January is the setting sun and the golden hour is complete. Keep your eyes wide open because there is some fierce tiger energy coming in today. Not only did the New Moon peak at midnight (depending on your location) but it's also the Celtic holiday, Imbolc. A halfway point between the winter solstice known as Yule and the spring equinox known as Ostara. Light is returning and the seeds you planted are getting ready to emerge. A clean slate has been presented. The motion of cleaning off a dusty, cluttered antique desk with a swipe of the arm is happening. Bye old business, hello to the new and improved you. Wiccans celebrate Imbolc by honoring the pagan goddess Brigid who was known as the fertility and fire goddess.  She oversaw crafts, poetry, and prophecy. It's a perfect time to start a project, especially a crafty or artistic one. It's truly a time to reconnect with nature so make a date with the outdoors, snow or shine. Light my fire as Jim Morrison would say. Somebody please have a bonfire for me since I can not! 

​In Chinese astrology it is the year of the tiger. Happy Chinese New Year! Think big, bold, & fierce! I have celebrated this holiday for many years because of my old boss and friend that is from Malaysia. I always ask him what we have to look forward to in the upcoming year. He says this is the year of the water tiger and that shipping and travel will flow again. He also said to make your home a sensory haven. Try to add all 5 elements to your home like water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. Practice Feng shui to bring balance and harmony to your safe space and add a plant or 10! Add a fountain in the center of the house. Add metal art, indoor windchimes (mom has hers in the corner of her bedroom and her fan pointed at it),  and some fiery colors in a rug or in your linens. Let there be light! Literally add some cool lighting with color changing light bulbs, candles, or lamps. Create a sanctuary that will encourage healing and creative articulation. 

Stay tuned! I've started my project and Healing With Reiki- Level I will be available virtually very soon. Have any interest in learning how to heal yourself? Let's connect. Remember, you are not alone. It's ok to rest. Inhale abundance. Exhale the bad juju and allow yourself to heal. 

That's how I feel inside! I made it 21 days. I have lost 11 lbs. I now know that eating things that are good for me are not boring and makes me feel awesome. They recommend easing certain things back into your diet like dairy and caffeine. Don't do it all at once. This AM, I am enjoying my first cup of joe since Jan 3rd. Holy mother of dragons!! How did I go that long? I am trying an almond milk with coconut cream instead of my norm half & half. Let's just say, it's not my half & half, but it will do for now. 

This program is awesome, but let me say with the good there is also the 'bad' and the 'ugly'. 
Bad: I caved and was bad and had wine. I didn't blow up. I didn't give up the day after. I jumped right back on the program the next morning and upped my water intake. I felt great. 
Ugly: Breakouts and such! Ewe. I have a thing for keeping my face clear of blemishes. Why in all the 35 years of my life would I be getting my first cold sore?  The answer is detox or 'die off'. It can be ugly. That's why my after pics will be posted after my face has cleared up, thank you very much. 

I'm looking forward to keeping up with my new eating habits and will continue to drop the lbs that's causing me 'ol people problems'. I'll keep you posted about the progress, however, it's time to get back to our regularly scheduled programming: Healing With Reiki and other ways to heal yourself from the inside out :)