant island in the dark — strange terrain, not knowing your way, not even with a simple street light to guide you.
There is no map. No clear road ahead.
Only your inner compass, and the light of the moon overhead.
The stars are like your loved ones, shining down on you from Heaven above.
And the light of all, a reflection, of the light you hold within you.
And as you tune in very closely and listen to this light… you’ll find that it guides you every step of the way and you never have to go it alone.
From the light of the moon you gain your strength, the courage to take the very next step. And as you step and step and step…the landscape becomes less scary.
Before you know it, you find your way, with all your treasures in your heart and in hand.
Walking as a brave new person, with a new landscape to unfold.
By then it becomes an adventure — a daring new experience by the sea.
To walk and fumble, and hold yourself in love, until you finally find yourself free.
…This was another excerpt from my forthcoming grief journal. AND…
I now have a selection of the Top 3 favorite title options from the various writing groups I belong to…and I was so surprised by the overwhelming favorite.
But first I’d love to hear from YOU! Which one do you like best? Or do you have a DIFFERENT idea that you think we’d all love?! Click here to submit your vote!
And if you have an extra idea, you can always email me here, or leave a comment below!
Much love, and many blessings to you always, Caitlin
This week I want to share with you a blessing I wrote for my forthcoming grief journal, By the Light of the Moon.
Although now I’m returning back to former ideas and playing with new titles alike.
You’ll be the first to know when I get close to a final decision and I’m ready for your input to make a final selection!
One of the most important things to me is to make this journal BEAUTIFUL.
I can still remember standing in the bookstore aisle with all of the books on grief. And most of them had one or two things in common.
1) They were…UGLY. Drab. Brown. Boring — Ugly.
2) They had the word GRIEF written on them in huge sprawling letters, practically acting as a flashing neon sign, like an arrow pointing to the person holding the book exclaiming, “Hey! This girl is experiencing grief!!”
Not exactly something you want to be seen with at a coffee shop when you’re in your twenties and just lost your dad.
Or at any age, I would imagine.
So I want this journal to be beautiful for you. And that is exactly what I plan to create. 🙂
If you’ve experienced loss, and have any thoughts on something that you feel would have really helped YOU, or anything you feel would help you in your current experience, I’d love for you to hit reply and let me know.
I’d love to hear about any insights you may have — and perhaps they even match up with some of my own that I still plan to share with you.
Either way, it is always a blessing to hear from you.
Your kind words mean so much, and you are truly a blessing in this world.
So without further ado…
May you be blessed~
May you be blessed with peace — Even if that’s not what you feel like you want, Or even need.
May you be blessed with grace — To see the light of love shining through.
May you be blessed with courage — The kind you show in every moment, Just taking another step, and inhaling another breath, Again and again and again.
May you be blessed with beauty — The shared and treasured memories That help to light your way, The insights and ideas That guide your self-care each day.
May you be blessed with gentleness — To watch over yourself with care. The way you’d love a sweet little bird Or a toddler with messy hair.
And most of all…
May you be blessed with love — The glue that holds everything together. The twinkle lights that glow in the darkness. The radiance of your very own heart.
May you be blessed with knowing how worthy You are And may you sing you own unique song, Every day, your whole life through. Knowing there is always someone Who’s watching over you.
