Mostly it’s given me a lot of brain fog and just feeling weird and thinking not super well.
I’m not totally feeling myself and things feel extra challenging today getting this email ready to queue up for you, but it is the one thing I really want to get done in my heart and soul, so I’m taking deep breaths, and taking it one step at a time.
(Emailing is one of my favorite things I get to do in my business. Yes, it is work, but it’s also very creative and fun for me.)
Lately, I watched all of the Anne of Green Gables movies made in the 2000s.
It was a wonderful sick day adventure! I had never watched any shows with the stories or read the books, but quite delightful it was.
***
These days it has been hard to focus on what is really important and make progress on your book or business.
But, you know what….a part of me is just saying, OKAY yeah but what else is new?
I’ve been dealing with the writer, creator and entrepreneur life for a while now…
– the distractions and overwhelm,
– a changing technology/social media/marketing landscape and
– paralysis over what to do next
For me, it’s been over 25 years writing and publishing, and over 10 years in business.
The details are different, but it’s not like it’s ever been a cake walk.
I earned the miles, learned the tools and it’s just about putting them to work.
We CAN DO THIS.
Would you like some support from someone who has been there, done that in writing, publishing, or marketing a business?
If you need support I will soon be announcing a sale on the 2 Month Rapid Progress Package —
for only $150 a month you can have me in your pocket for private coaching weekly. This is $200 off.
The main event is weekly coaching where we talk about your priorities, what’s important, what’s getting in the way, how to move forward, what to do next, what to write, how to market, etc. and all the things!
We can talk about it all week to week for two months. Our conversations will be in weekly asynchronous checkins, a voice message, email, or text chat not a zoom call.
You can use me to stay accountable for the things you want to check off your list. I can help you figure things out problems along the way so you can write your nonfiction book, create for you business or write your salespage, emails, posts, etc.
What’s in the March/April Issue of On Purpose Woman Magazine?
Want to know more about what is in the magazine?
I joined a group of writers, artists, entrepreneurs doing cool things–we are all featured in this month’s issue of On Purpose Woman Magazine, and talk about what we contributed.
Tools for Genius Thinking and Writing: CommonPlace Books
Speaking of – I also wrote an article for the last magazine that I’d love more people to read.
Above is an interview that I did on the topic of the article.
It’s really about more than just common place books,
It’s the process of developing genius ideas, which in this era of brainrot, I really think we need.
I talk about historical practices for developing genius thinking, as well as the tools that I have personally developed in over 25 years writing and publishing online.
Things in the USA and world are nutty, I won’t harp about it, only say that uncertainty feels like a buzzword.
And in uncertain times I gravitate to things like: following my intuition,
reading Tarot cards, and
watching astrology reports on Youtube.
It’s something fun to think about.
(BTW If you’d like a personal intuitive reading, then come to our upcoming charity event TOMORROW!
In the spirit of generosity, everyone who has donated to my fundraisers in the past can come get a Card reading! And new people can donate to get a reading, or just come and support. Scroll down for all the info.)
I mentioned the eclipse in my last post, but I didn’t realize that on March 15 (Saturday), Mercury also went retrograde (and will remain so for about a month.)
Usually people mention Mercury Retrograde because something went wrong,
but for me there’s something I like about it.
I’ve always seen it as an opportunity to reread old journals, and wrap up old projects.
(Things that I like to do! But don’t always take the time.)
And admist the uncertainty in the air, I find myself tending to this sense of something unknown like a ritual…. raising my levels of patience with the answers slowly unfolding via these actions…
I spent the weekend in an hours long deep dive into old journal entries and blogs from previous eclipses and Mercury Retrogrades.
I pulled out old lessons and gems that speak to me even if I don’t fully understand why:
ADJUST YOUR EXPECTATIONS to be less perfectionist.
If you have been ignoring some kind of inner call, the signs will get louder and may possibly cause trouble, so be SURE to have downtime to hear yourself in the silence. You absolutely need to get clear on what your soul and intuition are trying to tell you, it is VITAL this week.. a new part of you will be revealed.
We need to be open to listening within to our feelings. We need to let go of feeling Obligated. Sometimes we are going to be feeling highs–and sometimes we are going to be feeling lows.
But listen to what you are feeling and it may be a time when you need to chuck old rules and expectations out of the window so you can solve problems more creatively, take your time, get a break, etc, whatever you FEEL like doing. It may be difficult to let go and trust yourself that way, rather than an external authority or rule of how to do things, but it is what is really needed right now. Put yourself self first.
Commitment is essential to rapid growth and development as well as intimacy in relationships. So is clear communication and honesty. Be open with yourself to see how you fare in this area: how committed are you to your dreams? What are you committed to at this time?
An emerging creative power is coming forward, through your feelings, your passion, your actions and deeds.You must trust yourself.
Recognize you are brave and strong and have been for a long time. Have courage.
Slow down. Connection to pleasure is important. Answers will emerge.
I’m sharing because this is brings me fascination and inspiration in my life today and maybe something here resonates with you…even if you don’t totally know why.
I think when times are uncertain, trusting your intuition can be really helpful.
Want to try it?
if you’d like some more intuitive ideas tailored to you specifically and the questions you are sitting with.
I’m teaming up with a professional intuitive named Kris this week and you are welcome to join our online event on Wednesday, March 19 at 1 PM Pacific/ 4 PM Eastern
If you’d like a personal intuitive reading or a reading for you, your book, or business for as little as $25, then come to our upcoming charity event TOMORROW.
BTW In the spirit of generosity everyone who has donated to my Her Future Foundation fundraisers in the past can claim a free reading as a thank you!
“Kris’s Tarot Card reading was insightful, enlightening, and spot-on. I have had many readings through the years and no one has provided as much accuracy and clarity as Kris. She truly forms a genuine connection and has an astounding comprehension of the messages within the cards. I highly recommend tapping into Kris’s talent and getting a reading, you will not be disappointed!” – Theresa, California
“Kris is an amazing teacher and writer full of light, wisdom and emanates joy in her teachings. Also the best Tarot card reader. Have recommended several friends to have readings and Kris is always generous, bringing light to the issues with insight and accuracy. Love her highly recommended her classes and readings.” – Colleen, California
“Kris has such a nurturing warmth and love that just oozes from her every word and act and then you couple it with a natural intuitiveness, skills with tarot cards, and her business savvy, and you have one very special and unique women who thrives in this realm! I loved our soul session together; it was affirming for the direction I’m going in creatively, personally, and professionally and encouraging as well to continue listen to my instincts and intuition in all aspects of my life. I highly recommend doing a business soul strategy session with Kris if you’re going in a new direction with your business or creating a new one from the ground up.” – Rachel, California
Join me and Kris for an online Tarot party
Wednesday March 19 1-2 PM pacific / 4-5 PM Eastern
My friend Kris Seraphine and I will be celebrating our successful fundraisers and fundraising for our final student Aminata.
We giving out Tarot readings to everyone who donates $25 or more!
(And if you’ve supported the fundraisers for Her Future Foundation in the past, that counts, too!)
We’re now just $550 away from our final goal of $700 – which is 22 donations of $25.
Come and share with your friends so we can reach our goal. Let’s make a big impact together.
More information:
What is the cause?
We are celebrating our success with our previous fundraiser for students, & We are raising college fees for our last student, Amanita from Sierra Leone.
Year 3 pharmacy degree student
Orphaned, her parents died shortly after enrolling in college
comes from a city with low female literacy in Sierra Leone
Aminata’s mother (only parent) died and she does not have the support to continue school without help. She is in her third year studying pharmacy at university. This degree will ensure she will have a job to support herself. Total fees are $700.
Why it matters
It is rare for women to go to university there so we want to make sure she doesn’t have to drop out before she can finish. Only 1 out of 5 women in the city where she is from can read a sentence, so it’s a shame for this tragedy to force her to drop out of the most prestigious medical university in the country. 1% of women get any college education.
Aminata said without this degree her only job alternative is constantly hunting unreliable part-time jobs doing hard-labor, like hand washing laundry. But the degree will ensure her a steady career like her mother hoped for her.
Or you can donate through GivenGain if you prefer to send it directly to the Her Future Foundation organization. There is a delay of 2-4 weeks before the funds arrive via GivenGain. We may have to apply your funds to a future fundraiser if we do not receive it in time. It will be added to our tallies when processed. Pay through GivenGain
I had some thoughts come to me today and I wanted to share in case they are helpful!
Lately many people are facing an unknown:
what will the future hold and what should I do next?
It’s normal to be unsure.
That is the VIBE of the moment right now.
Double down on your inner practices like journaling and healing Examine all competing parts that you have, different fears and needs and engage in dialogue. This may take time to sort through. Trust the process
((Note: There are a lot of cool ways to do this. Examples are Carl Jung’s active imagination techniques, Gendling’s Focusing practice, and Internal Family Systems exercises. Give them a google, search on youtube or check out some books at your local library!))
Do some inner exploring …
And trust that perhaps this moment is an opportunity.
Yes maybe you don’t like it! But maybe it is the birthcanal to shape you into the magnificent person you were born to become and evolve into now At the end of the day it is your choice: – Be patient or impatient with yourself and this moment – Trust yourself or not – Listen or ignore
Today is an eclipse- if you are able to give yourself some time and stay curiously listening within, you will probably have some new insights next week.
If you are looking for some answers or certainty about the future, you also might like to watch this video, “What does it mean to be Psychic?” It feels right for this moment, I’ll put it below.
If you’d like a personal intuitive reading or a reading for you, your book, or business for as little as $25, then come to our upcoming charity event. Keep scrolling down for all the info!
“Kris’s Tarot Card reading was insightful, enlightening, and spot-on. I have had many readings through the years and no one has provided as much accuracy and clarity as Kris. She truly forms a genuine connection and has an astounding comprehension of the messages within the cards. I highly recommend tapping into Kris’s talent and getting a reading, you will not be disappointed!” – Theresa, California
“Kris is an amazing teacher and writer full of light, wisdom and emanates joy in her teachings. Also the best Tarot card reader. Have recommended several friends to have readings and Kris is always generous, bringing light to the issues with insight and accuracy. Love her highly recommended her classes and readings.” – Colleen, California
“Kris has such a nurturing warmth and love that just oozes from her every word and act and then you couple it with a natural intuitiveness, skills with tarot cards, and her business savvy, and you have one very special and unique women who thrives in this realm! I loved our soul session together; it was affirming for the direction I’m going in creatively, personally, and professionally and encouraging as well to continue listen to my instincts and intuition in all aspects of my life. I highly recommend doing a business soul strategy session with Kris if you’re going in a new direction with your business or creating a new one from the ground up.” – Rachel, California
Join me and Kris for an online Tarot party
Wednesday March 19 1-2 PM pacific / 4-5 PM Eastern
My friend Kris Seraphine and I will be celebrating and fundraising for our final student Aminata and
giving out Tarot readings to everyone who donates $25 or more!
We’re now just $550 away from our final goal of $700 – which is 22 donations of $25.
Come and share with your friends so we can reach our goal. Let’s make a big impact together.
More information:
What is the cause?
We are celebrating our success with our previous fundraiser for students, & We are raising college fees for our last student, Amanita from Sierra Leone.
Year 3 pharmacy degree student
Orphaned, her parents died shortly after enrolling in college
comes from a city with low female literacy in Sierra Leone
Aminata’s mother (only parent) died and she does not have the support to continue school without help. She is in her third year studying pharmacy at university. This will ensure she will have a job to support herself.
Why it matters
It is rare for women to go to university there so we want to make sure she doesn’t have to drop out before she can finish. Only 1 out of 5 women in the city where she is from can read a sentence, so it’s a shame for this tragedy to force her to drop out of the most prestigious medical university in the country. 1% of women get any college education.
Aminata said without this degree her only job alternative is constantly hunting unreliable part-time jobs doing hard-labor, like hand washing laundry. But the degree will ensure her a steady career like her mother hoped for her.
Thanks for coming. We only need about $700 total for her. That’s 28 donations of $25.
Please spread the word.
It will change Aminata’s life. This is my last fundraising goal for the season!
How much is the Tarot Party?
Everyone who donates $25 or more between now and the March 19 party can get a live Tarot reading if you come to the party!
Also, if you have given to our previous fundraisers for Ismatu and Her Future Foundation since December, you are eligible for a reading as long as we have the time!
Feel free to come and support even if you haven’t donated–you might hear something that resonates.
Or you can donate through GivenGain if you prefer to send it directly to the Her Future Foundation organization. There is a delay of 2-4 weeks before the funds arrive via GivenGain. We may have to apply your funds to a future fundraiser if we do not receive it in time. It will be added to our tallies when processed. Pay through GivenGain
Lots has been going on, and life is up and down, but I keep finding my way up.
Today I am sharing:
an article I wrote on what to focus on if you are overwhelmed.
an upcoming Tarot for Charity Event
And good news! We completed our fundraiser to send Ismatu to college! More below.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, I wrote something for you:
What should you do if you are overwhelmed?
When things feel chaotic, in my opinion, the best thing you can do is look at your foundation.
It’s stressful and overwhelming, so it can be hard to know where to start–all you have to do is pick something foundational from this list below.
Work on any part of your foundation– When in doubt, you really cannot go wrong.
Shore up your foundation and you will feel less anxiety and more grounded.
Feel free to make your own list, but for me, my foundation includes:
My Mental Health:
getting support or therapy; assessing how I am feeling; determining where I need boundaries, or what I am stressed about and taking action accordingly; spending time with friends and hobbies that support mental health.
My Relationship with Myself:
changing my self talk or perception; having more self compassion; forgiving my mistakes so I can move on while learning from them; having patience with the fact that I need rest or other things and meeting those needs that I have.
My Physical Health:
making doctor appointments; exercising; deciding meals to cook; eating well; taking vitamins; showering.
My Home:
getting functional shelves or containers; decluttering old items; organizing my things; cleaning things; repairing things; car maintenance
My Presentation:
playing with everything in my wardrobe; finding items that are missing; enjoying how I look; getting a haircut or color; trying a new hairstyle; wearing makeup I have or deciding what I need. (I find when I look good, I feel better.)
My Admin:
taxes; paying bills; processing mail; dealing with paperwork that needs doing; organizing budgets; renewing passports; requesting documents.
Yes, that is a lot of things.
You do not have to tackle all of this at once, think of this list as a list of OPPORTUNITIES to feel better: you can start with whatever feels most natural and easy for you.
As you begin to build a solid foundation bit by bit, you gain strength. Each step makes it easier to handle other parts of the list, and your foundation becomes wider and stronger. You will feel the difference.
That’s what makes something foundational– it sits at the root under all the little stuff. It is enduring which means the energy you spend there will pay off greatly in time.
Things have been stressful for me since my dad died in 2021. Believe me I had a lot to deal with.
Accordingly, I’ve gone to my roots and foundation, continually reflecting on how to shore up my foundation. Over the past few years I chipped away at this list.
Now I can really see a big difference. It has really been evident recently how far I have come. I no longer have those niggles of feeling like my life is on fire.
I know it can be overwhelming especially in the beginning.
Here are three ways I can help if you are overwhelmed:
1. Optimism
If you don’t think it’s possible to feel less chaos in your life…you are probably right.
I created a low cost Program called Optimism to help you feel it is possible to be successful.
And it’s about getting things done.
It’s a home study course that includes a class to help you get started on doing all the things that will help you have a more positive outlook on life. This includes helping you find what is foundational for you to focus on right now.
The workbook included will help you to set goals, and mark your progress week by week. You’ll have tools to address challenges and keep track of what is working the best.
You know, sometimes I feel like a canary in a coal mine.
I grew up in an environment where sensitivity and empathy were not valued. Shamed.
But I’ve come to see it as the gift it truly is:
noticing problems before others, or being able to put them into words. I’ve also developed a lot of skills to cope with the rough tides of life.
The challenge for me is always that there are things I need to do even if I don’t feel well, if my heart is heavy. So that is part of why I am feeling so drawn to hosting free coworks on Youtube lately.
We get more done by creating a dedicated space to do work together, whether it is creative work like writing, or more analytical like planning what to do next.
I also can share things with you that help me to stay focused and resilient during these sessions. Helpful exercises that we do together, as well as inspiration to remind you of everything that is good.
I saw a quote recently that you can see the darkness in the world, but look, don’t stare. That’s the reminder for me today.
We also have to celebrate the small victories and wins, like that last week my community and I raised $420 for charity to send a woman in Sierra Leone, named Ismatu to college!
We haven’t raised the full amount, but we met our first goal to provide her with the supplies she needed to enter lab class: a gown, cap, shoes, gloves, etc. She is receiving the funds immediately so she can enter class and not get too far behind on her microbiology degree.
WE DID THAT.
I think it is so important to celebrate that.
We have to celebrate every small victory and keep our eyes on the future, on what we are creating, on what we want to see.
AND to remember how many other people there are who care. The amount we raised was mostly small contributions around $30 each. Many of us came together to combine forces.
There are thousands, millions of us, maybe billions.
People whose hearts are full of love and caring and dedication to making this world better in some way.
And together I believe we can do that, if don’t sink too deeply into the feeling of powerlessness.
No matter what you fear or face, the person who holds the pen on the story of your life is yourself.
You can take your own power away, or you can give it back and decide how you want the ending to be. I truly believe that.
We don’t get to decide the times in which we live, only how we respond to them and what we do.
So these coworks are my way of giving to the community but also creating a rich environment to tap into all these juicy, positive feelings myself
If you want to get work done and feel more resilient so you can make your way forward with confidence in this strange and wacky world,
Remember — we all have a part to play in creating a better future. We all have a piece of the puzzle, my piece does not have to look like your piece.
But together we make up a harmonious whole.
I truly believe that each of us is here to play some sort of role, and fit into a larger effort to make the future something beautiful. We are all necessary.
I hope this success serves as inspiration.
It is possible to make a difference.
Wishing you peace.
Want more information about our fundraiser to help Ismatu go to college?
Below, I have a free resource to help you to set up your week right and make it a productive one.
But first, I really want to celebrate how far we have come since last week.
We raised $420 for charity to send Ismatu, a woman in Sierra Leone, to college!
This means that we met our short term goal to provide her with the supplies she needed to enter lab class: a gown, cap, shoes, gloves, etc. She is receiving the funds immediately so she can enter class and not get too far behind on her microbiology degree.
WE DID THAT.
I think it is so important to celebrate that.
Truly last week I was feeling very discouraged and despondent that we would not be able to help in time, but people stepped forward and we are where we need to be now to help her continue her education.
She has worked so hard, and her home is such a hard place for women, this is a light in the darkness for them. And for us!
Anyway — we all have a part to play in creating a better future. We all have a piece of the puzzle, my piece does not have to look like your piece.
But together we make up a harmonious whole.
I truly believe that each of us is here to play some sort of role, and fit into a larger effort to make the future something beautiful. We are all necessary.
I hope this success serves as inspiration for you to know that there is good happening, and it is possible to make a difference doing what you feel called to do.
Also — I would love to help you to start this week off right.
I just did a live cowork focused on setting yourself up for a powerful week where you move the needle on what matters most.
It’s free!
Watching the replay, you will get my guidance on how to start the week right.
When you watch you also help us to amplify word about our charity efforts as well as collect the rest of the fees needed for Ismatu’s college education.
This is a free chill hangout space to find your grounding, and work on your creative, growth or work project like journaling, writing, doing tasks or organizing your ideas.
And when you watch you are doing good: helping to raise a few hundred dollars in fees for a young woman in college.
She’s from a place in Sierra Leone, where only 10-20% can read, and only 1% of women graduate. This is a lifechanging way to support women to escape poverty, abuse and violence and get a good job and without the success of our fundraiser, she will have to drop out.
How much is it ? Free to attend! Free to support! Free to help!
Tips are welcome but no donation required. Everyone who joins us is helping us spread the word, and that alone is appreciated. Come do good with us!!
I am excited to be doing something new and I hope it takes off.
Maybe you can help?
I’m having trouble communicating with people to spread the word.
It’s hard to cut through the noise.
Here’s what I am doing:
Live Coworks for Charity
What is it?
This is a free chill hangout space to find your grounding, and work on your creative, growth or work project like journaling, writing, doing tasks or organizing your ideas.
And when you watch you are doing good:
helping to raise a few hundred dollars in fees for a young woman in college.
She’s from a place in Sierra Leone, where only 10-20% can read, and only 1% of women graduate.
This is a lifechanging way to support women to escape poverty, abuse and violence and get a good job and without the success of our fundraiser, she will have to drop out.
How much is it ? Free to attend! Free to support! Free to help!
Tips are welcome but no donation required. Everyone who joins us is helping us spread the word, and that alone is appreciated. Come do good with us!!
Make sure to hit the bell on Youtube not only subscribe to all my videos but get notified the next time we go live for a cowork session!
How to help?
Watching, liking, commenting or sharing with a friend help us to spread the world!
The Back story:
Right now social media platforms are changing like crazy and I’m pretty sure their algorithms all hate me (cries). Haha no just kidding…but maybe?
It’s bad timing because I have something important to say.
As you may know I work with a charity called Her Future Foundation to protect girls and women from FGM and human rights abuse in Sierra Leone.
I’ve personally given a lot of money to support them in recent months. Their founder was in the hospital last week, so we donated then and also in December and also in the fall…
So unfortunately when I got another request this week, I couldn’t donate all that much.
I think a lot of us are stretched thin right now.
Can you relate to that {{ subscriber.first_name }}?
But basically one of the young ladies I was able to help with a fundraiser last year needs help now.
Last year I rallied the community for her college fees so she could stay in college for one year.
I named Ismatu, “The Girl Wonder” because of her amazing skill at debating for women’s right to an education and against female genital mutiliation and inequality. She was a very brave teenage girl advocating for women’s rights out of sheer passion.
Raising the money for her college fees last year was something amazing we as a community did in 24 hours in 2024,
but it’s just not the same situation this year, this week. Given the LA fires and so much else.
Ismatu is now entering her second year and needs $380 USD ASAP to pay for equipment for her microbiology lab class. This science track will ensure she has a job after college. Good news – we have $80 including some left from our December fundraiser,
and just need $300 more.
So solution time…
I wanted to think of a way to invite more people into this movement to change her life.
Even people who cannot donate right now could be a part of the movement to just help spread the word.
So that’s when I got the idea for Cowork for Charity because
not only can we build community to achieve our personal goals and make progress on things important to us,
but we can also use our hangout time as a vehicle to keep spreading the word about Ismatu until hopefully we find enough people to help Ismatu not only get her lab equipment but also eventually pay for her next year of college.
Anyone watching the youtube video, liking, sharing it, commenting, will help us spread the word even if you can’t give funds!
How are you feeling?
highly recommended her classes and readings.” – Colleen, California
