Happy Spring to... those of you celebrating the beginnings of the Spring season.  And-- I really hate saying this because it's been said so much but-- happy new beginnings in general to most of you, whether you're feeling one, looking at one or starting one this week.

Freedom is a gift, isn't it?  The freedom to move, to stretch, to breathe, to laugh, to write, to dance even if we think we look like gyrating turds, to say what we feel-- it is all a gift.  A big one.  Do we realize how many people are feeling stifled right now?  Bask in whatever freedoms you have, enjoy them while you have them, and spread that joy all around for, as Abraham Lincoln so wisely stated a long time ago, "those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves..."

Some will be creating a new sense of freedom for themselves.  And it will probably suck because freedom has its price.  One cannot commit oneself to a stifling, demanding, miserable lifestyle and experience freedom and joy at the same time.  Something needs to be given up or sacrificed for something else.  And someone is bound to be disappointed.  But no worries, it's just the way it is so let's do what we need to do to make freedom happen in our individual lives.




This week's card is the Flowers which translates to the 4 of Wands of the Rider-Waite deck.  Let's acknowledge the gifts we have in our lives, receive and open some up, and/or give ourselves a gift for a change.  The gift of trustworthy companionship, or rest, or time for something we've been wanting to do (gifts needn't come wrapped in shiny paper).  So often we focus on what we can do for others that we neglect our own needs and desires.  Or vice-versa: if we've been asking too much of others, perhaps surprising them with a home-cooked meal, day off, or a stroll and conversation in the sunshine would be nice.

We don't need a holiday to give us a reason to celebrate.  At this time, if we have good friends, we're lucky and should celebrate them.  We can allow them celebrate us.  Or we can simply celebrate each other.

One of the best things to come of this card is confidence in whatever gifts we have.  That is, belief in what we can do.  Everyone can do something, and we're sure to get something awesome done by the end of the week. 

Some of us have been huge gifts to other people.  Meaning, goodness knows what they would do without us.  If we are saying goodbye or limiting what we can do for them, let's go about this respectfully and kindly and honestly.  We could be breaking a few hearts or just plain pissing some people off.  I wouldn't allow a pisser to ruin our parade though.  Keep up that chin and charm regardless of the reaction some of you may get-- you're bigger than that.

Others need to let some of us spread our wings and fly.

Those of you who feel you've "missed the boat"...  "I've missed the boat" is yet another excuse to keep from doing something.  If you no longer wish to do something, just admit to it and let it go.  It's OK if it's no longer in your heart to learn to play the violin or climb Mt. Everest.  But don't say that "too much time has passed" or "I'm too old" or "I'm too fat" or "I'm too ugly" or this or that because every day is a new opportunity to do something you want to do.  You choose to take up or pass on the opportunity. 

What will you choose to do then?

Also on the horizon are secret admirers who won't be so "secret" anymore.  No, I think they're gonna be downright valiant actually.  Riding in on white stallions and stuff.

OK.  Maybe a ride on a white stallion is pushing it but some of us could be feeling an "incoming" similar to such a dramatic production of a rescue.  Because some will be coming to the rescue, I guess.

Heh.  This week will be fun.  At times annoying but fun overall.  Some of us still have "it" or the kavorka.  Use it wisely .

Whatever adjustments we need to make should be well-received by others because of the "package" they'll be presented in.  Well, either we take what we can get or we give something good up completely. 

And by the way, yes, some of us are indispensable.  My dad used to say that "no one is indispensable" but I've always disagreed.  Like Judge Judy, I believe that some of us are, indeed, indispensable.  I think some people have what others don't in the personality department.  I think that some try harder than others.  Some work harder than others.  Some have bigger hearts and more sense than others.  And some are more loyal and trustworthy and reliable than others.  So to say that "no one is indispensable" is wrong to me. 

It's wrong.

When I imagine my husband giving a financial workshop to teenagers, who wind up listening and enjoying said workshop from beginning to end, I know that some of us indispensable.

When I see someone exhibit a glow while working, I know... that some of us are indispensable.

When I watch one dogwalker shuffle by with a scowl on her face as she drags a dog, and another walk by with a smile and a "hello" or nod and a dog with a wagging tail, I know that some of us are indispensable.

Say what you will about this-- I know what I know because I encounter and socialize with all kinds of people from all walks of life almost every day.  Some do a job far better than others.  Period.

If you are one of these people who go above and beyond in their line of work and/or in life, you'll have many reasons to celebrate this week.  And it'll be hard for you to find time alone, because most everyone will want to hang out with you.  Most everyone will seek your expertise and advice and company based on that glow of yours.

Don't hide it.  Not because of any jackass.

Have a wonderful week.