Holidays

Welcome to 2014!

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Welcome to 2014! A “Universal 7 Year” because in Numerology, 2+0+1+4 = 7. A Universal 7 Year is regarded as a time to reflect on the past, learn, and grow as we progress into the new year.

I hope everyone enjoyed the end of the year holiday. I am aware for many that this may be a difficult time, and that the “Happy New Year!” greetings can ring hollow. However, for those in that state of mind, be advised that this is a positive time because it forces us in some ways, to be still. What do I mean by that? Well, with all we do – be it work, school, and/or family and personal obligations – things are often a matter of robotic routine. So it’s good to break out of that.

People here in America actually work more hours per year than people in many other countries around the world. And since it is difficult for many of us to slow down, the end of the year holiday kind of forces us take time off that we would not otherwise take, and thereby regenerate, as we break away from our usual routines. I personally feel that in some ways, unless we’re forced to rest a bit, we will never stop!

Now I’m not saying we’re being busy for no good reason, but we do need to tend to what is involved in making time for ourselves. The end of the year brings us into a different mindset, one that if used properly, will help us benefit by allowing us to reflect on the year just passed, and on what we did or did not do, and what did or did not happen. These thoughts can often propel us to make changes and explore new ways in which to create new paths that will be more beneficial.

Please note that I am not talking about New Year’s resolutions, which we know usually never pan out. If “resolution” is your game, I would suggest that you give yourself short term goals, but again, this is not my focus here.

What I am talking about is stepping off the treadmill of daily life, breathing in what did or did not happen this past year, evaluating, and coming up with a plan to make things work out better in the New Year.

Generally speaking here’s what to expect from the Universal 7 Cycle that will be in effect for 2014, as explained in part by numerologist Alison Baughman:

The Universal Year number influences us at a collective level, globally and locally. Following the Universal 6 Year (2013) – which was about service to others – this is really a very special time. We are being asked to join together in connecting with the Divine Spirit, however you want to define that concept.

The ancients revered the mystical number 7 and associated it with higher knowledge and cosmic wisdom. Indeed, 7 was referred to as the divine number of God. 7 helps us connect to the divine that links us all, regardless of race, color, religion, political or other alliances. 7 is one of the most spiritual numbers among organized religions as well.

In sum, 2014 is a tremendously important year in regards to evolving our collective consciousness. Especially since the end of 2012, we have been experiencing a massive expansion into all areas of the metaphysical and that trend will continue in 2014. We have seen spiritual philosophy make its way into the mainstream with television, radio and media.

7 is considered to be the bridge between Heaven and Earth and that doorway will be pushed wide in 2014. Awakened people who tap into this energy will experience a deeper connection to their soul. Spending time in Nature, practicing meditation and yoga, and approaching your life on a holistic level all would be beneficial activities for the new year. 2014 is a year that emphasizes dreams, messages, psychic phenomenon, wisdom, and our connection to the Divine. People will begin to question “Why am I here?” and “What is the purpose of life?” Hopefully, some definitive answers will begin to manifest.

And so I would most strongly suggest, take some time in 2014 to pause from your hectic life and do a little inner reflection. Don’t take things at face value, but rather, question something that does not resonate with you. Follow your intuition. One of the greatest gifts of the 7 is a deeper understanding of yourself and the world we live in.

Interesting to me that we are going into a year with the same kind of energy I have been talking about during the 2013 end-of-year holidays.

To help ring in the new year, on my radio show, my first New Year’s guest will Bill Attride who is someone who can shed further light on what to expect in 2014. Bill is a brilliant astrologer. I had him on last year and he got great reviews, so I’ve asked him to return for my first show of 2014, January 6th Monday at 6pm EST. Be sure to tune in!

My best wishes that in 2014, you can open up your mind and heart so that you can follow your positive inner ways, whatever they may be. Try to keep in mind throughout the year that 2014 is a Universal 7 Year, which is there for you to use to help you attain your life’s purpose, by establishing a deeper connection to your soul.

Suggestions for Brightening the Holidays, Even Through Grief

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We come again to the end of another year, and another Christmas Holiday awaits us. For many, this is a very wonderful time, while for others the holiday brings up sad memories of our loved ones who are no longer with us in the physical, especially if they have made their transition recently. I know how difficult this can be because missing our loved ones totally changes how we feel and what we do – during the Christmas season especially. Sometimes it seems like we have a hole in our heart. But do the best you can and remember that our beloved DPs are watching over us and want nothing more than for us to be happy. Often being happy is much easier said than done, most certainly if you are still working your way thru the grieving process. However, throughout the years I’ve discussed with others how they manage to celebrate the Christmas holiday when someone they love so much is no longer here in the physical. I’ve gotten a lot of good suggestions. Here’s a list of my favorites:

  1. Hug those you love and those who need love. Thank them for being in your life.
  2. Make a list of whom to shop for, and/or those you want to reach out and touch, during this season of love.

    3. Send out cards, with candle lighting announcements to those you want to reach. For example, “I’ll be lighting a candle for our cousin . . . on Christmas Eve at 8pm Eastern time. Please join me in your thoughts.”

  3. Purchase enough candles to burn throughout the month of December to remind yourself and those around you that Love is immortal, and that it is important to celebrate the lives of those now on the Other Side, even if we can’t see them.
  4. Prepare and mail out cards to those who may be grieving, and express your own positive thoughts as best you can.
  5. Consider decorating your home in the Christmas spirit. If those you love who have crossed over enjoyed decorating, you can do it in their honor.
  6. Plan and carry out huge random acts of kindness, the kind that your departed loved ones would enjoy seeing you perform – remember they are watching!
  7. Smile, and bring nature into your home, perhaps with a new potted plant.
  8. Call, text, write, Skype or visit those with whom you feel a special connection.
  9. Know always in your heart that your loved ones on the other side of the curtain hear you, and laugh with you in joy, as you think of them during the holiday season.

I can tell you that one of the messages that I receive over and over from our DPs is that they DO want us to enjoy this wonderful time of the year, even tho they are not here in the physical. Remember that they are and will always be near us, in our heart, mind and spirit . . . especially when we can take a moment to close our eyes and open ourselves up to listen.

Here’s a short poem for our loved ones . . .

CHRISTMAS
Christmas is a time of year
to go and spread the Christmas cheer
it’s not about presents
but about sharing the love that everyone needs
Christmas brings wishes you hope will come true
especially for the someone so precious to you
a mother, a father, son, or grandmother, uncle, or daughter’s love cannot be replaced
or the smiling you think about that shows on your face
when you think about them . . .
it is always
that place in our heart that we will always love the most

Reminder: Sunday December 8th at 7pm is the worldwide candle lighting ceremony. Join in and feel the spirit! Details are available here.

Have a wonderful holiday season. Love to all those you love, here and in your heart and soul.

The Month of “Thanksgiving”

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November, the month of “Thanksgiving,” and for many a favorite holiday! It’s a time when we can share with many that need of family and friends. Of that desire to help out at a soup kitchen or local shelter. Truly a time to be thankful for all the blessings we have, beyond of course having a bountiful meal which many of us don’t have.

Some people, I realize, feel sad over the loss of our loved ones who are not sitting with us at the dining room table. Our loved ones on the Other Side know this and will often come around on Thanksgiving (or other holiday, or birthday, or anniversary, etc.) to remind us that they still want us to have that great meal and enjoy it, even if they’re not here in the physical. Some DPs (dead persons) just love having a place set for them, so if you are of a mind to do that, consider it! It’s one way to honor our departed loved ones.

Of course, as all pet owners know, honoring departed loved ones does not only apply to our deceased humans. Every once in a while a beautiful story of honoring is sent to me or it comes to me because of my total love and respect for the animal kingdom. Below is an edited version of the story of Lawrence Anthony (1950-2012), which appeared in Care Connection.

Lawrence Anthony is a legend in South Africa, and the author of three books including the bestseller, The Elephant Whisperer. During his lifetime, Anthony bravely rescued wildlife and rehabilitated elephants all over the globe, saving them from human atrocities. For example, his courageous rescue mission at the Baghdad Zoo to protect animals was a counterpoint of light to the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.

As his obituary read . . . On March 7, 2012, Lawrence Anthony died. He is remembered and missed by his wife, two sons, two grandsons, and numerous elephants. Two days after Anthony’s passing, the wild elephants showed up at his home led by two large matriarchs. Separate wild herds arrived in droves to say goodbye to their beloved “man-friend”. Believe it or not, a total of 31 elephants had patiently walked over 112 miles to get to Anthony’s South African House.

Witnessing this spectacle, humans were obviously in awe not only because of the supreme intelligence and precise timing that these elephants sensed about Lawrence’s passing, but also because of the profound memory and emotion the beloved animals evoked in such an organized way, walking slowly, for days, making their way in a solemn one-by-one queue from their habitat to his house. Lawrence’s wife, Francoise, was especially touched, knowing that for well over three years, the elephants had not been to Anthony’s house before that day! But yet they knew where they were going, and what had happened.

The elephants obviously wanted to pay their deep respects, honoring their friend who had saved their lives. They held so much respect that they stayed for two days and two nights, without eating anything. Then, the next morning, they left, to begin making their long journey back home.

This story left me in tears, and exemplifies the power of Love in all beings. I have known for many years from working with animal communicators just how unbelievable elephants are. I recognize how many of you hold such high respect for the animal kingdom, especially after experiencing the loss of a beloved doggy, kitty, horse, or other beloved animal friend. And I am aware that some of you took in dogs during Hurricane Katrina, with some rescuers being outside the U.S. So this story is primarily for all of you animal lovers out there, even tho it is definitely a story that anyone can appreciate.

It’s always about love.

I’m looking forward to seeing many of my Connecticut folks on November 10. I’ll also be coming back for another “Hope for the Holidays” in Roanoke on November 21.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone, with an abundance of love. Keep in mind that Love can come from so many sources, including two and four legged beings here, or on the Other Side.

Special memoirs and tips for Holidays

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We’re coming up to the end of another year, and boy what a year it has been! It is always my hope that in the middle of all the hoopla that surrounds us in the world today, we remember what is truly important — connecting with the people we love and remaining positive. Of course I am not implying that this is easy, especially lately with all the financial turmoil here and abroad. But what I’m saying is that through all the fears, it is important to see all the positives — the people and things that remain important in our lives.

Like being with family and friends. This is especially important with children nowadays since they are so distracted by video, audio, and electronic gadgetry, to the point where nothing seems to hold their interest outside of their high-tech toys. I just recently read an article in one of those Nature magazines that focus on endangered species. It was written by a photographer who travels all over to the greatest natural parks and wildlife preserves. He shared in the article that while flying on a plane recently, he sat next to a young obese boy who was about ten years old. On the plane, the boy immediately took to playing with his electronic toy. What struck the photographer was that even while they were flying over the Grand Canyon — one of the most spectacular sights in the world — not once did the boy want to lift his head from his game to look out the window to see this awe-inspiring natural site. The photographer went on to share that for him, the greatest memories were those when he was with his father camping, fishing, and taking walks up the mountainside — enjoying Nature to its fullest. These memories more than anything else remained the strongest in his mind. Unfortunately, boys like that are now themselves an endangered species.

Remember the scenes of our families gathering during the holidays? I bet most of us can remember those connections even more than the presents we received. For matters of the heart are always with us. They truly never leave. Those special moments of connection stay with us we pass through life, forever sealed in our memories.

An elderly woman working in Utah told a story of when she was a child during the Great Depression. She said it was one of the most fun times of her life! Friends gathered to play games constantly. They shared meals, laughed, took walks on the beach (she was from California), had sunset parties, and generally cherished every moment. That’s how these folks survived the Depression. To be sure, they took to heart that message from FDR: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” And they could always remember how special those times of sharing were while they chose to have fun despite their situational environment.

With all this as backdrop, there are some simple but meaningful things I’d like you to consider assigning yourself to do during the holidays — to give back and say thanks:

  1. Hug those you love and those who need love. Thank them for being in your life.
  2. Stop DOING and just BE at least once every day. Create and then touch the magic.
  3. Purchase candles to burn throughout the month to celebrate your loved ones in spirit.
  4. Plan and carry out random act of kindness, perhaps one that was dear to a loved one in spirit.
  5. Visit friends. Invite those who could use a meal over for dinner. Connect with as many as possible!
  6. Decorate your house in a way that reflects your beliefs. Remember, angels don’t have to just go on the top of the tree — they can go on a mantle or table with flowers or photos.

Take a moment . . . cherish it . . . respect it . . . and keep it close to your heart. The special moments will remain in your heart, and in the hearts of those you love, forever.


 

Tis the Season to be Jolly and Thankful

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Happy Holidays and warm wishes to you, as we welcome in the 2011 holiday season! For many, this is a very difficult time. Memories that lay dormant (or at least in the back of our minds) suddenly come at us full force, consuming much of our body, mind and soul. This is especially true if you are experiencing a recent loss, or if this time of year was significant for you or your loved one in some particular way. Those memories will be triggered by listening to Christmas carols, lighting a candle on the Menorah each day, or watching the exuberant laughter of children running throughout the malls. For me personally, decorating the Christmas tree with ornaments my grandmother made, and seeing photos with friends and family that are now DP’s – especially my beloved nephew whom I was with for his last Christmas – are the moments when the memories come forth.

Speaking of children, I was reminded that on Sunday, December 11th at 7 PM during each time zone around the globe, the Compassionate Friends has its “Worldwide Candle Lighting”. The Lighting unites families and friends as they light candles for one hour to honor and remember children who passed over at any age, from any cause. As candles are lit at 7 PM local time, hundreds of thousands of people commemorate and honor children, creating light around the world for 24 hours. For more information, visit their website: www.compassionatefriends.org.

I continue to be honored and thankful as we all should for all those who give those extra being there moments, the welcome hugs and a good ear to listen when we need it most. It is most honestly what truly gives each of our lives what is deeply meaningful. In all honesty, isn’t that what the holidays are all about? Respect and caring for those who need the extra moment to know someone is there, even in a hurry . . . just an ear to listen so we can share all our feelings around deep losses. That, my friends, is truly what this season is about, and is the reason why I felt the importance of just being there – because knowing that you are not alone is truly a Godsend.

So if you are like me and feel so very blessed in your life, make that extra effort to call a friend over the holidays, or even invite them for tea or cocoa.  If someone has lost someone this year, it will mean even more so,  As we know this time of year brings all those losses to the foreground.  And don’t forget those that have loss their 4 legged companions as well. For many this is their family, and don’t ever think those losses are not equally devastating because they are.

It is always the little things in life that are the most precious, and you have no idea what a smile can do or helping someone across the street.  It maybe the most loving act they have receive that day.  Some where I read: Do unto others as you would want them to do to you.

Enjoy, take in those moments for it tis the season to be jolly and thankful.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

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I just got back from over a week of events in Southern California, and I wanted to personally thank everyone for making me feel so welcome. Folks showed up that haven’t seen me in ten years!

It was equally special to meet so many of you at my Cromwell Ct. event as well. It’s been a wonderful fall, getting to meet many of you for first time and reconnect with those I haven’t seen in years. I want to thank Danny and Zack from K92 bringing me back to Roanoke for another Hope for the Holidays. It was always my honor to bring laughter, hope and love to those who attended.  EVeryone went out of their way to give me that southern hospitality.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I – like many of you, I’m sure – can’t believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Here is another chance to give to those that simply need a place to feel loved, and to feed the soul as well as the body. After all, that really is what “thanks-giving” is: reaching out for those that want to share and spend time with loved ones, or those that don’t have loved ones or even a place to go. I remember years ago on Thanksgiving, a friend of mine put together as many meals as her car would hold, and went to all the places in the city where people were homeless, to give them one unbelievable meal.

I couldn’t help feeling the sense of family while I was in Southern California. Firstly, it is November – not only the time of the Thanksgiving holiday, but also the month that both of my uncles passed over, as well as my beloved grandmother. For my mother, this is always a difficult month. The other reason why this sense was so strong for me is that my grandmother lived in San Diego, a city that continues to have a strong place in my heart, even after many years.

The first time I went to San Diego was when I was five years old. My grandmother had four children (which was very common in that generation) and raised them on the farm, and her wish was to have one in the hospital! To say she was/is strong would be quite an understatement. After leaving my grandfather – also quite difficult in those days – she saw an ad in the local newspaper from a woman who was looking for a companion to go across the country with her to California. My grandmother read the ad, and as they say, the rest is history! She lived the rest of her life in San Diego, a place she absolutely loved. Not long after, my uncles followed, leaving only my mother back east, essentially in the same small town she was raised in.

Spending two weeks in Southern California and feeling my grandmother’s presence, with wonderful memories, was very heartwarming to me. She not only was someone I truly admired, but in some ways, I hope that some of her qualities – being a strong, independent, good woman – were passed down to me.

Now, I know that holidays can bring up wonderful thoughts, and some not so wonderful ones . . . however, it is a great time to make connections with those here and on the Other Side. So, enjoy the people with whom you want to share this special time, and be thankful for the many blessings we all have. It’s not so out of our realm to set a place at the table for your DP’s – they don’t take up much room and, well, with them there’s lots of leftovers! For me, and for most of us, I would say without question when you use some family recipes or dishes that are meaningful to your DPs, or just include your them in your thoughts during this thankful holiday, they will be there in spirit with you. All this just adds to the time spent together with family and friends. Again, it really is a time to give thanks for all your blessings, and send out prayers for those who could use a loving touch.

Warmly,

Suzane