Article: Gratitude--A Light Amidst The Darkness

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." ~G.K. Chesterton

As we travel amongst this season of shorter days and longer nights, it can be a challenge, at times, to find the light within the darkness. The holidays are fast approaching and some of us might not feel the abundance of joy at this time of year that we would like to, some of us might be struggling to pay our bills as the world economy is rapidly shifting, for some it might be a reminder of loss, and for some it can merely be a stressful time filled with too many expectations and not enough sunlight.

This time of year challenges us to turn inward. It is a time of reflection and renewal--a time to discover our own unique source of light. The clearest, simplest way for us to make that light shine brighter, to fuel our joy, is through our ability to be grateful for even the smallest of things, the tiniest of moments, including those things that challenge us or create feelings of pain.

People often wonder what comes first, gratitude or joy. It is easy to feel grateful when we are feeling happy--the world seems to be one big toy store filled with all we could ever ask for; the more joy we experience the more grateful we feel. Yet, it is truly our gratitude that fuels our joy. When we find ways to be grateful for even our struggle, seeing the opportunities those challenges create, the growth, we plant seeds of joy that sprout in even the coldest and darkest of places.

I invite you to ask yourself, "What do I have to be grateful for in this moment?" Pay attention to the air that is feeding your lungs with oxygen, the shelter around you, the clothing on your body, the fact that you are here to breathe-in this moment in the first place. That in itself is a miracle. Now think about the relationships in your life, the loving ones and even the not-so-loving ones--what blessings have you received from all of those connections? Whether or not you are in a time of challenge or ease right now, in what way is the Universe loving you at every moment? What is the gift of this time? If you really allow yourself to answer these questions, the gifts that you discover will be infinite.

I have most certainly felt the impact of the current state of our economy--my own clients getting laid off from jobs and less people choosing to invest in their own personal growth at this time of year, and yet, I feel more abundant than ever. The true gift of this time is that despite my inability to splurge on pretty things and travel adventures, I am happy. I am seeing how full my life is, that I ALWAYS have what I truly need, no matter what. As I prepare for a busier coaching season ahead, my relationship with my finances is clearer and healthier than ever. This awakening would not have been possible without the opportunity I've had to experience having significantly less. I feel very loved by this time because I now know how to better manage my money--that is clearly a life long lesson that will only bring me more!

In what ways are you being prepared for the life that you want for yourself? How might you turn times of struggle into opportunities for joy? As you discover the myriad of ways in which you have to be grateful (the list is endless--I promise!) you will discover a light to carry with you in even the darkest of times. The miracle of this season is not in the sparkling lights or our ability to top last year's presents, it lies in our ability to ignite that light of thankfulness within our hearts and shine it so that others might benefit from our joy. I invite you to dig deeply into even the darkest of spaces and delight in what you find.

Would you like some assistance in seeing the bigger picture and finding all that you have to be grateful for? I would love nothing more than to help you discover the beautiful life that awaits you. Through a series of powerful inquiries and looking at your Astrological Chart I can reveal some powerful tools that you have within you to start living a life of passion and purpose, NOW. Contact me for a free sample session so that we can explore the many ways that my coaching will support you in living your best life OUT LOUD!: igniteyourvoice@gmail.com.

With Love and Deep Gratitude,

:)Melissa Simonson
Spiritual Life Coach
www.igniteyourvoice.com

©2008 Melissa Simonson

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem!--as long as you use this entire blurb with it: As an Inspired Speaker and Spiritual Life Coach, Melissa Simonson combines wisdom gleaned from Zen Buddhism, Astrology, New Thought traditions, both ancient and contemporary philosophies, with a BA in Psychology, to create a safe and accepting space for her clients to explore their dreams, release the beliefs that are no longer serving their Higher Purpose and manifest joy in their lives, NOW. To receive her FREE articles containing life-changing insights and coaching tools visit www.igniteyourvoice.com.

I wrote the following poem shortly before beginning an article that has an upcoming deadline.  It came as a result of asking myself the question: "Why do I always get so freaked out and get myself all worked up before I start writing--something that I truly love to do?  This flowed out very freely within minutes, and I'm choosing to keep it unedited because it really explains the truth of that moment.  Blessings. :)Melissa

 

Writer’s Block

 

White page staring back at me,

if you could speak, you would

ask me how I could think I am

smart enough to post my art

upon your skin.

 

How could I possibly know

what to write as I drown

within the depths of your

opaque disapproval? You

reflect back to me all

 

the fear that harbors at the shore

of my imagination—my

inadequacy stuck to you

like glue.  I am not to be

included on this page.

 

So I write about nothing

related to the assignment

at hand, but rather a topic for

your approval.  The Truth.

that I am terrified to be

exposed.

 

©2008 Melissa Simonson

 

"Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all..." ~ Dr. Seuss

Have you ever heard the saying, "Experience is the hardest teacher, it gives the test before the lesson?" Here's another doozy for you that I found when researching for this article, "Out of life's school of war: What does not destroy me, makes me stronger" Friedrich Nietzsche, The Twilight of the Idols (1899). While I understand and appreciate the sentiments illustrated in these theories about life, I am here to offer a very different outlook. I don't know about you, but I don't want experience to be the "hardest teacher," and I definitely do not want to go to a "school of war." Frankly, when I was in school, I always just preferred the playground. Didn't you?

Experience is a great teacher, and it is not untrue that we can often feel very tested by our lives. I went full-time with my business in May, and I must say, that this experience has been one of the most challenging experiences in my life, thus far. All of the sudden, I went from working 28 hours a week at a day-job and squeezing clients and marketing in wherever I could to just coaching everyday, and boy, have I learned A LOT about myself. The main thing that I realized is that somewhere along the way, I forgot about the fun. I started to feel constantly tested, but worse, I was beginning to judge myself as a failure. Oh yeah folks, Life Coaches do that, too. :)

I was finding myself in a constant state of judgment--thinking that I wasn't working hard enough, I wasn't responding to emails fast enough, I wasn't doing enough marketing, and then I started judging myself for judging myself! Sound familiar? All of these beliefs were spinning around in my head (I had a lot of sleepless nights) and ultimately feeding the belief that I am not enough. I was feeling punished left and right, at times wondering, "When is life going to get easier?! When am I just going to learn whatever the heck it is that I'm supposed to learn?!" What I didn't realize is that I was the one punishing myself. I was being the most critical, unforgiving, nasty teacher you could ever imagine. Who learns from that kind of teacher? I know I don't.

Ta-Da! I had an epiphany. This whole "life is a school" thing is all fine and dandy--we certainly are constantly learning; but the one BIG difference between school and life is that unlike tests in school, in life, there truly are no right or wrong answers, right or wrong choices. Though it may feel like we can get WAY off track at times and even that life is punishing us, we are always on track. Our souls just LOVE the scenic route through life, and so we choose this way and that way; but all roads lead to the same place. All roads lead to ourselves.

You maybe someone whose house is in foreclosure. Your relationship may be in turmoil, your job. You may be struggling with an addiction. You may even have gone to jail. Society will do whatever it can to put life in black and white terms of RIGHT vs. WRONG, but on a soul level, you chose this path. You chose the discovery route through life. Maybe you haven't been listening very well to the calling of your soul, but the Universe/God/Spirit/Source is ALWAYS listening. You are always provided with exactly what you need at the perfect, right time--it doesn't always feel good in the moment, but it is never TRULY punishment. You're heart will open to receive that love, to see the growth opportunities, at the perfect, right time. No right. No wrong. You are always exactly who and where you need to be.

I invite you to imagine being on a playground at recess time in school. Just like in the classroom, there is a lot to learn on the playground--how to play kickball, hopscotch, all of the fun ways to swing on swings, how to play fairly with the other children. You aren't thinking about being right or wrong, you are just thinking how fun it is to learn how to play this game, how fun it is to play with your friends. You feel free and happy. You feel like you can be yourself.

I am happy to say that the playground is much more the arena of life than the classroom. Life is about stretching and growing, seeking the adventure around every corner and getting messy in the process. I got plenty of bruises and scrapes and experienced my share of bullies out on the playground, but when I look back at recess, I just remember the fun; because that was the goal. Fun can also be the goal of your life.

In what ways are you putting limits on yourself, judging your choices as right and wrong? In what ways are you judging the consequences of your choices as punishment for making "wrong choices"? How would it feel to release the belief that you can make a right or a wrong choice and simply choose the path that feels the most joyful? How are you being loved and cared for even in this moment?

I can say that I've been through a tough couple of months, but at the perfect, right time, I was able to open my eyes and see the way in which I have been loved this whole time. I'm already feeling gratitude for the experience, and I am being MUCH kinder with myself. Now that I kicked the nasty, judgmental teacher out of my mind, I'm swingin' on swings and having a grand old time! Yes, we are always learning, but how about we ditch the "school of war?" Folks, I'm ringing the bell. It's time for recess...all the time...starting.....NOW!

Would you like some assistance in releasing self-judgment and bringing the fun and playfulness back into your life? I would love nothing more than to help you discover the beautiful life that awaits you. Through a series of powerful inquiries and looking at your Astrological Chart I can reveal some powerful tools that you have within you to start living a life of passion and purpose, NOW. Contact me for a free sample session so that we can explore the many ways that my coaching will support you in living your best life OUT LOUD!: igniteyourvoice@gmail.com.

With Love and Deep Gratitude,

:)Melissa Simonson
Spiritual Life Coach
www.igniteyourvoice.com

©2008 Melissa Simonson

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem!--as long as you use this entire blurb with it: As an Inspired Speaker and Spiritual Life Coach, Melissa Simonson combines wisdom gleaned from Zen Buddhism, Astrology, New Thought traditions, both ancient and contemporary philosophies, with a BA in Psychology, to create a safe and accepting space for her clients to explore their dreams, release the beliefs that are no longer serving their Higher Purpose and manifest joy in their lives, NOW. To receive her FREE articles containing life-changing insights and coaching tools visit www.igniteyourvoice.com.

Article: Beyond Black and White: Transforming Beliefs That Limit Us

"You have a belief about what is beautiful and what is ugly, and if you don't like yourself, you can change your belief and your life will change. It sounds simple, but it isn't easy. Whoever controls the belief, controls the dream. When the dreamer finally controls the dream, the dream can become a masterpiece of art."
~Don Miguel Ruiz

When I was in high school, I had the privilege of taking a 2-dimensional art class. I had always loved drawing as a child and after watching PBS on Saturday mornings, would attempt to paint "happy little trees" like Bob Ross. I was excited to create and expand my skills as an artist, but I had no idea at the time the depth of understanding that would come out of one simple art class.

We began our lesson by making charcoal drawings of various found objects. The teacher darkened the room and shined a light on the cloths and lamp posts and vases and our job was to accurately depict the shadow and light being cast on them. At first, I remember being challenged by this assignment. I had a difficult time understanding that there are no true lines in art--that what we perceive as lines are merely concentrations of shadow and light creating the illusion of 3-dimensionality on the page. Once I understood and applied this concept; however, I was exhilarated. I wanted to draw everything in sight! (what can I say folks...when I get excited, I go all out. :)

Our final project of the semester was an acrylic painting--we had to choose a photograph and paint what we saw. I chose a photograph of two white ducks looking upon a newly hatched duckling. At first glance, I was overwhelmed. It appeared that the primary colors in the image were white and black. How was I supposed to create an interesting painting out of that? I approached my teacher trying to wrap my mind around this concept when he asked me a question that shifted my world view in more ways than one. He asked me to look at a shadow formed on one of the ducks. "What are all of the colors that you see within that shadow?" It had never occurred to me to see black and white in terms of color! I painted those ducks with so much passion, taking into account every nuance of color--I'm pretty sure my mom still has that painting. :)

Just as I struggled to see the relationship between shadow and light, and the color existing within black and white, it has become clear to me that we all struggle to see beyond the rigidity of our own belief systems. When I opened my eyes to see the world as it truly is, I was overwhelmed by the beauty that exists in all of its subtlety. When I look within my being and truly experience the thoughts and emotions that are flowing through me, I am equally amazed.

My main job as a coach is to be an art teacher for the soul. My clients come to me seeing the world in a very specific, and often limiting way, and it is my job to help them expand those perspectives to see that the world is not merely black and white, light and darkness. Life is not simply about good and bad, failure and success, joy and sorrow. Sadness and pain are not always "bad," and success doesn't have to mean how much money you have in the bank, and you can certainly fail a single task without being a failure. My job is to shine a light on all of the limiting beliefs that the ego creates in hope to protect us, and my client's job is to see and create life as it really is.

Does being a success really mean that you have to work your butt off? Are you truly a failure if you walk away from a relationship that is no longer working? What are the gifts that come from honoring your sadness? What are the opportunities that you create for yourself AND others when you follow the path of your joy?

I invite you to close your eyes and feel the complexity of emotions that exist within you. Do you notice how joy can exist within your sadness, how calm can be present within your anxiety? Just like shadow fades into light and vice versa, our emotions often contain nuances of one another. As you allow yourself to feel your emotions as they truly are, I invite you to feel the joy that comes out of that awareness. To see and feel the world as it is is true freedom. Today, I invite you to paint your life from this place--what would happen if you step beyond rigid lines and black and white thinking to create what you really want for yourself? I look forward to discovering the masterpiece that you create!

Would you like some assistance in stepping outside of your stuck beliefs in order to create from a place of openness and possibility? I would love nothing more than to help you discover the beautiful life that awaits you. Through a series of powerful inquiries and looking at your Astrological Chart I can reveal some powerful tools that you have within you to start living a life of passion and purpose, NOW. Contact me for a free sample session so that we can explore the many ways that my coaching will support you in living your best life OUT LOUD!: igniteyourvoice@gmail.com.

With Love and Deep Gratitude,

:)Melissa Simonson
Spiritual Life Coach
www.igniteyourvoice.com

©2008 Melissa Simonson

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem!--as long as you use this entire blurb with it: As an Inspired Speaker and Spiritual Life Coach, Melissa Simonson combines wisdom gleaned from Zen Buddhism, Astrology, New Thought traditions, both ancient and contemporary philosophies, with a BA in Psychology, to create a safe and accepting space for her clients to explore their dreams, release the beliefs that are no longer serving their Higher Purpose and manifest joy in their lives, NOW. To receive her FREE articles containing life-changing insights and coaching tools visit www.igniteyourvoice.com.

Article: I Am Going to Shine Today--Creating Joy from the Inside Out

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."
~Thich Nhat Hanh

One of the most difficult tasks that we face in our lives is that of picking ourselves up when we are down. We attempt to fill ourselves up with things from the outer world. We try to manipulate circumstances and hope things will change in the outer world. We hope for something "better than this." We tell ourselves that if we could just change the circumstances of our lives--have a better relationship, a better job, more friends, more money--that we could finally feel happy. But what would happen if we shifted our inner world--our thoughts, emotions, and individual actions--first? How might that not only impact our emotional state, but also, shift the outer world?

About a month ago, a client of mine was in a very challenging space (shared with client's permission)--needless to say, she was feeling stuck, backed into a corner by the circumstances of her life and unable to see the way out. Manipulating the outer world seemed nearly impossible and she was, rightfully, feeling tremendously sad and nearing a state of hopelessness. The amazing thing about this woman is that despite her sense of hopelessness, she was still willing to try new things and take the steps needed in order to shift her perspective.

At the end of our session, I invited her to ponder and take action on the following question: "What would happen if you woke up tomorrow morning and stated to yourself, 'I am going to shine today?'" I invited her to try this on and observe what happens throughout the course of her day. "What does it mean for you to shine? How do people react to you when you come from that shining place? What are the new opportunities that present themselves in that space?" I can't tell you how excited I was to connect with her the following week and hear all of the goodies that came out of her experience. (Have I mentioned that I love what I do? :)

Sure enough, she called me the following week, and her energy had shifted about 180 degrees. She had decided to practice "shining" every day of the week before, and despite the fact that she did not like her job, she was struggling with money and a multitude of other difficult factors, she found herself discovering aspects that she enjoyed about her job, she discovered new strengths that she possesses, and she saw hidden gifts in all of her encounters. She shifted from being backed into a corner and wanting to be ANYWHERE else to being open to possibility and grounded in the present. When she chose to be the best that she could be and come from a place of love in all of her interactions, she was blessed with joy, love, and possibility in return.

Shortly after my session with that amazing woman, I found myself reaching a low. I was heartbroken and struggling to get out of bed. I wanted to shut my mind off and make the pain, and the world, go away. I managed to pull myself out of bed and head downtown to sit and read at my favorite cafe, but once I got downtown, I didn't want to be there either. Then I remembered the strength of my client and I asked myself the question, "What does it mean for ME to shine?" I decided that I was going to strike up a conversation with the cafe barista, I was going to smile at those whom I passed on the street, and I immediately started visualizing all of the opportunities that I wanted to flow into my life.

As I was walking, I got the idea to go to a different cafe--one that I had only visited once before. By the time that I got there, I could already feel myself more connected to possibility, smiling from the inside out, more ready to face the day. On the corner of my eye, I saw someone who looked familiar. After peering out at him several times from the window (I was bordering on creepy stalker, for sure :), I discovered that the person sitting right outside of the cafe was a dear friend from college that I lost touch with 4 years ago. Despite several attempts to reconnect with him, I had been unsuccessful until that moment. Neither of us had anywhere to be for nearly 2 hours, so we shared a cup of coffee and a great conversation that reminded me of our college days.

I believe whole-heartedly that had I not made the choice to "shine" that day, I would not have remembered that cafe and run into my long-lost friend. I walked away from that encounter feeling empowered and magical. It is not to say that I wasn't still coping with my tender heart, but I realized that life is constantly waiting for me to grasp ahold of it around every corner. If I face the day choosing to create my own happiness, then I realize that I am never alone, and constantly being supported on my journey. It is a wonderful gift to know that I have this tool and can pull it out of my toolbox at any moment, and guess what?! You have it, too! Tell me, how are you going to shine today?

Would you like someone to help you shift your thinking so that you can create your life from a place of joy and possibility? I would love nothing more than to help you discover the magical life that awaits you. Through a series of powerful inquiries and looking at your Astrological Chart I can reveal some powerful tools that you have within you to start living a life of passion and purpose, NOW. Contact me for a free sample session so that we can explore the many ways that my coaching will support you in living your best life OUT LOUD!: igniteyourvoice@gmail.com.

With Love and Deep Gratitude,

:)Melissa Simonson
Spiritual Life Coach
www.igniteyourvoice.com

©2008 Melissa Simonson

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem!--as long as you use this entire blurb with it: As an Inspired Speaker and Spiritual Life Coach, Melissa Simonson combines wisdom gleaned from Zen Buddhism, Astrology, New Thought traditions, both ancient and contemporary philosophies, with a BA in Psychology, to create a safe and accepting space for her clients to explore their dreams, release the beliefs that are no longer serving their Higher Purpose and manifest joy in their lives, NOW. To receive her FREE articles containing life-changing insights and coaching tools visit www.igniteyourvoice.com.

Article: A Flower Within a Weed--The Power of Self-Acknowledgment

"If dandelions were hard to grow, they would be most welcome on any lawn.” ~Andrew V. Mason

I can still remember when I thought dandelions were simply BEAUTIFUL flowers. My friends and I would pick them at recess and give them to our moms when we came home from school. Sometimes we would sit under a tree and make wreaths of them and put them in our hair. I made many a wish while blowing those cottony seeds and watching them float about my head and journey off toward what HAD to be a magical place.

Over the years, I learned that many people did not like dandelions and considered them to be a nuisance. I never really stopped thinking that dandelions are beautiful; however, knowing that they were considered weeds took away some of their magic. Eventually, they became ordinary in my mind and I stopped picking them. I no longer make dandelion wreaths or make wishes while blowing on their seeds (although looking out this cafe window, I'm getting the itch to go out and do so...:)

As we become "grown-ups" this phenomenon happens more often. We get caught up in the function of the various things in our lives, the roles that we play, and we struggle to see the essence of our experience, the hidden beauty, the flower within the weed. Meanings become black and white, and beliefs become more fixed in our brains. "I am bad if I do____. I am a success if I do____." We can always be better and more. If we do not have a dandelion free lawn, what on earth will the neighbors think? :)

Something that I believe we all struggle with as we become more fixed in our lives is the ability to acknowledge ourselves. It is easy to be proud of ourselves when we land that new job, experience money flowing in, take a risk and have joyful results; but what about the periods in our lives when we are struggling to pay the bills, we took a risk and we have hit a roadblock? It is during those difficult times that we need to see the good within ourselves the most, but it can seem nearly impossible.

One thing that I have many of my clients do on a regular basis is make a list of all the ways that they would like to acknowledge themselves. "How would you like to acknowledge yourself despite the struggle that you are now in? What might be the gifts or hidden opportunities on this new path? In what ways are your efforts working? In what ways are you already 'enough?'" At first, it can be a challenge to see the good amidst the negative feelings. You might think, "I messed up, and that is that." Perhaps you have hurt someone or you are hurting because of your choices. Perhaps you cannot possibly imagine that your efforts will ever be enough.

This is when I challenge you to get creative. Your sadness or frustration in itself indicate that you are a thoughtful person, you are someone who asks more for your life, you care about yourself and others, you had the courage to take a risk despite the possible consequences...the list can go on and on. There are SO MANY beautiful things about you. Keep digging honey!

It is a challenge to see the good amidst the struggle or to see the courage and inspiration in decisions that we make everyday, but when we can do this, we transform our struggle. We are no longer the BAD person that we are labeling ourselves. Everybody else's lives are not WAY more interesting. When we can acknowledge ourselves and the ways in which we ARE love, we ARE goodness at all times, then we have the power to bring magic back into our lives.

Dandelion seeds might not blow off to the kinds of "magical" places that I was thinking as a child, but I can now see that the earth is a pretty magical place in itself. When you can begin to shift your mind to see this magic within yourself and your own life, no matter what your current circumstances, you are are able to see yourself as so much more than a "weed." You become a blossoming flower.

Would you like someone to help you shift your thinking and see the positive within your struggles? By golly! That's one of my specialties! :) Through a series of powerful inquiries and looking at your Astrological Chart I can reveal some powerful tools that you have within you to start living a life of passion and purpose, NOW. Contact me for a free sample session so that we can explore the many ways that my coaching will support you in living your best life OUT LOUD!: igniteyourvoice@gmail.com.

With Love and Deep Gratitude,

:)Melissa Simonson
Spiritual Life Coach
www.igniteyourvoice.com

Copyright Melissa Simonson 2008

In three minutes and counting, it will officially be my birthday.  I just got done reading an eCard from my sis that had two little sisters swinging on swings giggling away within their own little world.  The joy, the simplicity, the contentment--I was balling in no time.  The first line that she wrote was, "Hi Lissy!  It's true, the times we spent together growing up were truly special (when we weren't fighting, that is!)" 

She and I have had a rough rode together that has recently been illuminated, given my recent choice to stop communication with my father.  Growing up with a father struggling with mental illness often had us pinned against each other, trying to survive and craving something that we couldn't have.  He projected his own childhood wounds onto us, and we found ourselves unconsciously resenting each other, unaware of the roles he had us playing.  We are now trying to write a new chapter that is filled with greater understanding and acceptance.  We are dusting off our sisterhood, cleaning off the swings, and ready to fly beside one another as we rediscover the children we once were.

This is the first birthday that I will probably not receive a card or a phone call from my father.  My daddy.  Father's Day commercials splattered on the sidewalks, on buses, on the sun--These little reminders poking at my pain and pointing to a need to acknowledge myself for the deep healing I have begun.  This growth is bittersweet--a time of grief and adventure.  I'm discovering the ways in which I grow without a weed about my neck.  I'm beginning to realize and delight in the big plans that God has for my life.  As I release my earth father, I'm embracing a much larger entity that fills me with more love each day.  I am no longer a stunted flower but rather, a woman in full bloom, and better yet, the child who I never got to be.

26 was the best year of my life so far--A year of claiming my power, turning on the light and cleaning out the cobwebs, of joyful single-hood, of blossoming.  I have felt more joy than I ever thought imaginable, and I am facing and feeling my pain in a way that I didn't know needed to happen at this point in my life.  That is the blessing I've received for discovering my soul-path.  I've discovered Truth, grungy, glorious Truth.  And it hurts.  And it feels good.  It feels damn good.

I am ready for another year of richness beyond my imagination.  If my calculations are correct, 27 is gonna blow the pants off of 26, and I say, bring it on.

I'm nothing but grateful for every minute of it.

Copyright Melissa Simonson 2008

ASTROLOGY: DISCOVER YOUR SOUL PURPOSE
With Melissa Simonson

Saturday June 14th, 1:00-3:30pm
$40 Limited to first 10 paid and registered participants
Location: The Professional Centre
6320 Monona Dr., 3rd Floor, Monona, WI 53716

In this workshop, Melissa Simonson, Spiritual Life Coach and owner of Ignite Your Voice Coaching, will lead you on an Astrological Journey of self-discovery. By looking at your birth chart, she will share insights with you regarding your soul path and provide answers to the questions: What are the attributes I am meant to develop in order to bring the most joy to myself and others? What are the core limiting beliefs that are trying to hold me back? What are the primary challenges I am meant to overcome over the course of my life? In response to these discoveries, she will create a safe space for participants to uncover the many tools that they possess and discover the hidden gifts that exist within their challenges so that they are empowered to move beyond their fear and lead a life of joy and fulfillment. Please bring knowledge of your birth date, exact time, and place in order to receive the maximum benefit from the workshop.

What people are saying about Melissa and her workshops:

"The beautiful and divine way about Melissa's coaching style is that she allows whatever needs to visited be visited, in its own way, for everyone involved. Her words were like little messengers/angels saying: hey, over here; check this out, leading me exactly where I needed to be?" St. Petersburg, FL

"Melissa's reading of my signs, Astrology, has inspired me to 'follow' my true path." Madison, WI

"I love how Melissa respected everyone and made the entire workshop a learning experience. She has a gift." Madison, WI

"Melissa has a passionate connection with people." Madison, WI

To Register, contact Melissa: igniteyourvoice@gmail.com or call 608-216-9845

Click to learn more about Melissa and her Spiritual Astrology Coaching.

When first asked to write this article about Spiritual Life Coaching I was honored but also nervous.  When I think of newspapers, I think of politics and business, the buzz and hum of daily living, the successes and tragedies of the day.  While I am certainly a political being and I live within the day-to-day, my gifts lie within the ineffable realm of the human spirit—that part of us that endures, that is conscious of it all, that knows who we are, and what makes us happy.  I thought, “How could I possibly write a newspaper article about that?”

Then it occurred to me.  It is so easy for all of us to compartmentalize our lives in this very way—to see our political life as separate from our work life, our work life as separate from our relationships, and all of this as separate from our spirituality.  We say, “There is a war happening over there,” or even, “There is conflict within my own nation;” but is there not a war happening within our own minds, within our own hearts?  Every day that we rise, we are faced with a challenge to do the “right thing” to be a “good person.” Amidst this challenge, we are barraged by thoughts regarding what we should do and an inner voice telling us what we want, thoughts of what we should believe and an inner voice telling us what we know to be true.  How on earth do we create peace out there when there is such conflict within our own being?

As a Spiritual Life Coach and owner of Ignite Your Voice Coaching, I believe that through discovering what brings us peace and joy and then, creating that within our lives, we can bring peace and joy to the world.  At the root of my philosophy lies the simple principle that all we are here to do on Earth is to show up and be completely ourselves—not the person who our parents, spouses, bosses, or even children want us to be, but rather, the person who we are at our core.  I also believe that the best indicator that we are on track is our joy.  The more joy that we feel, the more we can know that we are living a fully expressive life.

So often, the obligations of the day win over that which brings us joy.  By working with both individuals and groups, in person and from a distance, I help them peel back these many layers of ought’s and should’s in order to reveal the joy that is at their essence.  By continually revisiting those joy experiences, my clients learn to listen to and make choices that feed that joy.  Relationships change for the better.  Work becomes more enjoyable.  They feel healthier.  Their lives begin to blossom, and they touch the lives of those around them.  Inner peace becomes outer peace.

It is a new year and an abundance of possibility awaits you.  Are you living a life of joy and peace?

Copyright Melissa Simonson 2008

Sweet Sanctuary, thank you for cradling me.
enveloped in green, tropical trees, ants building
homes on my body, I cried.  I sat, and I cried.
and like the loving mother that you are, you
held me there, breeze blowing through my hair.
everything will be alright.

Daddy, I release you.  I release the need to save you
from invisible fears and monstrous choices.  with
each tear, I let you go.  memories pouring from
my body to bury themselves in the earth.  perhaps
a flower will bloom from the thoughts left behind.

and now it rains. no resemblance of my tears
remain as my pain becomes the same water
that washes the