spirit messages

Lesson on Perspective From a Ladybug

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We had a strange visitor the other day. A visitor that made me immediately grab for a swatter.

It flew like nothing else we had seen in the apartment. We’ve had moths, mosquitos, flies… But this looked different. Like a small beetle or something. Since it decided to camp out so high on our wall, we couldn’t get a really good look at it.

And our evening quickly turned into a bug-watching night.

“I’ll grab the binoculars,” my love said before disappearing into the bedroom.

“Will we be able to see it since we are already so close?” I asked, glancing up at the little bug on the lime green wall above our LED upright lamp.

“One way to find out!”

After going back and forth, getting dust from the unused binoculars caught in my eyelashes, seeing wobbly views from shaking hands from trying to adjust the knobs and dials on the little seeing contraption, changing positions all over the room, my love announces from the couch that he can see it! I take the binoculars and continue to stand in the middle of the room.

All I can see is a blurry green wall and a fuzzy little brown dot. Still I couldn’t make out what the little bugger was. “Why can’t I see this thing?” I ask, needing to brush more dust from my eyelash, because I’m sure that wasn’t helping either.

Again, another back-and-forth dance resumed with my love and I continuing to change the dials and knobs until he says he can see the little thing crystal clear. I take a look through the binoculars, still to no avail.

I try to change my position, from across the little bug, from right beneath it at a funky angle so I can sit on the couch (but then subsequently tweak my neck), to lying down on the pillows next to me before I can see. Closing one eye, leaving the other open…. Just trying to see.

What my love hadn’t told me was that the dial only affected the right eye, so I started believing my astigmatism was at work and why I couldn’t see the critter clearly since the right lens is zoomed in about twice the size of the left.

(I felt like a real dork when I realized it was the binoculars doing that, and not my “everything-looks-bigger-over-here” astigmatism in my right eye.)

“Aha!” I finally yell, triumphant!

A lady bug! A little yellow lady bug was our unexpected guest. Still, it was hard to see her, and my massive hands were shaking around the tiny binoculars they dwarfed.

We even debated what color the lady bug looked like because it certainly wasn’t red. Yellow? Brown? Tan? We landed on yellow; I had thought it was a hornet at first since I had caught a flash of yellow when it flew away from the wall only to land two feet away from it’s original spot.

Want to know why I finally saw the lady bug clearly?

I had to sit in the exact position, in the same spot on the couch, that my love was sitting in. Any other position or perspective from the room could not provide the clarity of sight with the binoculars that that singular spot could.

Then, of course, I refused to move from that space as I observed the uncommonly colored lady bug as it perched on our wall for a while. We both decided to see what spiritual messages the yellow lady bug might carry (you can discover that here).

And, as I got to thinking—whilst trying to make a little spa for the lady bug to play in, have a drink or a fruity snack from—this was an incredible example of perspective and how no one will see things the way you do. They can wear your clothes, they can learn to move like you, work in a similar job as you…

But they cannot see what you see or the way that you see it.

Your perspective is uniquely your perspective. No one else will see the world as you do. No one else will experience the same things as you even if you’re doing the same activities. Because they are simply not you.

Your perspective is unique. Your thoughts, your feelings, your experiences, your upbringing, how you view things, what triggers you, what makes you smile… So many fractals that just make up pieces of you will effect your perspective.

And with that in mind…

With your perspective, you get to see the world through your own personal lens. And that means no one will communicate the things you yearn to express in the way you do (and will).

So, why (if you ever doubt yourself because other people might be doing what you desire to do) would you ever worry about not stepping into your light and sharing your perspective and being concerned about sounding like someone else? Because you won’t!

The entire make up of your life experiences make you you. Just like someone else’s experience will determine their own perspective.

Just like my upbringing in Utah in a very religious family-centric community colors my perspective, your own experiences will provide a certain type of lens for your perspective.

This is why your voice matters, why each voice matters. This is why your unique story matters. Only you can tell your story in a way that no one else can.

You may think other people have done it before, but they haven’t. They haven’t done it as only you could do it. Only you can.

We all have our own personalities, paths, and yes, perspectives, too.

And when you share your perspective—your voice and stories—then others can relate to and understand you better. It’s when you share the details that make you you that people can also see themselves. How we are alike. How we are different. And how our differences create the kaleidoscope that makes life so interesting and dynamic.

It’s when we share our perspectives that we can more easily step into each other’s shoes, even if just for a moment… For a little perspective. 😉

Now that’s quite the connection to make.

So, I challenge you to embrace your unique perspective, insights, and stories…

You never know what your light can do in this world when you express your unique perspective, or who you might inspire through the stories that only you can share.

Who knows… A lady bug, or other creature, might visit to share their wisdom with you too.

Have a wonderful week, lovely.

(The lady bug ended up staying for almost three days… I hope they liked the snack and water I left for them.)

Making Comparisonitis Work For You: How to Use Comparison to Find Your Direction

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From my working chair, not so long ago, I found myself on an Instagram page of another book editor. And they were killing it.

(Or at least that’s what it looks like on social media, and we all know how much of that is just appearances…)

I was totally into what they were sharing. Thought their social media game was on point. Looked like they were #bookedandblessed in every pun imaginable. Discovered we had quite a bit in common… And then I noticed they were 20 years old and started their business around the same time as me.

Cue my mood crashing, as a 30+ year-old, who only recently decided to pursue an editorial business after years of trying to identify the the skills I most wanted to use to help people. (And who has also had a decade-plus of professional experience this young person has not had, but that certainly wasn’t coming to mind at that moment.)

I fell into the comparison trap… hard.

The comparisonitis. I drank the compareschläger (as Marie Forleo calls it). The whole bottle, probably. Tears were shed, though I strongly suspect the full moon played a part as well in heightening emotions. Either way, my confidence tanked, the comparisonitis the culprit.

This surprised me, honestly… I am solidly in the “the only person I compete with is myself” camp. Cheering people on as they rock what they’re doing is one of my very favorite things.

Most of the time, I have no reason to compete or compare myself to anyone else because I know everyone is their own unique person, meant to do great things in their world with their gifts and talents. I think that is one of the most beautiful things in this world!

And I still found myself comparing my business to another book editor’s social media profile.

Because I’m human. And humans tend to fall into the comparison trap with each other, even without trying to.

The Reality Check

Calming myself down, especially with thanks to my partner, I remembered that this person is not me. And I am not them. And though we are similar, we do not do our work in the same way. They can rock their social media game while I wish I could bag social media all together. All they are doing that I wish I was doing… I don’t have to do it and I do not have to do it like them.

I can release my grip on the compareschläger, put my head down, listen to what my own heart has to say, and then put in the work to do the work that I actually want to do.

Because, once I sobered myself up, I realized that this instance of comparisonitis gave me a glaring billboard for the work I really want to do.

The book editing and copyediting is the work I truly want to do.

(Along with writing my own books, of course!)

And this epiphany came with this reminder:

You don’t compare yourself to people who are doing things you have no interest in…
You compare yourself to the people who are doing what you truly want to do.

This is why comparing yourself to others and looking at where you get jealous of other people can actually be a helpful tool. It may not feel good in the moment; however, it can point you in the direction of where you most want to move in.

How to Use Comparison to Find Your Direction

Start to notice when you get jealous of someone else or find yourself falling into the comparison trap. And ask yourself why those feelings are arising.

You’re jealous of that woman who can work from the beach on her laptop? How can you create that feeling with your own work from where you’re at until you can make that a reality for yourself?

You find yourself comparing your achievements to peer who seems much further along than you? What is it about what they have or are doing that you seek?

Odds are, because there’s something there, something you desire on a much deeper level, that you haven’t achieved yet… Or maybe even something you haven’t acknowledged that you want.

I have a feeling you’ll find your own aha moment in asking why the feelings of comparison and jealousy come up, especially if you’ve been questioning your purpose, direction, or next steps. I know I did.

Find out what the desire is—the desire hidden deep underneath the mask of comparing yourself to another—and start moving toward it.

So, you may see a refocus from me on sharing more about the book editing and copyediting work. I love the intuitive side of my business, and I don’t want to let it take away from the editorial side of things that I utterly love doing… My intuition supports my hard-earned editing skills, and it thrills me to no end to see how I can help others with these gifts.

And I plan on using any social media stalking of other editors for inspiration and ideas, not comparison. If it start falling into the comparison mire again, I’ll know to pull myself out before it gets too far. Because we all know that can work against you rather than for you.

Remember that only you can do the work you were put on this earth to do with the gifts that only you have. No one can do it like you do… So keep going, especially when comparison comes along to try and derail you. Let the comparison be fuel for you to pinpoint the next steps for you to reach for your dreams.

Want to join me in putting down the compareschläger, putting your head down, listening to your heart, and doing the work you really, really want to do? See you there. <3

Play the Spirit Shuffle!

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Did you know that each of us has a team of spirit guides working with us from the ethers? Because we do, and it’s magical.

Whether you want to choose to be aware of or meet them, they are always working with us. It helps when you actively ask for their help. They are always conspiring on your behalf for your highest and best good and the experiences and lessons you’re here to learn from.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye. shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Matthew 7:7-8, KJV The Bible

Their help may show up as thoughtful nudges, reminders, synchronicities, conversations that spark something, inspiration to watch a certain show or read a certain book, or when you think you might be picking up on another voice in your head that doesn’t quite sound like yours but maybe offers warnings or other promptings.

All those kinds of things that line up in at just the right time are often because of their involvement. 

How I met my spirit guides

I first met my guides back in 2015, and they came roaring onto the scene when I started working with my intuitive coach. My main guide came to me in my sleep in one of those “sleep paralysis” moments. Freaked me out a little bit until I heard him say, “I’m here for you!” He’s one of my main protectors, obviously.

It took some piecing together of his highly unusual name before I realized his name was one that had come to me years before during a writing project (the one I’ve been working on again lately!). I had named my beta fish in college with his name. Goes to show how it stuck with me through the years, even if I didn’t know where it came from!

Then, as if in a line, I discovered I had about 6-7 guides working with me at any given time, though four seem to be the most prominent since I’ve gotten acquainted with them. “The Core Four” as they call themselves. 

So, who are your guides?

Your guides might be people you’ve known before in previous lives. They might be beings you’ve never met before. They are spirits that have a soul contract to help you from the behind the scenes in this life for you. Odds are, you’ve been a guide for them at some point in another life.

In fact, you may have guides that show up for only certain periods of your life. Some guides are on a rotation or only come to help you during a set time in your life (teenage years, maybe?).

And yes, we are surrounded by souls and spirits at all times. Not all of them are ghosts… These particular spirits that have contracts as your guides are here to help you!

These are souls who love you unconditionally and want to protect you, guide you, and care for you from the ethers. No need to be afraid of them.

How can you connect with your spirit guides?

There are different ways you can connect with your spirit guides.

~ Meditate or do breath work before asking for their help or protection.

~ You can also simply ask, “What would you have me know? What would you have me do?” Trust the first thing that comes to you that’s peaceful and loving.

(Though some can get sassy too, depending on their character… I’ll never forget when one of them yelled, “Go get some! … Then come back!”)

~ Figure out a symbol that means something to you, and ask your guides to show it to you when you’re on the right track. This could be anything! For me, shiny face-up pennies work. Also, certain animals sometimes reflect different guides, messages, or loved ones who have passed on.

There is one particular way that is quite fun and it’s super easy to do every day as I check in with them for any guidance or pointers. 

I call it the Spirit Shuffle.

At its simplest, I call on my guides to offer insights, guidance, and anything I might need to know for the day… through song. And then I hit the shuffle button on my entire music library and see what song(s) come up. It’s often so eerie when the songs perfectly align, uplift me at a time I need it, or give me tough love.

I always love playing Spirit Shuffle with my guides, and I do it most days of the week as a regular check in with them. It’s one of the most fun ways to connect with my spirits guides. When something is fun, I’m in!

The songs that play are often are so aligned with where I’m at, and it’s great way for them to pick songs with either titles or lyrics that I most need to hear.

Pay attention if any particular lyrics stick out!

You can also learn your spirit guides individual characters in the Spirit Shuffle. One of my guides is a hopeless romantic, so I almost always know when he’s chosen the song since he’s been a recurring past life love.

Presently my guides are being cheeky and playing songs back to back that say “When we’re human (again)” and it’s hilarious!

Sometimes they just remind me that they are there for me whenever I need them, that they love me, and even that is comforting. To know that I have a spiritual team at my side always. Highly recommend!

A message from my guides to you!

So… Here’s what I’ve done for us today. I asked my guides to present me a song that can help us through the autumn, since today marks the autumnal equinox!

Here’s the song they played for me:

That’s Amore! by Dean Martin (though specifically the one from Enchanted that James Marsden sings)

What this song makes me think of are simple moments that are much bigger and brighter when they are enjoyed with love. The enjoyment of little moments. Recognizing that as the connecting piece of us all… Love. Love can be seen in the moon, in the stars, when you dance, and in practically anything if you let it.

Also, “When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore!” clearly was talking about the full moon in Pisces we just had.

So, this fall, spirit wants us to remember to find joy and love in the little things that make us smile. To return to seeing love in all things—because that’s truly what connects us all. It’s also a reminder that when we look at the world through a lens of love, everything is a little bit brighter. Seek enjoyment however you can this fall. It’s not an easy time in the world, but when we focus more on the love and enjoyment of moments, it gets easier. What you focus on expands, so focus on loving the moments in between everything else. 

What you focus on expands, so focus on loving the moments in between everything else.

I love the alignment of this message.

When I first started The Intuitive Editor, I had the inspiration to have my regular newsletter be called the Joy Challenge. It contains prompts each week to lean into and savor little moments that hopefully inspire you to bring more joy into your life. That joy, enjoyment, and love are all intertwined, and how these elements further spark your creativity and guide your intuition.

If you want in, join the list at theintuitiveeditor.com to receive these promptings and nudges to find moments to return to your joy.

If you feel inspired to play the Spirit Shuffle game with your guides, I’d love to hear how it goes!