change

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.”

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!

Rocking Into Fall!

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Wow! Have we come rocking into Fall! A Blood Moon, eclipses, and to top it off, a visit from the Pope!

You know how I love synchronicities . . . and these early Fall events scream out that something special is going on. Synchronistic connections are wonderful energies that add just a bit to one’s life.

I know I’m not the only one who watched that incredible Blood Moon at the end of September, an event that happens only every 20 or 30+ years! You know that it had to be a huge event because not only was it all over the media, but also shown at football games (and you know how football fans don’t like to be distracted!). The TV people couldn’t help mention it because the Blood Moon hovered over the games . . . way way cool! And this was all going on around the time when Pope Francis was visiting New York City and Philadelphia. My favorite moment was when Pope Francis indicated that “You don’t have to believe in God to go to Heaven.” Gotta love that one!

I know many folks who were very affected by the Pope’s visit to the States. His arrival, presence, and words were so welcome, as was his stance to care and protect children. Of course, we may not agree with all of his words; after all, he is head of the Catholic Church which has its own rules and values. But aside from that, I must say that as I am a true Nature lover, I was so glad to hear the Pope honor Mother Earth with his comments about climate change. Someone in the media couldn’t resist commenting, “What does the Pope know about climate change? He should leave that up to the scientists.” But as it turned out that was a foot-in-the-mouth statement because the critic obviously didn’t know that the Pope has a degree in Science, Chemistry to be exact. Touché! And the Pope’s critic also failed to realize that we can all make our own decisions about how we should treat Mother Nature after reading what all the various scientists and pundits are saying lately? Indeed, “The times they are [once again] a-changin’.”

Naturally, change happens as we transition from one season to the next, but this is especially true in Autumn. Things will be different now from the way they were in Summer. For most, no more visits to the beach and lakes, no Summer vacations, and of course it’s back-to-school-time for the kids. For stay-at-home parents, it might just be the right time for you to take that cooking or painting class. So get out there and do it!

Also gotta love the Fall for the leaves turning colors, which reflects our need to transition mentally, emotionally, and of course physically to adapt to the changing weather and energies.

Recently I went hiking on a path and saw many families out there in Nature together, with parents carrying their precious little ones in backpacks! Some children of course were capable of walking along the trails, and it was great to see them without their iPads and iPhones, and simply experiencing Nature!

Nature! What a wonderful experience it can be to explore for you and your significant other, children, relatives, friends, or even just by yourself. The Nature experience tends to deepen from within. I will tell you that with children, unless they are too young, they will remember their family Nature outings quite fondly. “Daddy, remember when we climbed that big mountain?” And so forth. Great memories!

If you have a loved one with whom you have experienced Nature, but who has now crossed over, you know that the memories continue. No one can ever take that away from you. Such a treasure!

I’m feeling prompted to remind everyone that it’s important but difficult to remember the way a loved one was before they crossed over, or became terminally ill, or was involved in an accident leading to their passing. Know that our loved ones on the Other Side want us to remember them the way they were before things changed at the end. They want you to remember the good moments, the matters of the heart, which keep the Love between you and them alive, despite all the changes in the world.

As we welcome the beautiful Fall with all it’s radiant colors and changes, our lives also will change, for we are ALL affected by energetic happenings.

Speaking of happenings, since this is October, I’d be remiss to not mention that at the end of the month comes Halloween! Also, known as All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints Eve, or Day of the Dead. And it’s not just about pumpkins and apples, and trick-or-treats! In Mexico, and other countries, “Día de Muertos” (Day of the Dead) is the holiest day of year!

Coming up this Fall for me are lot of exciting events. I’ll be heading back to California for two appearances! Firstly, I will be with A.J. Barrera in Irvine on October 10. It’s important to note that we are offering a 20% discount off two tickets, and the first 20 people who register before Thursday, October 8 at 2:00 pm PST will be entered into a raffle for a special gift and meet-and-greet with me and A.J.! In addition, I have a special event, “Discover Gold,” in Cameron Park on October 17. This event also has a special discount of $30 off two tickets, so be sure to take advantage of that! I’ll also be doing an event sponsored by radio WQRC on Cape Cod in Massachusetts on October 27. And I will be be returning to my yearly visit to “Hope for the Holidays” by K92 in Roanoke, VA in November. And of course, returning to Cromwell, CT.

I want extend a special thank you to the folks in Nashville for their warm welcome on September 19! It felt so good being down South, and so, here I come Atlanta on November 14!

A jam-packed October for yours truly. Looking forward to seeing you!