The Hit List - Full Circle

Sometimes things happen in your life and you think “why me?”

I’ve been there many, many times. Why me? Why is this happening? Why, Universe?

Full on bitter pity party until I come through the other side and understand the why. I’ve learned it usually only gets answered in time, not when making an impatient request to the Universe, God, spirit, Buddha, Hanuman, whatever. (And yes, I’ve tried asking them all but they are mutually silent in the matter.)

In the last few years, I have been pondering why in my business. Specifically why I seem to have to deal with a never-ending stream of copycats. The first time, I was gobsmacked. The second time, I was shocked and pissed (especially because it was a very popular tarot reader who didn’t need to steal my webcopy). Since then, I’ve alternated between rage, sadness, and humor, but mostly, bafflement.

Why would someone need to do that? (Answer: scarcity, fear.)

Why does it keep on happening?

Why.

Mercury retrograde seems to be answering that for me.

In the last few weeks, a few more incidents showed up. In one case, I took a breath and then opened up an honest dialogue. That person was genuinely sorry and gracious. It was healing. The other one…well, I’m still dealing with that one. There has been zero response.

And then…a few emails poured in unexpectedly from people who read my post on plagiarism. They wanted to tell me how much it helped them. Ironically, one of the people who wrote to me is being mentored by the popular reader who stole my tarot business consulting web copy. That irony was not lost on me. It almost seemed like the Universe was winking at me. It has a wicked sense of humor like that.

And that’s when it hit me.

Those experiences were not happening just to “toughen my business skin” (it’s already pretty hard) – they are happening so that I can take those experiences and help others.

My teaching moments are becoming opportunities to educate my peers who find themselves in the same dilemma but also to show the business biters how to create an ethical business that they can be proud of, one that is coming from their soul, not from stealing someone else’s words.

So I’m putting down the emotional energy (rage included) and accepting that role.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been called to do that.

Taking care of my father was a long, hard journey. I was often frustrated with little help. I would ask myself “why” am I the one in charge of this difficult man and all this other drama that comes with him (huge debts, sabotage from relatives, constant worry about his wellbeing, fighting over the car, etc). Why me?

It’s because I can take it.

Once dad was gone, clients started showing up in my world who were struggling with elder care and toxic families. I’ve been there. I picked them up when they were down.

I was the person who got them through it.

And that’s the key: sometimes you have to go through the hard stuff just so you can help someone else wade through it.

And if my experiences allow me to do that? I’m all good with it.

Gloves off and I’m ready to rumble.

Full circle, baby.

Other stuff:

Remember SkyMall, those bizarre catalogs in airplanes? I’ve never ordered from one but always enjoyed flipping through ’em. They are going the way of the dodo. As in bankrupt. Bummer.

One of my pet peeves: listening to someone eat. There is a name for that. And a cure.

Time to save up: the Grey Gardens mansion can be rented out!

Wonder how those Broadway stars keep on trucking when they are sick? Here are their tips!

Okay, I do dig Pope Francis but this post makes some very good points on why I shouldn’t get too excited.

Teenagers get technology. Here are 9 things recently learned about phones and teens.

My first tarot deck was the Tarot de Marseilles. It was the only one available and NOT easy for a beginner. If you want to learn how to read with it, The Hermit’s Lamp has the class for you.

I really love this wise post from Benebell Wen, author of Holistic Tarot: Fees, Math, the Startup Tarot Professional, and Why You Need Goodwill. A tarot reader who is smart about business? Swoon!

From speaking coach Dr. Michelle Mazur: 6 Phrases the Undermine Your Persuasiveness. I’ll be studying that list HARD before my big presentation at Reader’s Studio!

Speaking of Reader’s Studio, it’s only a few months away and seats are selling fast. The Amberstones just created a FABULOUS opportunity for young readers: a student discount! If you are in school and on a tight student budget, you can still indulge in your tarot education. This is so awesome! (PS even if you are not a student and cannot take advantage of the student discount, there are only 60 seats left as of this writing. Get yours before they are gone!)

I might just be in love with Smitten Kitchen. YUM.

Think you want to quit Facebook? Read this first.

This man makes a living painting with his privates. EWWWWW….

To each his own: this woman’s “day on a plate” went viral. That kind of healthy living wouldn’t do for me but good on her. I’d be miserable.

Andy Hayes has a new class on Udemy: How To Improve Your Website and Make More Money. If your site is dead as a doornail, this may be the class you’ve been waiting for.

A beautiful post over at RosyBlu Handmade: You’ve done this a thousand times before. YES!

My cats are requesting suits of armor. NOT. They prefer to be naked.

I used to watch The Biggest Loser religiously but then stopped because it started bumming me out. This behind the scenes story makes me glad I stopped.

My friend Andy Matzner told me about these The Answer is Simple Oracle Cards from Sonia Choquette. I just started using them with my clients and we love ’em! (PS Andy will be speaking at The Reader’s Studio too! He’s a talented reader and one of the best human beings I have ever met.)

It’s no secret that I’m nuts about stationary. These Girl Of All Work LLC Book Buddies (GWF007) are adorable! Just got mine in the mail yesterday and cannot wait to use them.

I am always on the lookout for good scented candles for my office (I always have one burning). Nest has some great scents including this one: NEST Fragrances NEST01-GF Grapefruit Scented Classic Candle. Super clean and crisp!

Back in the day, I took photographs for an anarchist newspaper. This was during a time of heavy rioting so there were some pretty intense pics to be had. My goal is to get back into photography later this year. I’m doing research for an easy to use digital camera. So far, this one seems to be simple to use and the price is righteous: Nikon Coolpix L330 – 20.2 MP Digital Camera with 26x zoom 35mm NIKKOR VR lens and FULL HD 720p (Black). I’m also on the hunt for a good local class on photography. If you are in the Milwaukee area and know of one, hook me up!

What I’m Grateful For:

Hindsight

Fresh air

Hot bagels

Hilary Parry, Amelia Quint, and Paige Zaferiou: you are all so bright + you make me proud

Skype business chats

Sassy new sticky notes and magnetic clips

Forty degrees in January

Soundtrack for 1/24/15: Bo$$ by Fifth Harmony – ladies be bossing up this week!