The Hit List - Am I tough enough?

I had a conversation the other day with a relative that went something this:

Her: “Kids are so wimpy nowadays. Everything is so politically correct. They don’t learn how to fight. Remember back in the day? We had it rough. I remember getting brutally picked on in school and you know what? It toughened me up. Aren’t you glad for all those hard experiences you had? Aren’t you grateful that those experiences made you as strong as you are?”

My response?

Yes, I am strong. I am “tough”. I’ve been through a lot in my life.

But glad to be “hard”?

No.

I prefer to be vulnerable. Soft even. Wearing armor gets mighty heavy.

And grateful or happy that bad stuff happened?

No. None of the stuff I went through should happen to anyone.

Yeah, I can take it. I can take a lot – and I have. But wouldn’t it be nicer if I – or anyone for that matter – didn’t have to? If the world was simply kind, polite, and respectful?

Instead of kids learning how to “stand up for themselves” wouldn’t it be lovely if they didn’t need to worry about such bullshit? Wouldn’t it be nicer if they felt safe at school (and home) and able to learn and live in a peaceful, joyful way?

Wouldn’t it be a great feeling to see everyone as your friend instead of viewing them as strangers who might potentially harm you? And wouldn’t it be better to face the world with hope, openness, and trust instead of with a hardened, protective shell?

I can visualize the universe as I’d like it to be (idealist here!) but I’m also realistic. I know that the world is often more like a Game of Thrones episode instead of Happy Days.

And living in that world requires boundaries, street smarts, and the ability to protect oneself.

I’m a tough old bird and I am fluent in all that. But really, I’d rather let my sensitive flag fly at full mast. That feels more free – and me.

I am grateful for how I’ve managed even in the most difficult times of my life. I’ve grown from those hard times and I’m one bad mofo who can throw down when the chips hit the floor.

But even when I clunk around in thick spiritual armor defending my turf from the energy vamps and ne’er do wells like some mini version of Brienne of Tarth, I often ask myself this: am I soft enough?

And then I melt.

Other stuff:

And if you are also tired of having to wear a thick skin, I’ve written a post with a technique I use all the time.

Want to start your day out with some sunshine? Check out this herbal tea smoothie recipe from Plum Deluxe.

Really honored to have an article posted in the #3 edition of Mabel Magazine. Grab your copy and get my thoughts on Tarot and prosperity.

My friend Ethony just opened the doors for her Tarot Readers Academy. This is a great place to start if you want to learn tarot!

Spartan soldiers on the subway? YES please.

Finally – a cat rap album!

Coldplay and a Game of Thrones Musical? MUST watch!

Serial killer Barbie. Yeah, I would have played with that.

Stealing Instagram pics and selling them as art for $90,000. Yes, this is happening.

Here is a list of 40 years of women in electronic music.

Loving this advice from Ellen Fondiler and Alex Franzen – Why am I such a flake?

Blondie’s Chris Stein talks about working with H.R. Giger.

Do you have a business but are afraid to “put yourself out there”? Read this from Susan Hyatt and stop hiding, yo.

Alex Franzen wants you to tell her everything.

Not sure what to cook for Memorial Day? Try these ideas for side dishes.

Did you see the latest Mad Max yet? You should. (TOM HARDY. YUM.) And you might just love the new Mad Max feminist Tumblr.

Carefully scripted lives.

Loving this from Debra Smouse: shared ritual is you choosing love over fear.

I have a fondness for workaholics. Elizabeth Holmes is my hardworking she-ro!

Should tarot come with a parental advisory?

I also have a weakness for radicals: JayZ’s war on the oligarchy.

Think of quitting social media? Don’t. Bend it to your will instead.

My latest obsession: Marie Kondo.

Is the GOP dying off?

Great advice from Benebell Wen: Practice Tips for Tarot Professionals Who Offer Online Services. This is an important post for ANY tarot professional or wanna be!

Oh how I love this: The Wisconsin Project. Examining Wisconsin through postcards made and found. YES!

July will be here soon. And I’ll be in Portland teaching a three-hour tarot immersion as part of the World Domination Summit Academies! Get your ticket and let’s get our tarot on, shall we?

Gala Darling just released a new book: Radical Self Love: A Guide to Loving Yourself and Living Your Dream

This smells heavenly: Jo Malone ‘Wood Sage & Sea Salt Colonge 30ml/1fl oz’

I am in love with Alaskan Essences sprays! My two faves: Lighten Up and Soul Support.

I’ve also fallen head over heels for Valentina’s Home-Brewed. My two recommendations? Psychic Detox and Protection.

The other potion I use all the time for energy clearing is: Quintessence Serapis Bey 25ml

What I’m Grateful For:

People who allow me to be sensitive

Clean windows and a nice view

My elderly neighbor is safe

Zero technology fails during Mercury retrograde