Jess Steinman

Navigating Changes

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September — the month when so many parents are beyond thrilled that their kids are going back to school. Meanwhile, most kids aren’t too happy about the end of Summer.

Several times this August, I heard people say that Summer is the shortest season, which of course it isn’t, it just seems that way.

In any event, Summer is ending, and Winter is on the way, with Autumn in between.

Not all Northeasterners are freaking out because Summer is ending, and Winter is around the corner. Some folks do actually love the cold. Meanwhile, those in the South have had a very hot summer and so they too are happily anticipating a change in the weather.

“So why all the talk about the weather, Suzane?” people sometimes ask. Well, the answer is that the weather is a lot like life. Although you know what the season is changing from, you may not know what it’s changing to. Changes in life can follow a similar pattern.

Life doesn’t come with a manual. Similarly, while you know that Fall is coming, you just don’t know what events may occur, or how those events may affect you.

We all know of the hurricane devastation last year, and we hope it doesn’t repeat itself this year. As I key this newsletter, Hurricane Dorian is a hot topic. Many people are praying that Hurricane Dorian, and the hurricanes in their own lives, work out.

So, yes, there are season cycles, and life cycles. But there is one constant in life, and that my friends is Love. Now, that could mean different things to different people but one thing is for sure, there is not a person on this planet who does not want to be loved.

Of course, all seasons have their particular beauty, which is also true in life (cute babies, adorable children, lovely teens, etc). In Autumn, the leaves changing colors can be amazing.

In life, changes occur, just like with the seasons (and within the seasons). Wherever we are physically, emotionally, and mentally, well, that’s where we are. Of course, the seasons play into this. To be happy, how many “snowbirds” flock to Florida for the winter, to essentially avoid the changing seasons?

I believe that when we DO wish to make a change, there are certain times that naturally align us in a way that makes it possible to bring about that change. As they say in France, “Voila!” September is one of those times.

September often is a time when one gets the feeling that a new beginning absolutely needs to be started.

Perhaps it’s something you’ve always wanted to do, but never had the time. A cooking, dancing, or self-defense class, perhaps. Or whatever. With the kids at school, parents can use their free time to make the lifestyle change that they’ve been wanting to make/

Yes, September is a time of potential impact. Whatever changes you make or come your way, please do all you can to enjoy those changes. However, if the changes are negative, do the best you can.

For me, Fall is always a very busy time of the year, starting with my Blog Talk Radio show at 6:00 pm EST / 3:00 pm PST this coming Monday, September 9. Listen in as I interview Rev. Dr. Terri Daniel about her book, Grief and God: When Religion Does More Harm Than Healing. Immediately following at 7:00 EST / 4:00 PST, join me for a Facebook LIVE video! You can view the live video right on my Facebook page.

This year, I’ll be traveling to some new places: Vancouver, Seattle, L.A., Palm Desert for West Coast. Returning to Florida (Tampa, Fort Myers, and Fort Lauderdale) and Roanoke on East Coast, and Michigan and Chicago in the middle.

I love connecting with so many of you, in so many places, along the way. Also love seeing old friends and meeting new ones. This is something I cherish.

As the song goes, “See You In September.”

Finding Balance Between Work and Play

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For those of you who may be wondering, Mercury is on track (as of this writing) to go “direct” as of August 2nd. So welcome to August, and farewell to Mercury in retrograde.

Of course, August is the month when so many Leo’s like to spread their wings! For August is the time when most people want to, and actually do, take advantage of just playing and enjoying it all.

I’m sure many of you know this but just in case — Americans work much harder than their contemporaries in other countries. For instance, European workers routinely get six weeks off from work while most Americans don’t get anywhere near that.

Now, don’t get me wrong! Working is good for the soul. But somewhere I recall God saying that, “I love when the children work, but I really love when they know how to play!”

On another note, I am so often reminded of conversations with many of you who are devoted to those in hospice care. Whether you do this as a professional, or because you have a passion to give, your work is greatly appreciated.

As hospice workers know, when men are getting ready to cross over, their last words are often “I wish I had worked less and spent more time with my family.” For women it’s usually, “I wish I had pursued more of my dreams.”

Now that pattern in some ways has changed. But still, let’s face it, women are the main caretakers in the world. If you doubt this, check to see who is working not only in hospices, but also schools, hospitals, and just about any caretaking place.

On a personal note: I have been taking care of my 91-year old mother, and I can tell you, when I’ve needed help, it has been mostly women who have contributed.

Now, I’m going to take a little bit of my own advice and go out and smell the flowers.

But before I sign off, a HUGE thanks especially to those who have attended my recent events. I look forward to reconnecting once again in the Fall when I return to Chicago, Michigan, Florida (Tampa, Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale) and of course Roanoke, Virginia. And don’t forget to join me for my Blog Talk Radio show on Monday, August 5, where my guest will be author Keith Leon S.

Have fun, and Happy August.

Fireflies and the Fourth of July

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Happy July!

The Summer Solstice, on June 21 — the longest day of the year — is behind us. It’s now officially Summer. Aside from the calendar, I could still tell that it was summer in NY since I got to sit on my porch and watch the amazing fireflies!

During my work, I saw a family from Connecticut that had recently moved to Florida. The mother was expressing how since moving, she had forgotten how beautiful the fireflies were. That memory brought her back to her childhood in Connecticut. Once again, the amazement of nature.

Fireflies — one of the specialties that only happens for a month or so, and only in certain places. If any of you have never seen or experienced a firefly, you must put it on your summer bucket list!

In life, I am forever shown that the little things are actually the most significant and cherished moments in our lives. Given the importance of sunrises, sunsets, walking on the beach, and/or hiking with someone whom you love while having an amazing conversation . . . these are moments that I’m sure you will remember and cherish forever.

I believe that it’s important that we enjoy each season and its particular beauty. The 4th of July is coming up, if you are inclined to celebrate. And throughout the month of July, we’ll get to wear flip-flops, play a little hooky from work, and be a kid again. Maybe listen to the crickets and be amazed by the stars.

Even in NYC, things are calmer. So many things to do — attend concerts in the park, visit the botanical gardens, walk along the river, etc. And yes, there can be dancing in the street, and at Lincoln Center.

On another note, July does bring up some sadness for those who have connected to others who have passed while in military service, and/or for those who cannot be “at home” for the July 4th weekend. “Grin and bear it,” as they say.

Enjoy the special moments in the now, for we know anything can change on a dime. Yes, “Have some fun in the sun.”

I’m looking forward to seeing many of you again at the end of the month when I’ll be with Thomas John in Baltimore, Mansfield, MA, and Tarrytown. I’ll also be back on Blog Talk Radio and doing another Facebook Live video on Monday, July 8th!

Honoring the Caretakers

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Happy June!

The flowers are blooming, high school and college students are graduating and going to proms, other kids are taking a breather, and of course {{{{{drum roll}}}}} Father’s Day on the 16th! Oh, and lest we forget, the Summer Solstice arrives on June 21st, the official beginning of Summer. Whew!

Some reflective thoughts for this June. No matter who you are, or what your status is, no one is exempt from, well, life. And part of life involves moments of what should be incredible joy, but there is a missing piece. Like when someone near and dear has crossed over to the Other Side and is not there on that special day. His or her absence may at times dominate our thoughts and feelings, making us sad, even though it’s supposed to be a festive occasion.

I mention this because so many times in my work I see sadness when a dad or mom who has crossed over was not at a wedding, or even often when the first baby was born. So June, with all positives that are going on, can bring up sad memories.

Often we tend to reflect on those memories and ask woulda, coulda, shoulda. I meet so many folks who did so much for their loved ones but still feel it wasn’t enough. I’m here to say, it was more than enough, and your DPs want you to know that.

On a related matter, we need to respect and honor those folks who are caretakers, for that is probably one of the hardest jobs a person can do. It is often an unending uphill of battle of emotions, physically exhausting, and at times very deeply sad and painful. If a caretaker doesn’t have enough money, or anyone who will help, the experience can be especially overwhelming and swallow you up. Until you go through it, you can’t honestly understand the difficulty of being a caretaker.

If you are a caretaker, KUDOS to you. But please be kind with yourself, and find as many moments of quiet and peace as you can. And cherish those moments.

While I’m beyond thrilled that June is here, my heart goes out to those who are suffering through floods and other earth changes. We all know that life can change on a dime.

With all that said, I’m truly excited to be visiting so many of you in Salt Lake City for the Afterlife Conference, where I mentioned Terri Daniel had been giving free rooms, and I’ll be in Michigan, Chicago and St. Louis with Thomas John.

Enjoy and smell the June flowers!

The History and Traditions Behind Mother’s Day

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Happy Month of May!

May is probably my favorite month, not only because of my birthday, but, as the expression goes, April showers bring May flowers. And lots of green. And, of course, Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day brings up many emotions, for so many people. Depending on the situation, of course. If your mom is in Spirit, there is a whole range of emotions that race to the surface around Mother’s Day, as many of you know.

I did some research recently (special thanks to the History Channel, Ann Reeves Jarvis, and Julia Ward Howe) and found that celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele.

Perhaps the clearest modern precedent for today’s Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.” Once a major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, this celebration fell on the fourth Sunday of Lent, and was originally seen as a time when the faithful would return to their “Mother Church” — the main church in the vicinity of their home — for a special service.

Over time, the Mothering Sunday tradition shifted into a more secular holiday, and children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation. This custom eventually faded in popularity before merging with “American Mother’s Day” in the 1930s and 1940s.

On Mother’s Day, my office phone gets flooded with calls. Not surprising that more phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year. These holiday chats with Mom often cause phone traffic to spike by as much as 37%, it’s been reported.

Obviously, there are many women who are not biological mothers, but nevertheless fill that role. Kudos to them!

Recent statistics show how many more hours a day women “care give” as opposed to men, and many without pay or acknowledgement. However, there are many men who fill the caregiving role, and they should be honored as well. I know personally quite a few men who have become the sole caregiver of their children. That my friends, is the world changing slowly.

Yes change does happen, but barring a revolution, it usually takes time. For example, being a vegetarian was much different 35 years ago than it is today. And I can tell you that my being a medium was very different 35 years ago than it is now.

Back then, I was a pioneer. Today, I’m more mainstream.

Looking forward to seeing so many of you . . . Connecticut, Salt Lake City, Michigan, Chicago, St. Louis, Baltimore, Massachusetts, and New York to name a few. My Blog Talk Radio show on May 6 will be devoted to messages for mothers . . . and don’t forget my Facebook Live video afterwards at 7:30 pm EST / 4:30 pm PST. You can watch and participate in the live video on via my Facebook Page.

Enjoy the merry month of May!

Wisdom Gained in Chile, and Celebrating Spring Holidays

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Welcome to April! We are now officially in Aries, the first sign in the Zodiac, corresponding with the March 20 Vernal Equinox.

This would be a good time to check things out with your local, trusted astrologer. Let them get you up to speed on all that’s happening from their astrological perspective, and see what resonates and works out.

This April has many religious holy days — Passover and Easter being the most well known here in the U.S. Many of these days reflect Spring celebrations and beginnings. Eggs are set at the table for Easter and Seder, and lamb and greens are served at both celebrations. Yes, whatever your religious persuasion, a table with lots of food to eat makes for a grand time.

I know that for many families during this holiday season, what is very important is enjoying the children who are smiling and having fun. Coloring Easter eggs, going on Easter hunts, etc. At Seders, the little ones get to sit next to grandma and ask four questions.

One theory holds that the symbol of the bunny rabbit on Easter stems from a pagan tradition, specifically the festival of “Eostre” — named after a goddess of fertility whose animal symbol was a bunny. Rabbits, known for their energetic breeding, have traditionally symbolized fertility.

I recently traveled to Chile. OK, you’ve heard me rave about Africa, still my favorite trip. But I now have to say that Chile comes close to tying Africa as my favorite destination. If Chile is not on your travel list, I would highly recommend that you add it, and don’t hesitate to go!

I know many of you have heard about Patagonia, a famous place in Chile (seen in the picture above). However, there are many other beautiful places there, including deserts, lakes, and mountains where the third largest glacier is.

Mother Earth (Mama Pacha, as the Chileans refer to her) is revered by the indigenous people who live in harmony with the Earth, and do all they can to preserve their traditions, land, and country. Chileans are very proud of their country, and are very willing to express their love of Mother Earth with others.

A shout-out to Almendia, who enlightened me regarding the Chilean land, history and culture. Lots I didn’t know. For instance, there is a huge German population that emigrated to Chile.

People travel from all over the world to get to Chile, and it’s very cool to interact with those fellow travelers. Mostly I met Brazilians and Argentinians, but there were also lots of Brits, Germans, Canadians and Asians, as well as many Americans.

Interestingly enough, although Chile is a Catholic country, while there I heard that many parents have left the Church, because they are disappointed with much of what’s going on within the Church itself. The holidays remain important in relationship to the family, but not the Church. I’m sure many of you can relate.

I’ve always been a big believer that sometimes we need to stretch out of our comfort zone, to better ourselves. Traveling to Chile, or to another country, or even another area in your own state, is one way of stretching out.

There are many ways to travel, and many wonderful companies that can arrange your adventure at a very reasonable rate. One thing I’ve noticed is that many retired teachers love to travel! They deserve it for all the services performed to help educate children.

Speaking of children, I’m doing a fundraiser on April 4th, for TEEG (Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group) — a small grassroots non-profit social service agency in North Grosvenordale, CT. They began in 1985 as a group of volunteers that joined together to meet the needs of “Three Rows”, the largest mill village in the North Grosvenordale section of Thompson. The community volunteers determined their focus was to create a safe place for children to play and to foster “self-help.” In 1988, TEEG was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. At TEEG, they have always believed that the quality of their service rests on two things: Compassion for those who seek their service, and accountability to those who fund their programs.

Ah yes, Spring is here! Enjoy this wonderful time of the year. And kids, it’s time for those seeds to be planted! Quite literally, and of course symbolically on other levels as well.

I look forward to seeing many of you at my upcoming events. Yes, it’s all about those we love.

Presence Through Transitions in Life

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Let’s start this newsletter with a {{{{{drum roll}}}}} for the greatly awaited Spring Equinox, coming March 20th!

For those of you who may wonder what an equinox actually is . . . well, an equinox is commonly regarded as the instant of time when the plane of the Earth’s equator lines up with the center of the Sun. This occurs twice each year: around March 21st and around September 21st. It is the moment when the center of the visible Sun passes directly over the equator.

Interestingly enough, the March Equinox occurs when many folks are beginning a new project for which Winter hadn’t provided any inspiration. Spring is also a time when many folks look for a different job, career, or new relationship.

I, for one, am always chomping at the bit waiting for Spring to arrive. Don’t get me wrong, though. Winter, like all the other seasons, has its beauty and place. But I’m a Spring and warm weather gal at heart.

I’m also a gal who has certain moments when I realize what it’s like to be living (as I do) in two different “worlds” — not only doing the routine things here on Earth, but also of course connecting to the Other Side. Somehow this realization reminds me of how precious each moment on Earth is, and how life can change on a dime. Like when suddenly we are faced with losing a loved one to physical death.

I recently went through something like this with my sister, who lost her sister-in-law (her husband’s sister) who had made her transition. The sister-in-law was the center and “the Rock” of her immediate family which was devastated by her loss.

The family really doesn’t yet have a clue how to put any of the pieces back together again. Life will never be the same for any of them, and adjusting will take time. Yet, this tragedy can be an opportunity to grow.

I actually got to meet the departed sister-in-law several times before she crossed. Not only was she the Rock, but she was also “the Connector” to her siblings and their 93 year old mother.

This is a pattern I often see — many women serve as the Rock in the family. And when they cross over, well, a new reality of life begins for all those whom “the Rock” has touched. Indeed, there is a ripple effect among all those who loved her, and for all those who were loved by her.

In my work, I have met many folks who have gone through this difficult experience. Ultimately, every second, minute, and hour of the day has to be experienced from a new perspective. Life doesn’t come with a manual, and death affects each of us in different ways. We have to figure out how to move on. But, it ain’t easy!

For the record, the last thing many of the mourning want to hear is something like, “She’s in a better place,” so consider avoiding that phrase (even though it is literally true) because at that moment, the deceased’s family’s world has fallen apart, and “good news” words like those don’t truly resonate with everyone.

During the conversations I had with my sister, all I could repeat to her during her sobs was that she should hold the husband’s hand, listen to what he has to say, and mostly “just be there.” And yes, tell him how much you love him, how much your sister loved him, and that Love never dies.

Of course, we can never walk another person’s path, or pain . . . but it is good for those who can be there to just be there.

Remember that if you believe that Love never dies, and if you can keep your heart and mind open, you can hear or feel your DPs around you. It takes a big leap for some to accept this, but that is what continuing Love is all about — opening up your heart, paying attention, and connecting.

Sending you my thoughts of Love, along with this reminder — we are not walking this journey alone.

As always, looking forward to seeing so many of you this upcoming Spring when the cycles of life in Nature remind us that rebirth is upon us.

Check my website for my upcoming events.

Happy Month of Love!

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February — the month of love, love, and more love.

During my work, it’s been shown to me over and over again, how deeply we are affected by matters of the heart. Not only the romantic “Valentines Day” kind, but matters of the heart that are not easy to endure.

Like when someone you love says a harsh word, and you take it to heart. Or when a person close to you gets injured, and you feel so bad for them. Or when you’re grieving the loss of a partner, relative, or friend.

Sometimes the heartache is so great that you can feel it physically, as if your heart were literally about to break. And sometimes that can actually happen, like when people “die of a broken heart.”

Every one of our relationships is a matter of the heart, and those relationships are impacted by our interactions with others, which can also serve as a barometer of our selves — if we are willing to open our own hearts.

As most of my newsletter readers are aware, the job of our loved ones on the Other Side is to continue a relationship with us here, with their “hearts” open.

Often, the DPs (dead persons) tell me that they don’t want us to focus on negativity — past illnesses, for example; or woulda, coulda, shoulda-type stuff. Instead, they want us to go to the memory of happy times spent together — times when we hugged, and laughed, or maybe just hung out. Those memories are ours to hold in our open hearts, and keep the love alive.

So, do keep those loving moments close to your open heart. And remember that love is, and remains, the single most important mental, emotional, and spiritual aspect of life here on Planet Earth.

On another note, I feel I must say that I also appreciate expressions of love sent via Hallmark, etc. I think it’s wonderful that, for example, parents (especially mothers) give Valentine cards to their kids. Some sisters and brothers also use Valentine’s Day to express their love for each other. Whoever you love, you can say it with a card.

Many folks, I know, save those Valentines Day cards from years gone by. And going through that old chest or shoebox, looking at the cards your mom sent you way back when, can inspire some wonderful childhood memories, I am sure.

Now, I do recognize that Hallmark and other card companies likely make a significant profit on Valentine’s Day, but hey, it’s America, and it’s still a good thing. The card makers are providing a very worthwhile product, though their prices do seem to have gone up lately.

If buying a card doesn’t appeal to you, consider expressing your feelings the old fashion way — by making your own card.

Or get modern with a phone call, text, or email. Or even a personal visit. Whatever — Do express your love on Valentine’s Day.

As most of us know, gifts are also an appropriate way to show love on Valentine’s Day (and other times, of course), although exchanging gifts is not for every relationship. It all depends. You make the call!

Recently, I was reminded of a prayer that I had been called upon to include in one of my newsletters years ago. The prayer is about having an open heart. Hope you like it. Feel free to use this prayer, if the words suit you.

Mother and Father God in Spirit,

Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can’t make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Mother and Father God in Spirit, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

I think this prayer says it all!

Looking forward to seeing so many of you at my upcoming Spring events. I’m doing another wonderful fundraiser in April and returning to Club L.E.D. in March. Plus, don’t forget that this coming Monday, February 4th, I will be doing my monthly Blog Talk Radio show with my special guest, medium and soul gardener Austyn Wells. Immediately after the show – at 7:30 pm EST / 4:30 pm PST – I will be doing another LIVE Facebook event. Last month’s event was so well-received, I’m looking forward to connecting with more of you on Monday!

All my love to all of you, this Valentine’s Day season!

Happy New Year 2019!

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Welcome to 2019!

As all of you who have followed my newsletter over the years realize, I begin the New Year by introducing the new “Universal Number.” For 2019, the Universal number is {{{{{drum roll}}}}} 3.

Calculating the number of the Universal Year in numerology is determined by adding together the digits of the current Calendar Year, and reducing the sum finally to a single digit. So, the Universal Energy for 2019 is: 2 + 0 + 1 + 9 = 12, and 1 + 2 = 3.

Remember, this is the Universal year. To get your personal year, you would add your day and month of birth to 2019. For example if you were born 4/19, add 4+19 to 2019 and you’d get an 8 personal year, as follows: 4+19+2019 = 35 and 3+5 = 8.

I’m sure there are many who are happy to be saying goodbye to 2018, which had its share of trials and tribulations, leaving many of us emotionally spent. Yes, there were lots of challenges on numerous levels for many folks. Those challenges occurred in various areas of our lives, and prevented some of us from being ourselves for a time.

Perhaps you were one of the folks who recognized a relationship you have outgrown, or discovered that a certain relationship was draining your energy and suffocating your spirit. If so, it was time to let go, and allow your soul to soar.

If you haven’t let go, consider whether now is the time. Look around. There are so many possibilities. Why not free yourself and let go of what no longer works for you? I would suggest that you take a breath and feel that new energy shift, the transition into a new vibration — a Universal 3.

The number 3 also is very significant in other ways, a few “3” examples: Mind, Body, and Spirit; Sun, Moon and Earth; Past, Present and Future; Life, Death and Rebirth; Hope, Charity and Faith.

I have always felt, and will always feel, the importance of energy which is what drives us to make important decisions, change our needs and wants, and determine what shall become more important in our lives going forward.

Knowing in our hearts what’s truly important is crucial. Meanwhile, know in the back of your mind that life can change on a dime. And if an unexpected difficult situation does arise, remember that this can be an opportunity for spiritual growth. Embrace the moment, if you can. Do your best, in any event. And remember of course, that Love is a constant that can help see you through.

So let’s welcome our new energetic year of 2019, and have a little fun. Because the number 3 is about creativity, communication, emotional sensitivity, expression, and socializing. In short, “FUN!” A time to allow our hearts to drive our endeavors, feel more passion, become creative, and infuse more play into our work.

As we venture into 2019, I am, as always, looking forward to seeing so many of you in my upcoming travels. I’ll be returning to Albany, Sturbridge, Fort Lauderdale, and Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA in February. Some places I haven’t visited in a while are also part of my itinerary, including Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Seattle.

Also, speaking of events, be sure to join me on my monthly Blog Talk Radio show on Monday, January 7 at 6 pm EST / 3 pm PST. My guest this month will be astrologer Bill Attride. Bill joins me every January to share the astrological outlook for the New Year. Check out this link to listen to the show live on the 7th!

Bring in the New Year with a BANG! if that works for you. Or maybe just extend or accept and invitation to “Enjoy!” In any event, have some “Fun!”

The Holidays Are Here!

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Holidays, Holidays, Holidays! Yes, I am repeating myself, but the reality is this: it is now THE Holiday Season.

And while this special Season of Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years is usually designated as a time for enjoyment and fun, the holidays (and other special days) can also be difficult, as we who have lost loved ones — especially recently — recognize.

For many folks right now, especially in some of our most beautiful States hit by tragedy — for example, the California fires — events are taking their toll on many lives and families. Thankfully, there is an outpouring of Love from people who want to help.

I have always admired those volunteers who step up to help others in need. Performing “in the clutch,” as they say.

I am also very amazed at those who have so little in the material (Earthly) realm, yet who can nonetheless selflessly share what they do have. And in the process help themselves and others understand the human condition.

Which reminds me of our loved ones in Spirit, who are still our guiding lights.

Recently, there were so many heroic acts that I heard and read about, involving the recent tragedies. Some stories really touched my heart, two especially.

One: There was a woman who had given birth during the fires. She wasn’t able to leave the hospital immediately because she had a C-section. The woman entrusted her son, Lincoln, to a man to care for her son during the fires. (Her husband and two girls were away somewhere else, and safe.)

Once the woman got released from the hospital, she drove toward her house that had been burned to the ground. Along the way, she met the man who was caring for Lincoln. How’s that for a synchronicity?

Later, she drove by her property and thought to herself that she was a “blessed woman,” given all that she had experienced. How’s that for a positive attitude?

Another story I heard involved an elderly 90-year old lady who was trapped in her house. A nearby sanitation worker saw her, rescued her, and drove four hours to safety. He got to hear wonderful stories from her 90-years of life. I’m sure many of them involved Christmas.

And yes, Christmas is once again on the way. Most often, we will not remember the presents we received under the Christmas tree — twenty, thirty, fifty or however many years ago. But, I think most of us will remember those very special gifts — a new bicycle, a doll, or an air gun perhaps. Or for those really lucky folks, a special trip that the family saved for, took, and enjoyed.

Very special memories like those exist in your heart, and are there to stay. Reflect, and enjoy!

Here’s hoping you’ll be experiencing some very special moments this holiday season, more happy moments to remember.

And let me say here, in my last newsletter of 2018, that I am very Thankful for connecting with so many of you and your loved ones in Spirit. Something I plan to continue to do, and be so honored to do, in the future.

And, if I may also suggest, keep your hearts open to receive all the Love you attract and deserve. That philosophy extends not only to you, but to all of your loved ones here, there, and everywhere — including, of
course, to those on the Other Side.

And, as always, let us be thankful for what we do have.

My last event of the year with be with Thomas John. The event is called “ Home for the Holidays,” to be held in Sturbridge MA.

Have a warm, loving, and heartfelt holiday. Share that Love because there is so much GOOD to go around.