After a month of hearing about the Swine Flu and the economic recession, I’ve decided it is time to change the topic! After all, focusing on things that make us afraid only creates more fear. This month, I invite you to focus on things that bring you joy.
During the time of my divorce, I read the book Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach. Each day I read a passage which encouraged me to rediscover my authentic self and create a life I loved. One of the passages was about trying something new at least once a month. I followed her advice and what GOOD advice it was! Not only did I meet a lot of wonderful people, but I also found some new things that empowered and healed me. Many of the Sanctuary at the Crossroads members are people I met during that time.
Ready to give it a try? Great! Here are a few of my favorites…pick one (or more) to try for the month of May (and consider making a commitment to do this every month!):
1. Visit a new garden center: This past weekend, I went to Quailcrest Farm in Wooster (http://www.quailcrest.com/). I had the BEST time looking (and smelling) all the beautiful herbs and flowers. What a wonderful place! I also got this cool heron (see picture below!). Visit Quailcrest or look for a new place to try near you. Pick out a new flower or herb to plant. There are so many varieties out there you are bound to find one that you will love!

2. Try a Bodywork session or Exercise Class: There’s nothing like having your body feel relaxed and energized! Here are some types to try and my favorite practitioners…
Intuitive Massage: Massage and energetic balancing with intuitive insight by Lori Byrnes! http://www.thehealerstouch.com
Stone Massage: Imagine warm stones stroking your body and kneading away all tension and stress! Heaven! http://www.ntwellnesscenter.com
Elemental Reflexology: A foot rub to die for! Very energetically balancing! http://www.AquarianElements.com
Polarity Therapy: Very powerful and great for restoring energetic balancing! http://www.AquarianElements.com
Healing Touch Therapy: Energy therapy developed by a registered nurse. A great way to restore balance and well-being! http://www.HealingTouchMedina.com
Reiki: Healing energy to sooth and balance your system! http://www.NTWellnessCenter.com
Yoga: Great for restoring well-being and harmony on all levels—physical, emotional, spiritual and mental! The Hawk Yoga, Copley, OH– (330) 606 4468
Myofascial Release Therapy: A gentle massage that softens the myofascial tissue for deep relaxation and well-being! Lori Chapin, LMT (216)-272-7229
3. Explore Nature: I’m a huge fan of the great outdoors…especially this time of year. One of my favorite activities is finding a new trail or a new park to go explore. This time of year, there is so much to see! A few favorites in Ohio….
Magee Marsh/Crane Creek State Park (http://www.netwalk.com/~vireo/Magee.html): A great place to see the brightly colored warblers this month!
Conkle’s Hollow State Park (http://www.hockinghillspark.com/Conkles_Hollow.asp): Amazing rim trail and gorge trail…plus close to all the other wonderful hikes at Hocking Hills State Park
Pine Lane Trail (Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area): Off of Center Road (303) near Peninsula. This trail has lots of ravines and great views! For other great trails in CVNRA, check out this link: http://www.trails.com/national-park-trails.aspx?keyword=Cuyahoga+Valley+National+Park&state=OH
Hinckley Lake Metropark (Hinckley, OH): Great trail around the lake and also check out Whipp’s Ledges!
http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGM072-006&Source=YSSP&oc=6000&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_catalogtrail&track=1
4. Experience an Intuitive Reading: This has always been one of my favorite things to do! A great way to discover your own personal spiritual support team and be empowered and inspired to live your life purpose. To learn more about the Life Coaching readings I offer, visit my website: http://www.empoweringlightworkers.com/Readings.html. I also have an intuitive coaching club that has an opening this month. It’s a great way to make friendships with like-minded people and get monthly Divine guidance and coaching tips. Give me a call if you’d like to sample a class!
5. Visit local Gardens/Historic sites/Labyrinths: I love Holden Arboretum and Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. If you visit Stan Hywett be sure to go on the Nooks and Crannies tour. It was a blast getting to go into all the off limit places! Locally, visit the beautiful Blessed Foundation in Medina and walk two labyrinths and enjoy the lovely trails through the woods.
6. Take a new class or a complete a new creative project: There are so many different types of classes out there to sample! Michael’s offers several classes. Sanctuary member, Karen Burke has lots of fiber arts classes to choose from. I’m also a big fan of needle felting. You can purchase your own kits here: http://www.placesintimefarm.com/retailstore.html
7. Create a new look. I recently redesigned the front garden bed by our house. I had the best time coming up with an idea and then finding the items to pull it all together. You can do this with your home, garden, or even with yourself. Look for new art or photographs to decorate your walls (maybe get a new spring family photo taken…Allen Seremak does an excellent job if you are in Northeast Ohio-http://www.AllenSeremakPhoto.com). Try a new hairstyle or scent. Wear a new color. I love the Savannah Moon products (http://www.SavannahMoon.com) if you are looking for a new scent to wear! Holistic Health Consultant, Paula Vetter, has a new weight loss program out too, if you are looking to slim down. Send her an email if you’d like to learn more (Paula@ProfoundWellness.com).
8. Volunteer: Do you have a cause you are passionate about? Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make a difference. I started the Highland Community Support Network to help out kids and families going through financial hardship. To join this group, visit: http://www.highlandcsn.org. There are lots of other opportunities to volunteer no matter where you live. Contact the organization or park system you are interested in and see what opportunities are available!
9. Discover your Bliss!: One of the most exciting things I did was embark on a whole new career during the year after my divorce. The exploration of where my passions and interests were, led to my current career as an Intuitive Life Coach and holistic business owner. To explore your career dreams, try a session with Career Coach, Cathy Posner (http://www.TransitionConsultingAndCoaching.com)!
Enjoy whatever you choose to try this month!
Blessings to you and yours!
Nancy
Nancy Nicholas is an Intuitive Life Coach offering Life Coaching Readings, Divinely Guided Reading, Products, and Intuitive Coaching Clubs. She is the owner of Crossroads Coaching (http://www.CrossroadsCoachingOnline.com), Sanctuary at the Crossroads, and Empowering Lightworkers (http://www.EmpoweringLightworkers.com). Visit her websites for free gifts and to learn more!