May 2023 Newsletter for Sparks of Healing
Reading in public, back to class, and busy as a bee
The following is the monthly newsletter of what is going on at Sparks of Healing. This is a summary of what is happening in my business life and other shenanigans I might be getting up to.
First, let me thank you for being a part of this community…
I want to tell you how much I appreciate your time and attention. I know that time is the most important commodity we have in life and it is no small thing to me that you are spending some of it with me here. I am grateful for your presence.
What you can expect to see published on My Weird and Wonderful Life in May:
Tuesdays are dedicated to the strange stories that led to my becoming a Reiki Master/Teacher and Hypnotist, along with a schwack of other metaphysical things I get up to.
Thursdays will carry on with the communication series called Sparking up a Relationship; sharing what I have learned the hard way as well as through the many communication programs I have been fortunate enough to attend over the years. I am not satisfied with the title of that series. What are your thoughts? Perhaps I should change it to one of the following…
Two ears & one mouth: why we should listen twice as much as we speak.
Why people need to shush themselves and listen for a better relationship
Communication 101: How to get along with the people you love
Talking - what they should have taught us in school.
Notes is a new feature that Substack rolled out in April. I have been goofing off there, posting poetry and silly things. If you have time, you can check that out. I warn you, on the mobile app, Notes is just one long scroll with no sorting; the idea is to find writers you may not see otherwise. On the browser (desktop computer or laptop) you have an option to only see Notes you subscribe to.
Chat: I just started up the My Weird and Wonderful Life chat today. It is only for subscribers, free or paid, I do not discriminate. ;) I want to chat with you about things that can make your life better by improving your quotient of fun and hopefully leading to loving yourself more! That is my grandiose goal! It will only work if I am not there just talking to myself, so join me, won’t you?
What have I been up to?
The Natural Health and Healing Expo was a big hit. I read passages from Forever Five - The Adventures of The Ladybug Hunter in public, on a stage for the first time ever. My greatest fear about that was twofold. First, I was afraid I would get on stage and be standing there like a massive doofus, all alone. That did not happen; almost every chair was full.
Among those present were some lovely friends who came to support me, my wonderful partner, and a surprise visit from one of Alexandra’s friends and his mom who were in the Alan Blair clinic with us. This lovely lady was concerned that it might be hard for me that her son was there, when my daughter did not see the other side of her cancer journey. I assured her that was not the case and I was happy to have them there, remembering my sweet girl.
The second fear was that I would turn into a blubbering mass on the stage. I did cry; however, I was still able to read and share what I wished. My husband assured me that it would be stranger if I did not shed a tear while reading the story of Alexandra’s life.
I was interviewed by Shannan Mondor for her Fear Fighters podcast about writing Forever Five; if you are interested, you can listen to that here.
The Power of an Unstoppable Women is a conference for women being held on Sunday, October 1st, here in Regina at The Atlas Hotel. I will be one of several speakers and vendors at this all-day affair. I have attended Dr. Rose Backman’s event in the past and enjoyed the speakers as well as the lovely meal included in the ticket price. I know October is a long way in the future, however this event space only has room for 150 attendees, so I am telling you about it now. I will be speaking about hypnosis, focusing on regression including Past Life and Interlife. If you would like to join me, tickets are available here.
Thank you for reading this far…
I have been thinking lots about what held me back in life from pursuing my dreams. While researching facts for some posts about the journey to starting Sparks of Healing, I came upon some old journals. It is fascinating to read about your younger self, if you don’t believe me, go find your old diaries and test it out.
Looking back at me as a young mother, I feel kind of sorry for that that version of me. She took on so much and did not give herself credit for the big, important job that she was doing. She blamed lots of things on herself and was super critical. I would love to go back in time to hug her and to assure her that most every other mother feels the same way; unsure of if she is parenting right, spending enough time on the right things and worrying about the cleanliness of her home.
A dear friend asked me the following question:
What phase do you see coming to an end in your life?
My response was swift and sure. Coming to an end is the phase where I need anyone else’s permission to be myself. I am free to be myself, to pursue the things that interest me without feeling that useless emotion of guilt.
Something big shifted this year. I feel more certainty of my value and braver to step out into the world alone. I am asking for what I want and saying a firm but kind no thank you to the things I don’t.
I spend more time taking care of my body; listening to its desire to move, eating foods that love it back, and watching it change shape in response to this improved relationship. I am moving more and most important, I am stopping to simply BE when my energy stores are depleted.
I truly do believe I am living my best life, embracing this crone stage with as much Grace and Ease as I am able. Don’t worry though, I will likely always remain one of the weirdest people you know… hopefully in a wonderful way.
All my love to all of you…
~~Patricia (Patty)
Such a lovely post. Congrats on all of the exciting work you are doing!!! And I agree with your husband, it would be weird not to cry under the circumstances. At my book reading last year, I read a chapter about my mother's passing. I cried a few times while reading, and in hindsight, it brought the room together. It was a small venue, there were probably about 35 people in attendance. After the reading, people shared with me their losses as well. There were many tears shed that evening. It was such a special night that I will always treasure the memory of. Keep up the great work! I can't wait to hear more about your journey. And I've finally got your book in my basket on Amazon, and will be ordering it soon. xoxo 💜