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December Musings of the Take Charge! Coach and Mentor

“For it is in giving that we receive.”
― Francis of Assisi

I blinked! Yes, I blinked!! And now it’s December. I’m not quite sure how that happened. But, here we are in the holiday season. I’ve put my wreath on the door and have decorated around the house. You’ll see some of my decorations in this newsletter. There will be no large, decorated tree this year. I do have some table top trees put out and the stockings for Tim (who’s coming up on Christmas Eve) and me. I feel happy and joyful and I’m even decorating ME! It’s such a heart-centered season; one of giving and receiving.

Shopping during this season can feel a bit terrifying. The stores, the shops, the selection! Overwhelming! Noise, people and the choices!!

Believe it or not, research suggests that holiday shopping actually worth it because there are actually benefits in giving. The benefits are both for the giver and the receiver. It just makes you feel good!

Giving means donating to charities, volunteering your time along with shopping for gifts for those you care about. Good for you and the community as well.

“Presents are made for the pleasure of who gives them, not the merits of who receives them.”
― Carlos Ruiz Zafón, The Shadow of the Wind

Giving makes you have that warm happy feeling.

A 2008 study found that giving to someone else lifted our happiness level more than if spent on ourselves. Surprisingly, participants in the study initially said that they would be happier spending on themselves.

In 2006, a study at the National Institutes of Health found that there is a physical brain change and activation when giving to charities. That warm, loving glow is activated in the brain that’s associated with pleasure, social connection and trust. This giving altruistic behavior releases endorphins in the brain known as the “helper’s high.” Who knew that gifting and giving had such a positive effect on the brain and body?

“You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
― Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

Giving is definitely good for your health.

There’s been a great deal of research that shows that different ways of giving or generosity is better for health. This benefit also affects the sick and elderly and those with chronic illness including HIV and MS.

The research suggests that a reason for increased physical health and longevity is the decrease in stress and lower blood pressure. All these benefits without a worry of diet or exercise!

It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”
― Mother Teresa

Giving provides social connection and cooperation.

With giving, there’s usually receiving even when the giving is done with no expectation of return. However, these exchanges promote a feeling of trust and cooperation.

Giving makes people feel closer to us and we feel closer to them. It’s a positive exchange of well-being.

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
― Winston S. Churchill

Giving allows a feeling of gratitude.

Whether giving or receiving, there is usually a feeling of gratitude. Feeling grateful evokes more positive feelings toward others and oneself. This is also leads to effect of improved health. If we feel good about ourselves, we take care of ourselves. Feelings of gratitude allows us to show kindness and closeness with others. It’s just a general all-around happiness and glow!

“Money is not the only commodity that is fun to give. We can give time, we can give our expertise, we can give our love or simply give a smile. What does that cost? The point is, none of us can ever run out of something worthwhile to give.”
― Steve Goodier

Giving is contagious.

This is the ripple effect. Our simple act of kindness creates other acts of kindness to ripple out into the community. Imagine the number of people you can influence just by one simple act of kindness and generosity.

Giving is linked to the release of oxytocin that induces feelings of warmth, euphoria and connection to others. This simple hormone causes empathy toward others and allows for more generosity.

“The most precious thing I have to give is my time.”
― Silvia Hartmann

Whether you buy gifts, donate money to charities, or volunteer your time during the holidays, it’s more than just a seasonal experience. This creates an ongoing and yearly feeling of giving to those you love and to the community. And you are a recipient of this big dose of happiness as well.

“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.”
― Mary Anne Radmacher

I love that warm glow, that feeling of well-being when you share a gift or act of kindness with someone. It’s a symbiotic relationship of good feelings for both the giver and the receiver. This is the season of giving and receiving. It is an opportunity for us to share something of ourselves with others.

I can show you how to continue this glow and make gifting easy:

Do you have people on your gift list that are difficult to buy for because they seem to have everything?
Do you have people on your list that enjoy creative gifting?
Do you need gifts for people that the sweater, tie or piece of clothing isn’t going to work for them?
How about remembering you in your gift giving?

Here are three easy ways to gift others and yourself without leaving your home. My readings are insightful, informative and show you, the recipient of the reading, exactly how powerful you are!! Isn’t that a good thing??

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It’s easy to purchase this gift for someone on your list in 3 easy steps:

Purchase the reading of your choice at Taroastrologist.com
Send me a message on the website including the name and address or email address of the recipient.
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Can’t get any easier than that!!

Wishing you a Happy Holiday however you celebrate! May it be filled with love, joy, peace and happiness.

Here’s hoping all your desires, dreams and wishes come true!!

GRATITUDE, IT’S GOOD FOR YOU!!

Hard to believe that it’s November already! As you already know, I love FALL! And everything about it, including the beautiful colors, and that a whole month is devoted to something life-changing! November is here to remind of us of how life-enhancing the daily practice of GRATITUDE is!
On the third Thursday of November, Thanksgiving arrives, bringing us blessings of love and gratitude, over a bounty of great food and crisp, cool weather spent with family and friends. And of course, there’s the endless football games and even some shopping if we choose in the stores that open Thanksgiving afternoon.
But, the real theme and connection is one of GRATITUDE for the abundance of life. Why else would a cornucopia be a Thanksgiving symbol? So, I decided to do some research on this feeling of GRATITUDE (sometimes labeled an emotion), and what it does for us. Are there benefits to feeling gratitude and if so, what are they? Is there science supporting feeling GRATEFUL?
The amount of research was amazing, not only research from colleges and universities, but articles and studies published in major magazines and journals such as Psychology Today, Journal of Religion, Journal of Applied Sports Psychology, Psychology Science and more.
Because this is a blog and not a scientific publication, allow me to share a compilation of the top seven benefits of gratitude:

HEALTH
GRATITUDE improves physical health. Being grateful for our bodies and being able to participate in life means we are more likely to eat healthy and exercise. We will also get regular check-ups and not complain about aches and pains, or experience fewer aches and pains!

RELATIONSHIPS
Saying “Thank you” actually increases our quality of relationships. Being grateful can also increase the number of relationships as we show appreciation for others in our family, the workplace or folks we meet during daily activities. Have you ever been standing in line waiting to check out and just smiled at the person standing next to you? That one small act of kindness brings a big reward in good feelings for you and for the person you just met, and can even open up new opportunities to connect in the future.

BEHAVIOR
We have all experienced examples of positive or negative behavior in our lives, whether it’s our own behavior or that of others. According to a 2012 study, those that practiced GRATITUDE were more empathetic and understanding of negative behavior rather than retaliating with negative feedback or aggression. Living in GRATITUDE brings greater peace and less feelings of aggression. An additional benefit is the positive effect on health when not living in stress to retaliate or seek revenge.

PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH
Acting out with negative behavior begins with feeling negative or toxic emotions. Resentment, jealousy, regret, envy and frustration are negative emotions that can affect behavior and health. Robert A. Emmons, a renowned gratitude researcher, conducted multiple studies showing that being – and showing – gratefulness increases happiness and decreases depression.

MENTAL STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE
Research has shown for years that GRATITUDE plays a major role in overcoming trauma. One study was done with Vietnam War Vets and PTSD. Those vets that practiced gratitude had a lesser incidence of PTSD than those that did not. Practicing GRATITUDE also aided in recovery and resilience of the terrorist attacks of September 11. Whenever we can be grateful, even at the worst of times, our resilience increases and our recovery quickens.

SELF-ESTEEM
A study in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology in 2014 found that GRATITUDE increased self-esteem which led to optimal performance in athletes. Feeling good about yourself positively impacts performance. This does not just apply to sports but to all levels of performance and behavior, whether family, business or social comparisons. Grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments rather than feeling envious. We feel our best, we do our best and all of this comes with GRATITUDE.

IMPROVED SLEEP QUALITY
A simple ‘thank you’ for your day while getting into bed can positively impact sleep. Say aloud a list of five things that made your day before going to sleep. Writing in a gratitude journal for 15 minutes before going to bed allows you to sleep better and longer. The research on sleep and its effect on both mental and physical health is prolific, and gratitude makes it easier.
As we move into the holidays and its busyness, and the stress of a long To-Do list, activities and celebrations, let us give thanks and be grateful. To help you along the way, here are a few suggestions of things to do to elevate GRATITUDE in your life making a happier, peaceful and fulfilling experience:

 Write a thank you note. You can always send an email or text, but why not make it even more special by writing and mailing a thank you note to someone to show your appreciation. Or why not write it and deliver it yourself? Make it a habit to write one thank you letter a month (and don’t forget to write one to YOU!)
 Thank someone mentally. We always hear that thoughts are things. Send that person that you care about a mental thank you with positive feelings about them. (Trust me! They’ll receive it!)
 Count your blessings! This one always works for me. If stopped at a red light, change the feeling of annoyance to a GRATITUDE list by counting your blessings (rather than a list of all the things you have to do, but don’t have the time.) The sky is a beautiful blue, the sun is shining, the car is working well and getting me where I want to go, my appointment was on time, or I received a call from someone I care about are all examples of being thankful for the little things and the big things.
 Prayer with GRATITUDE works well.
 Meditate with GRATITUDE and be mindful of how this very moment is perfect in every way.
 Keep a GRATITUDE journal. Actually physically writing your list in a journal every evening before going to bed is the perfect way to end your day and begin a good night’s sleep. The journal incorporates all the above. (And, by the way, writing in a journal does not have to be just writing. Incorporate some drawings or even doodles that show your GRATITUDE.)

It’s obvious – developing an “attitude of gratitude” is one of the simplest ways to improve our satisfaction with life.

In this month of Thanksgiving and GRATITUDE, I am grateful for YOU! I am grateful that you have opened this newsletter and are reading it. I am grateful for your presence here in this lifetime. I am grateful if you have purchased any of my services. I’m grateful to have had the chance to offer clarity, aha’s, deep peace, direction and peace. Whenever we show GRATITUDE we are shining light on all those around us. When we lift ourselves up in love and light, we do that for others. Imagine that! The gift of GRATITUDE.
If you would like to share my gift of GRATITUDE, please consider gifting someone a certificate for any of my services to show your gratefulness. (Go to theclaritycreator.com, under the Services heading. After purchase, send an email to me of how much and who is to receive it.) These are a great gift for the person who has everything – needs some support and clarity – or to give as a gift “just because”.

In this beautiful time in life of bountiful blessings, I wish you all a bountiful, healthy, happy, blessed and truly grateful Thanksgiving

COLLECTIVE MUSINGS OF THE *TAKE CHARGE! COACH (and TAROASTROLOGIST)

October Starts the Season to Take Charge, Transition and Transform

Here it is October! Can you believe we are already into Fall? I’m excited for a few reasons, and one is that Fall is my favorite season. My home is decorated in the reds, yellows and oranges of this time of year.

I was born in Vermont, moved to Miami when I was 10 and then to Tallahassee, permanently, in 2003. Although I’ve lived in the South most of my life, I’m still enamored with Autumn and its changing colors, brisk air and celebratory anticipation.

Years ago my husband and I attended our nephew’s wedding in Middlebury, Vermont in October. It was a special visit, not only to celebrate a wedding, but to return to my birthplace which I had not seen in more years than I care to think about! I remember driving through the country, over the hills and into the mountains with the stunning views of what appeared to be a multi-colored carpet of reds, yellows and oranges.

We even drove into Stowe, Vermont under trees that showered us in yellow leaves. All of it was breathtaking! Each moment was a celebration of the season past and the harvest of the current fall season. It truly was beyond words as we stopped frequently (to my husband’s feigned annoyance) for me to take pictures, each vista being more beautiful than the last.

Sometimes I think of life in terms of seasons. It’s about cycles, beginnings and endings, old and new, planting of seeds and the harvest. These cycles occur throughout our lifetime. The most difficult season is the one of pruning what does not serve us any longer so we can allow the healthy, sturdy new growth to arrive, grow and prosper. Those tender buds of growth that first appear after cutting are about hope and renewal.

That time of harvesting the seeds that have been planted is here for me now. I believe it’s a part of life for many women and men in the post 50 or 60 age group. My life has changed so I cannot live it the same way as 10 or even 5 years ago. I retired from my career of teaching, my husband passed away and my son still lives and works in Miami, FL. I’m not the teacher and wife any longer. Now what??

This quote comes to mind:

“Today I close the door to the past, open the door to the future, take a deep breath, step on through and start a new chapter in life.”

Many of my clients are in a similar situation in life. They are looking to release old beliefs or habits and move into a better part of life. They are shedding the foliage of Fall preparing to bud in Spring.

In fact, women in what is sometimes called the “Third Act” (not my term, I prefer the “Next Chapter”) are the largest demographic in the world. Can you imagine what you can do when you EMBRACE this stage in your life?? You can impact and change the world, making it a better place just by beginning with you?

Are you feeling frustrated, confused or not really useful? Then this is where you come to take on that next chapter in life and find purpose, fulfillment and creative expression.

IF: you are feeling frustrated, confused or not really useful, if you are feeling lost, invisible, or stuck, then it’s YOUR time to take on YOUR next chapter in life and find purpose, fulfillment and creative expression.

This is where I come in. I can help you find movement, be seen and heard, and take charge. In fact, this realization and practice for myself has brought me to a new place in life, using my expertise in Tarotastrology as just one of the tools to show YOU how to take charge of your life.

So the *second thing I’m so excited about this season is that I’m now being known as the Take Charge! Coach, and together we will answer the question of “Now What?”

You are only a call away from co-creating a plan of action that puts that spark of enthusiasm back in your life, and finds you on another road to success and fulfillment.

Our goal will be to shed the leaves of your past (beautiful, contributory to who you are, but no necessarily a part of your future) with no regrets, while holding on to the deep roots of wisdom and value. Yes, you stand tall and straight as those Vermont maple trees, holding on to the richness of what you can bring into the future. The maple tree sap is made into a delicacy of sweetness that sustains you.

Let’s get started!

Call me at 850-385-4672 or email

at tarotastrologist@gmail.com

Looking forward to chatting with you.

REFLECTIONS ON A HURRICANE

COLLECTIVE MUSINGS OF A TAROASTROLOGIST: REFLECTIONS ON A HURRICANE
“The fastest way to get unstuck is to do something for someone else.”
~~~Gail Lynne Goodwin
SURPRISE!! MERCURY RETROGRADE in VIRGO

“These words can strike fear in the lives of people. I was one of those and believed that life stopped for 3 weeks while Mercury was Retrograde. I just knew that everything I did would result in confusion.
I was convinced that all communication would be lost or misinterpreted. No buying anything mechanical because it would be a lemon. Needless to say, I did not have a positive outlook during that time.
The Law of Attraction gave me exactly what I wished for myself. But, as time went on, I learned that Mercury Retrograde can actually be a blessing in disguise.
That’s the case this September. This Mercury Retrograde allows us to bring our visions into focus. We have the time-and are most successful-if we research and review all our options without committing to a final plan, leave all our options open.”
I wrote the above words just as my power went out with Hurricane Hermine beginning its descent on Tallahassee. So I guess we could say that this was Mercury Retrograde in motion! It was morning and my power was still out after several days. Thousands of Tallahassee residents were and at this writing some still are, without electricity.
What was I going to do without my computer connection? How would I charge my phone or tablet after all the back-up batteries fail? How was I to communicate with the outside world? How would I even get my car out of the garage without power to open the door?
Isn’t it amazing how much we depend on electricity! I said electricity because I still had Power-my power of choice and outlook. My guess is that this was the Universe telling us to choose our outlook on how to deal with what was. To connect, and to connect on a personal level. Forget all the Friends on Facebook…actually talk to people in person. (I’ve seen more neighbors during this time than when we gathered at the Christmas party!)
But, let’s take this Mercury Retrograde to the next level. Mercury Retrograde in Virgo is about taking time for ourselves. Take a moment to just relax and renew. If you haven’t been listening to that little voice telling you to do just that, there’s time now. (I luxuriated in reading a real book! No kindle! I actually wrote that note I’d been putting off. I drafted the first version of this blog. It is coming post-storm, but has the energy of my handwriting rather than Word! I appreciate my conveniences now more than ever as a result of the storm.)
Mercury Retrograde means we get to see things from a different perspective. Mercury Retrograde supports us in reviewing the details of plans to be sure that we haven’t forgotten any important details or steps. We have to slow down and reevaluate. We get to revise, edit and complete unfinished projects. We can commit fully to our desires and the work needed to achieve our goals.
We get unstuck because our original path and comfortable pattern is blocked. We get out of our own way. New insights appear. Plans actually formulate that are more conducive to our goals.
I suggest to you that the message of this Mercury Retrograde is: Don’t wait until the skies open up and the rain comes down in torrents. Don’t wait until the wind is blowing over trees onto power lines. Don’t wait until a catastrophe of any kind happens to realize the true human connection. We’re all together in this life to support, care and encourage one another. Don’t wait!! Do it now!!!
Spend the afternoon. You can’t take it with you. ~~Annie Dillard

COLLECTIVE MUSINGS OF A TAROASTROLOGIST: HOME

I have been home a week now and I finally feel that I’m back in this time zone! Just one of the side effects of travel and one that will not keep me from traveling far and wide whenever possible. It’s the adventure of travel that is the draw, the magnet to experience people, places and things beyond my current surroundings.

I want to thank those that commented on my posts on Facebook. I hope you enjoyed the pictures and our experience. It was a dream of a lifetime. Allow me to reflect on the intentions that I set before leaving:

We had a safe trip all through Manchester, UK and Ireland. We had but one delay in air travel which I don’t consider affecting safety. Tim did an amazing job of driving on the left side of the road and shifting from that position with his left hand. The delay in our flight allowed us to arrive in Dublin late at night so traffic was minimal. The change in plans worked out for the best as always; delayed flight, minimal traffic to adjust to driving changes. Sights and sounds, aromas and tastes were all grand. The people were open and welcoming to us everywhere we went. We got to experience an Irish breakfast, gastropub food, music and interesting local beers and beautiful sights.

The most important take home from this trip was the connection between me and my son. Years before my mother transitioned, I decided to just enjoy her without trying to suggest changes in how she did things even if the suggestion would make her life easier. It wasn’t happening and she was set in her ways. And I learned it was more important to accept her just as she was and cherish our time together. It’s about respect, love, peace, family. My son and I have reached that place in life now. There’s communication with love, acceptance and respect. My heart is full and my mind holds the beautiful memories of our trip together.

Is there someone in your life whether home, friend or career that you need to “see” differently, “see” with a different lens? The greatest gift we give to ourselves and those around us is to accept everyone right where they are as their own unique, special person. Embrace them and the new peaceful, more loving connection.

COLLECTIVE MUSINGS OF A TAROASTROLOGIST

THE “BIG” BIRTHDAY IN IRELAND

I am EXCITED!! This is a trip of a lifetime! Not only will I have a week in Ireland, but I will be experiencing it with my son to celebrate our BIG birthdays.

It couldn’t come at a better time. Monday, July 4, is the New Moon in Cancer. Cancer is the sign of caring, loving, and nurturing so this adventure begins with setting intentions at this New Moon.

Just what are my intentions? It’s to honor myself and my son with a special time together. You see, our immediate family is just the two of us. My husband, his father, transitioned nine years ago. My parents and my husband’s parents, also. Tim and I live 500 miles apart, albeit in the same state. What time we do have together is precious and cherished in the quality of the togetherness.

So here it is…intending safe travels, intending with excitement meeting new people, intending eagerly to experience a different country, intending that my son will do well driving on the other (notice I didn’t say “wrong”) side of the road, intending good food, drink, aromas, sights and sounds, and definitely intending lots of laughter.

And I intend to share this journey with you on Facebook! There will be no long dissertations on the trip, just a few lines and a picture or video to let you know about the experience and I’m sure that Tarot or Astrology will be involved. I do LIVE it! So keep in touch on my Facebook page, Donna TarotAstrologist.

And please share your intentions on my Facebook page, Donna TarotAstrologist for this New Moon.

I look forward to hearing from you!

And check out my website for the Summer Special.

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