Hi, Subscribers. I am Stacy Casson, and I write this blog to get ready for the week ahead. This blog uses the power of Play to guide our daily lives. Play can help you grow both personally and professionally, and it helps boost your creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall well-being. Let’s set ourselves up for success and inspiration, and remember to find joy in every step of our development.
It’s time for an accountability check-in. I took a nap. I did not push through; instead, I listened to my body and rested. I set up my final Hot Seat Summer guest. Tune in on Saturday, the 26th, at 10:00 a.m. EST. I did not write anything this week. I participated in a food distribution volunteer event organized by my State Representative and local neighborhood association. If you are feeling hopeless and despairing about what is happening, I highly recommend getting involved in your local community. What were your wins?
I'm changing things up this week with the fun Affirmators! Tarot by Suzi Barrett.
Why do I do this to myself? This question came to mind when I first started writing. I was obviously tired and ready to push through, ignoring my needs. The Hermit reversed confirmed that I was avoiding quiet time. I refused to be still. Last week, I wrote about honoring my feelings, and I was feeling tired. We often sabotage ourselves because we are unwilling to accept responsibility for our choices or our limitations. I don't have to be strong like bull. I can be the lamb, or in this case, the hermit crab, and crawl into my shell. Blowing off my decompression sessions this week caught up to me. I think I am also avoiding the fact that I may have bit off more than I can chew due to the facts I had at the time, and it will involve frank communication. Are you putting on your oxygen mask?
What am I avoiding? I took the Wheel of Fortune reversed as a sign that I am avoiding change. I was keeping to the pattern of self-denial because it is easier than self-advocacy. Sticking my head in the sand is not a strategy. Aside from needing a nap, I need to talk about money with a relative. It goes back to not setting myself on fire to keep someone else warm. It means communicating needs and expectations. There is always give and take in relationships. How do we fulfill our commitments while also receiving the necessary support?
What can help? The Judgment card reminds us to seek our highest purpose. It's easy to lose perspective when you are down in the trenches. When you want to change, you must hold onto the vision of the to-be state. Even something as pleasant as going to the beach involves making preparations such as packing towels, sunscreen, shade, and water. Then you have to find parking and find a spot. It may include waking up early to avoid the crowds. However, if you hold onto the vision of the gently lapping waves and an incredible sunset, you may find the motivation to continue when things get hard. Who do I want to be? Can I be helpful without being a martyr? "I will trust that by facing today to the best of my ability, I will acquire the skills I need to face tomorrow." - Quoted from the app The Language of Letting Go. What is my next thing? What is the next bite when eating an elephant?
What is a way forward? The Devil reminds me that many of our wounds are self-inflicted. The Devil didn't make me do it. I chose this and want someone to blame. Had I not taken that nap, I could have easily played the victim about how many things I have to do. I am doing them: rested. How many times do we spiral out of control because we ruminate instead of taking action? We drown ourselves in too much caffeine, cookies, or alcohol. We binge-watch instead of unplugging. It's easier to blame external factors than to look in the mirror. As Pa Kent said in the Superman movie, "Your choice, your actions - that's what makes you who you are." Who do you want to be? The choice is yours. Namaste.
Need help disconnecting? You can purchase my guide: https://buy.stripe.com/aFa4gA2mV4Z0dmF1BD7EQ0g
Want to be in the Hot Seat, nominate yourself here: https://www.jotform.com/form/251654912259159
Looking for ways to connect with your kids over the summer? https://buy.stripe.com/bJe7sMaTr2QS4Q9fst7EQ0f
If you want to infuse more play into your life to navigate the challenges, my current offerings are listed on my Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/thingstothinkabout. I also urge you to share your experiences and strategies with the community. Your voice is valuable to this journey, and your unique path can inspire others.
Picture Descriptions: The Hermit Reversed depicts a cute little hermit crab holding a lantern and carefully navigating the ocean floor. There are mountains in the distance. The Wheel of Fortune reversed depicts a wooden wheel with a pattern of a bird chasing a snake around the wheel. Since there are two birds and two snakes, it can also be interpreted as the snake chasing the bird. Judgment is a little mouse at the top of a mountain, communing with the sun. The Devil is a goat man caught in a pose of getting up from kneeling. He holds a lightning bolt in one hand and his limp forked tail in the other.
