The other day I was talking to someone who is getting a tattoo done this weekend. I asked her what she was going to get and she said 'What is meant for you won't go by you'. What a beautiful quote!
All too often we think of missed opportunities as something someone has 'taken' from us or we have 'lost' or 'missed out'. When we wrote our life plan on the etheric plane, we chose our opportunities, our disappointments, our obstacles, our relationships and our backup plans. We chose our parents because we knew they would teach us what we needed to know to begin taking the steps to fulfill the lessons we would learn during our life journey.
We chose our friends, the situations and events that would shape us, as we learnt more about ourselves and life in general. We chose our bodies, those divine vessels that transport the magnificent perfect being that is us. We did this deliberately because even our body shape has something to teach us, whether it's acceptance, self love or that we are 'more than' the outer layer.
We chose our opportunities - we even chose backup plans for each one. If we weren't ready to attempt something new or accept the opportunity, it wouldn't be lost forever, there would just be a different way to 'get there'. No one can 'steal' these from us, because they were designed with us in mind - by us!
We chose where we would live, how we would live and what that would teach us. We picked our playmates, our family, our friends, we even chose the people we would work with or meet briefly.  
We also chose our spirit guides for this life, the ones that would be here to help us always, those that would help us briefly and those that would assist during traumas or life changing experiences.
This doesn't mean that everything we do here on the physical plane is pre-determined. Each time we are challenged or at a crossroads, we choose what happens next. We decide whether to step forward, to step away or to step off  in another direction. 
An example of this is how I met my husband, Butch. We were born in the same hospital, five days apart. (in those days mothers stayed in hospital about 10 days before going home) Our parents didn't meet. We lived two roads away from each other, but never noticed each other. We almost went to the same school - but my family moved overseas. We found out years later we even had a mutual friend. It wasn't until we were in our 20's we officially met and fell in love.
So you see, if we had met earlier, there would have been a different scenario as a result. 
So, when it feels like life is difficult and everyone else seems to be getting all the breaks, remember that you chose the where, when and what of your opportunities. There will be many to choose from and you will choose what is right for you at the right time. And if you choose not to, there will be a backup plan. And if you don't like that one, another choice or backup plan will come along when you are ready.
Our life journey is like a movie or a book, we set the scenes on the etheric, but we live the adventure on the physical! We are the main character, the director, the screenwriter and the producer. We decide how our life here unfolds, moment to moment! How awesome is that?
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx

I'd like to 'chat' about expectations. We all have them, whether it is about a person, and event or something we would like to manifest into our lives.
The problem is that we sometimes create an expectation and feel that everyone and everything should follow through with our wishes or visualisation. 
We meet someone and form an expectation of who they should be and how they
should act, but we cannot influence others to be anyone other than themselves.
We might think we can, but unless that person is willing, ready or even believes
they need to change, nothing will ever come of it. Part of our mission on this physical plane is to love everyone as  they are right now and not expect we can change them to suit our expectations.
If we can't love someone wholly and generously, then we can focus on a part of
them we do love, whether it's their smile, their compassion or the way they make
us feel when we are around them.
How boring would it be if we were all the same, if we all looked  the same, acted the same and talked about the same things? ....yawn....

We decide to follow our dream and sometimes everything doesn't fall into place or flow as  evenly and calmly as we would have hoped. We sometimes give up hope when events on the way don't meet our expectations.
If the road to wherever we wanted to go was paved with golden experiences, where would be the challenge? How would we know if we really wanted what we were working towards if it just fell into our lap? Would we just take it for granted because it was too easy? Would we  appreciate it if we didn't have to strive and persist to get to our desired destination?

Sometimes the Universe places challenges along the way to 'test' us, to ensure this is something we definitely want to do. Sometimes there are many tests, especially if we are only 'sorta' following the path and not committing ourselves wholeheartedly. (When it happens to me, I can hear the Universe asking 'So, how much do you want this, Cherie?' It's then I realise I have dawdled or wandered off the path I chose to follow and I correct my direction and pace)

When we get caught up in 'expectation', we miss the magic and magnificence of those we meet and we fail to see the surprise and synchronicity along the road to our dreams.
Expectations create a tiny box that no one and nothing can fit into. Sometimes when we try to create the shape and size of others, events, situations or the outcomes we seek, we miss the opportunity to experience the freedom of allowing them to be incredible and as exciting as they can possibly be!
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx

Sometimes we can experience situations or issues that repeat within our life that can be the leftover residue of a past existence. These can be unexplained symptoms, relationship problems, certain things that trigger a strong response from us or repetitve events, to name a few.
These can make us feel as if everyone is treating us unfairly and it must be a 'pattern' we attract. They can also cause severe reactions when things happen in our life. We don't understand why we've responded in such a way, sometimes we're even shocked at how we acted as a result.
On a cellular and a soul-ular level, we 'remember' events from our past lives, especially those ones that weren't completed in another lifetime.
For example, if you were stabbed in the throat you may find it difficult to swallow tablets. If molten metal was poured down your throat for speaking out, you may not want to speak your truth in this lifetime. If a huge slab of rock fell on your foot, you may have issues with that same foot within this lifetime.
We are fascinated in past life readings, we all want to hear about a time we were here before, to identify why we have a passion for a specific culture, or why we feel a sense of 'knowing' when we visit other countries.
Most of us (including me) hope it will be positive and uplifting, but sometimes this isn't the case. If we are carrying a 'lesson' we didn't learn in a past lifetime, there may be a disappointment attached to it.
With a past life reading it is important to look at what similarities there are in your past life and your present one to discover whether you have now resolved it within this lifetime or if you need to pay more attention to a particular issue. For example, if you were stabbed in the back by your men during a war, you might ask yourself if you are being 'stabbed in the back' by those you trust at work. 
Learning about a past life doesn't mean you need to get therapy or 'work on' yourself. The most important thing is to acknowledge the past life and it's lessons or pain, compare it to this one and decide whether you have finished with that particular lesson. A healing afterwards can be a good thing, to re-align your soul-ular and cellular body, but an ongoing permanent regular therapy isn't required.
Don't be disappointed if your past life reading isn't as positive or as uplifting as you may have expected. Instead, look truthfully at the lessons you attempted to learn in that lifetime, ask yourself if it's repeating within your present life and does it need closure or do you have it sorted this time around. After you have done that, acknowledge it for what it is and then let it go....
You might be surprised the difference a bit of knowledge makes!
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx
 

As we know colours can represent many things and it's well known that specific colours create certain emotional responses. Even though we may not be aware of it, sometimes we can wear specific colours to add strength to our chakras. We can also use colour to portray who we are to the world at large. If we want to look powerful and yet deflect other people's energy, we will wear black and red. If we are going through a period of change, orange is the signal colour. When we are feeling at one with the Universe, white is the colour of choice.
On the wheel shown here are some of the emotions attached to the basic colours -  there are many more, this is just a sampling. Different shades and hues can mean we are projecting more or less of that particular emotion.
When we aren't wearing a uniform, the colours we choose to wear say a lot about us, whether it's that we're feeling happy, invisible or at peace, etc.
When we are lacking in passion, or personal power, we may wear red to help boost that specific feeling. If we feel we are out of balance and our chakras need an extra boost, wearing the colour of that chakra will strengthen it and help to re-energise it. If we are feeling as if we don't trust in our own opinions; that we allow others to speak for us, we need to wear blue.
It's amazing how choosing the colours we choose can affect our emotions, responses and attitude for the day.
So, next time you get ready for your day and you are picking out what to wear, ask yourself 'What colour do I need to wear to feel more balanced?' or 'What emotion am I trying to project into the world?' 
Take notice of how you feel when you wear certain colours. Do some of them feel like overkill because you have an abundance of that specific emotion, or do you feel like you are in balance when you wear them?
Sometimes it's not about the style of clothes we wear, but the colours that resonate with our inner self and emotions. This can explain why a favourite item is hard to throw away, especially if every time you wore it, you felt a certain way.
So what colour are you wearing today.....?
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx

We all know the impact others have on us. When someone tells us how great a colour looks on us, we unconsciously wear more of it. If someone tells us we are ‘crap’ at something, like drawing or playing a sport, many of us doubt our abilities and lose interest in pursuing it further.
All too often what we believe is our truth originated in a comment or someone else's perception of who we are and what we are capable of.
As children we're told some of our dreams are ridiculous, that they can't possibly come true, that we aren't clever or creative enough. We're told not to be greedy, not to talk too loud or draw attention to ourselves. Good boys/girls don't do that and you don't want to be a bad girl/boy, do you?
If we had psychic gifts and weren't lucky enough to be born into a family that nurtured this, we soon learned to hide it, to reject our 'imaginary friends' and close off from our magical side. For years we towed the line, we pretended to be all the things our family and elders wanted. As time went by, we forgot who we were, how amazing, magnificent and unique we were.
We went to school and learnt that we needed to conform or be 'the same', we weren't always encouraged to have original thoughts or to know more than the person who taught us. We tried all sorts of activities and it was usually the teachers who decided whether we were any good at them. Enjoying something wasn't in the same category as succeding at it. Those that were up to the standard teachers needed were nurtured, while many others fell by the wayside.
By the time we went out into the workforce, a lot of us were 'shaped and molded', we weren't our true selves, we weren't even sure how to be ourselves. Peer pressure evolved as we did. As we grew older we discovered there were many peer groups that could stifle our originality, school had only been the beginning.
Then one day, we wake up! We realise we aren't living our truth, we know there's more to us than is visible to others. The problem is that not only are we unsure how to access this person, we're not even sure we'll like him/her...after all, isn't that why society had squashed them down, so they wouldn't escape?
Gradually, ever so gradually we unpack the person within, the magical and magnificent person that was there all along. Sometimes we saw slivers of them during our life, but now we release them and allow them to 'be'. We step into us!
Finding ourselves is about finally accepting the who of ourselves, warts and all.
So today, and everyday, I encourage you to embrace all of who you are, to acknowledge and celebrate your magnificence and to shed those outdated belief systems that prevent you from being You!

You're probably wondering about the significance of the picture at the top of this blog. When I was about 7, I painted a tree for art class, telling my teacher I had seen this tree and wanted one just like it. My teacher told me it was rubbish, that trees didn't look like that, I couldn't possibly have seen one like that and I was obviously a liar. She then said it wasn't even pretty and I would never be an artist. I never painted or drew again until I was in my twenties.
Yesterday, while I was surfing the internet, I came across this picture of the Tree of Life. It was just how I remembered it! What a lot of years I wasted believing I couldn't enjoy art because of one person's belief system.
...and how sad I couldn't tell her where I remembered it from.....!   ;-P 
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx

My GPS has an attitude problem! I know some of you won't find that the least bit surprising.
When I first moved to Brisbane from the Sunshine Coast I was worried I would get lost....so of course I did, countless times.
I was given a GPS (probably because everyone was getting a little tired of my 'anxiety calls'). I thought I was onto a winner here - no more getting lost for me! Ahh, but the truth was a different reality...
My GPS likes to do figure eights on the way to wherever I want to be. It doesn't matter what address I put in, it does a circle on either side of my destination, before I arrive. I tried ignoring it and going a different way, referring to it only as I got closer...but no, there was that figure eight again, just on a smaller scale.
Now I am aware of the significance of the figure eight and it's connection to Eternity, but today I was thinking along a different line.
We each have an internal GPS that can either take us in a direct line or meander and explore as we travel on our life journey.
As we rush about through our busy lives, we race from place to place, doing and more doing, until the day is done. We miss a lot of the beauty and the magic around us, as we try to find the more direct route to where we want to be.
There is so much more to life than we could ever believe. It's important we are open to the extra experiences in our life, the view, the synchronicity and chances that are only visible, if we pause for a while to notice them by living in the 'now'.
As for me, I allow extra time for my GPS to show me around Brisbane on the way to a client's home now. When I get lost, I don't stress like I used to, I admire the scenery, taking time to notice the magic in the world. I am thankful to my GPS who reminded me to slow down and to be 'present'. On the bright side, I even have a better idea of where I'm going now....with or without my GPS.
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx

I read somewhere that if you think your life is or was a mess, then your 'mess' is your message. It has stuck in my head for several days now and I decided to share my mess.
Not so long ago I didn't believe in myself. Love myself? I didn't evn think I liked myself. 
When someone we love passes away we can lose our identity. We are no longer a wife/husband/family member/friend we were when they were alive. This is what happened to me. I woke up one day and realised I didn't know who I was any more. I knew and loved the person I was when Butch was alive, but the person I woke up with that day was a complete stranger. I didn't even know what I liked, what was my favourite food, song or movie. Who was I really? ...and what would happen if I didn't have any redeeming features or attributes? What if what I believed about me was 'all there was' to me?
I never looked in a mirror, and if I was forced to, I would only see my hair or my teeth - whatever I was concentrating on. I was terribly hard on myself, always delving into self-criticism and putting myself down, not just in my thoughts, but around others as well. I would shrug off any comments people made that were complimentary, telling myself they were just 'blowing smoke up my bum'!
One day I woke up and thought to myself 'I am worthy, I am special and only I can fix the parts of me that are broken.
I started off with my 30 day belief system, where I listed everything I believed I wanted to do and revisited the list for the 30 days. I was surprised to find a lot of the 'stuff' that had been on my list originally weren't my truths, they were other people's perceptions and thoughts of what I should be doing. I had accumulated a lot of outdated limiting belief systems during my life and accepted them as being my truth.
I began looking at what I liked about myself and why I should choose life. I came up with three things: 'My family and friends love me'. 'My family would miss me'. 'My friends might miss me'. I struggled to come up with anything else. It didn't escape my notice that all the things that were keeping me here were all about everyone else.
Having shocked myself with these truths, I decided I needed to do something about my life; find, acknowledge and celebrate what was lovable about me. I'd love to tell you it was easy, that I never gave up, but lying isn't something I do well.
I didn't have anyone I could tell my terrible secret to - after all, I thought, who else would understand that I had no self love at all.  So I chipped away at 'finding myself for three long years until one day I looked in the woman in the mirror and she wasn't looking at me with pity or hate. In fact, she was poking her tongue out at me with love in her eyes!
Learning to love ourself is so important,. It's one of the things we should be able to do unquestioning, to love ourselves unconditionally, in spite of our faults and shadow side. These are all the things that make us unique and perfect to be the person we chose to be in this lifetime! It empowers us and allows us to 'be'.
Later, I discovered loving yourself is not something everyone does, that a lot if us have problems accepting ourselves for various reasons, whether it's personality, shape, size, beauty or intelligence.
This is why I created the 30 Day Love Yourself Boot camp, so others could experience the freedom and joy that comes with loving ourselves unquestioningly and fully. I have come through a three year self imposed Boot Camp and my life will never be the same! I love me, I love all things about me and I want everyone else to feel the same way about themselves!
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xxx

The other day I was doing a Reiki treatment for a dear friend and client. It was such an amazing experience, I wanted to share it.
The past week or so 'past life healing' has popped into my world in many forms and I was debating whether I was getting a nudge...until I got a shove!
When I begin a treatment, I tell clients what I feel and ask if they have noticed these symptoms or we define them energectically and emotionally. As an empath, I 'feel' what is going on in my client's bodies as we 'connect' energies.
I was receiving a pain in my stomach I could only describe as severe anxiety. When I asked for confirmation, and she told me this happened whenever she was worried about what would happen to her ten year old son if she passed over. I had  severe ringing in my ears and pain in my forehead as we carried on, which we agreed was related to the anxiety as well as feeling disconnected from her spiritual side. 
I asked about her angel wings (located between the shoulder blades) and she said she couldn't feel them anymore. The sensation I had was of them being crushed. Suddenly I had a sharp pain in my left lower back, above my hip bone. I asked if that had any significance. She told me that when she was pregnant she felt like she had torn a ligament or something similar and that it often acted up when she was extremely stressed.
As I sent energy into her shoulders, I could feel a tingling where my angel wings are, and a sensation as if they were being unfurled. At that point of time, she raised her upper back and told me she felt like she needed to adjust how she was lying, because there didn't seem to be enough room between her and the table. We hadn't been speaking at that stage, so this was validation for both of us.
I had a sudden visual of what had happened in her past life. She'd been a soldier, sometime in the Roman era. He was stabbed through the hip in a horrific battle and as he lay there dying, his last thoughts were for his wife and two children. I described his wife Sandra, and mentioned her long black hair.
Instantly my client began to cry, telling me that as a toddler she'd had a strange attachment to a long black wig, wearing it continuously until her mother hid it. She'd always wanted long black hair and was disappointed that it didn't suit her. Having come back as a female this lifetime, she'd wanted to be the woman 'he' had loved in that lifetime.
The position of the hip pain and the stomach anxiety explained why my client had such an intense fear of the future for her child and herself.
I explained that Christophe, the soldier, had helped her to get to where she was right now, but his time was now over and it was time for her to take charge of her life. He had helped her when things had seemed hopeless, when she struggled to keep going, by reminding her of this past life emotion. When things were at their bleakest, the thought of her son had kept her battling on.
Christophe stood before me (as close as he could, I might add!), a handsome man in full battle gear. He would have been around the same age as my client.
It is my belief that when we have a past life guide like Christophe, that as we reach the same age they were when they passed over, this is the time we need to take over.
I thanked Christophe for his assistance in her life thus far, for keeping her on track and reminding her she had much to live for, even when it didn't feel like it. I told him she would now take over and he could go home to Sandra now.  I then asked my client to ensure she did the same.
I had the distinct sensation of the sword being gently removed and the space where it had been, being healed over. My client said she could also feel sensations in that area. We both felt a great sense of peace and love fill the room.
A short time later, as I was packing up, a candle that had been burning during the healing was knocked over - in the opposite direction that the wind was blowing the curtains.... Christophe had left the building!

The next day, my client sent me a text
'Oh wow, that reiki and reading were amazing. I feel amazing, confident, inspired, energetic, peaceful and calm and an amazing secure feeling about what the future holds. It feels like I need to share this feeling of kindness to everyone I know. Feels like the world is my oyster! Never felt like this before. I am in control of my life and feel I can do anything with my head held high! Thank you...

Sometimes we have strange fears and emotions we can't explain. Situations and  events can create a sense of 'knowing' or a repeated reaction to them from our
past lives. We may not remember, but our cells, inner wisdom and energy do.  
It's putting the puzzle together that creates a sense of  understanding and realisation. Isn't it awe-inspiring to know that you may be receiving guidance from another you - for as long as you need it?!!
Thanks to my wonderful friend and client who allowed me to share this as well as her message. x
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx

Why is it that when we reach adulthood we have such limiting belief systems? Why is it that we get more hung up on what we can't do than what we can't?
From an early age, we are told what not to do, who we are and what we should do. Although this is an incredibly great excuse not to move forward or change, once we have left home or become adults we can't really use those excuses any more.
Although our parents, teachers and extended family may have originally shaped and instilled into us beliefs that don't serve our highest good, we need to take responsibility for our actions now we are all 'growed up'.
I remember hearing about a survey that said most criminals in jail in 1995 were bottlefed as babies, which statistically, presumed that if you were bottlefed, due to circumstances beyond your control, you were going to have a criminal record. This just sounds like a handy excuse to bring out when you need it - like playing poker with an ace up your sleeve!
Belief systems are just that, they are things you believe about yourself, but are they your truth? No, they aren't. All too often we absorb other's belief systems and perceptions. We believe we aren't pretty enough, we aren't clever enough, brave enough, talented enough.....but how do we know unless we believe in ourselves enough to try?
I've been told I have an attitude problem by many, but I believe that is their issue, not mine. I like my attitude fine, in fact I love it, wholeheartedly and unconditionally! I don't like being told what to do or what is best for me - unless I ask for advice.
Whenever someone tells me I can't do anything, I have this need to prove them wrong. In fact most of what I have achieved in my life is due to what I call my 'push me, pull you' factor. I remember when I was in my twenties I showed an interest in screenprinting and was told 'You couldn't possibly do it, you're not creative enough' (think of a red flag to a bull and you will get an idea of my instant reaction to this kind of comment!) I bought a book and within 3 months, I was selling my screenprinted works of art!
So, when someone tells you that you can't do something, how do you react? Do you say 'You're right'?, Do you think 'I shouldn't have told you about my dream, because now it's shattered? or do you believe in yourself enough to at least give it a try?
Does anyone ever really know what we are capable of? Can they see every aspect of us, every talent, skill and ability we have? Of course not! So why do we allow others to 'rain on our parade', to keep us reined in with their own self-limiting beliefs? We are much more than even we are aware of, but until we try to stretch those limiting boundaries and belief systems, we never get to see the 'all' we are capable of.
And if it doesn't work, if we decide it wasn't for us after all, that's okay. It's not about failure, it's about feedback during our life journey. Screenprinting wasn't what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, but what I learnt has proved invaluable within other aspects of my life.
When you next want to try something, for goodness sake, try it! You lose nothing by trying and you gain so much, even if you can't see it at the time. If someone tells you that you can't do something or you shouldn't, and you know with all your being you want to follow that course or dream, then shake off that 'push me, pull you attitude' that resides in every one of us and prove you can - not for them, but for you.
Acknowledge all that you are, all you can be and be proud of everything you do. You're amazing! Live it! Breathe it! Be it!
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx

Sometimes we have crazy dreams we can't possibly explain.  I believe dreams are the result of messages our unconscious, our intuition or our guides want us to listen to. Although some of them seem to have such strange content, we can always find a gem within that tells us something we aren't looking at or attending to within our lives.
Our subconscious uses dreams to help us to think about things we are repressing or trying to bury/hide from ourselves. It's usually a wake up call. It very rarely means exactly what the dream portrays. Our subconscious speaks to us in pictures we understand and the emotions that go with them.
Dreams aren't always as straightforward as we think they are.
Sometimes our subconscious or our guides are trying to tell us something
important. Each persons dream will be unique to them and their thought patterns,
values and mindsets, so we need to unravel these for you to discover what your
dream is trying to tell you.
The only time our guides and spirit family can get into our minds is when we are asleep or meditating - when our busy minds are at rest. Otherwise it's like trying to cross a busy highway, it's hit or miss for our spiritual companions.
Although dream books are extremely helpful, if a definition doesn't resonate with you, then you may find it difficult to make sense of it. Everyone's dream is unique to them, as what one thing symbolises a certain thing in one person's mind isn't always the same in another, so it's important to look at the symbols in a dream and what they mean to you. Once we establish what they represent, we may discover you have an Aha! moment. Once you have reached this stage you may find the dreams stop because your subconscious has made it's point.

 Here's an example of a dream to give you an idea of what I mean.
Supposing you had a dream where you were in a house, pregnant and very unhappy. Your partner was extremely happy. Next thing you were in a car and it spun out of control...and then you woke up.
These are some of the questions I would ask you:
Being pregnant to me means you have an idea, something you are thinking
of doing or a project, etc. What does pregnant mean to you? When you think of
being pregnant, what do you associate it with?
For me a baby is usually about a new beginning, so it could be a fresh start, new venture, something different about to happen in your life. What does this mean to you, not in actually holding one or having one. Is it a sense of fulfilment? A burden? A struggle? Contentment?
If you knew the sex of the baby, to me a girl would mean it is either to do with your femininity or something that affects you personally. So are you acknowledging your feminine side? Do you feel desirable? Are you being all you can be? A boy would be about being strong, taking action, feeling confident in yourself. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the will of others? Do you feel stuck? Are you feeling unhappy or stifled at work? Do you want to change your career direction?
Are you and your partner happy? Do you feel something is lacking? Do you feel less than desirable? Is there something you want to sort out within your relationship but don't know where to start? Do you have an idea for a venture that you would like to pursue but you aren't saying it out loud? Are you buying a house or taking a
risk financially and it is worrying you? Do you want to buy a house or take a risk and your partner doesn't?
I believe a house is usually symbolic of our soul, the place where we truly live. Do you feel happy in yourself? Do you feel you are being all you can be? Do you feel like there is more to life?
Are there any other specifics in the dream? Rooms? Colours? Where do you think you are? Country? Time, as in present time? Is anyone else around you? What else is happening?
If it's a kitchen, what does a kitchen symbolise to you? For me a kitchen is all about drudgery and boredom, never-ending sameness. If it's a bedroom, what does that mean? Is it about your inner sanctuary? Is it your cave away from the world? Is it a place for sleeping? Or is it a place full of romance and sex?
When I define my own dreams, a car typically symbolises our journey through life. What type of car was it? Is it your current car? Is it better? Is it worse? What colour iss it? What does that colour mean to you? Were you cramped? What does a car mean to you personally? What springs into your mind immediately when you think about a car accident? Could it be a fear for the person/people in the car's safety? Or for your relationship with yourself? Does it feel like your life is out of control, that you aren't driving your journey?
Is there a part of you waiting for something bad to happen to you....your partner, family or your relationship. Do you feel as if it's too good to be true? Do you feel unworthy or that he/she could/should have someone better?  Do you feel like your relationship has changed for better? for worse?

It is important to break your dream up into the bigger symbols and then look
at what each one means to you. I used to write down each item and list what they
represented to me; what I feel when I think about them and anything else that
popped into my mind. As I did so, I would usually have an Aha! moment and
understand the message. I love the challenge of defining what my message is. In
fact I'm disappointed when I don't get to dream! Having done it for so many
years, I don't need to write it down anymore. I wake up in the morning and think
'Okay, I need to address that issue, or I need to do that for me, etc'

Of course there is another theory as well.  As I say in another chapter, I believe we currently live on many planes, that major decisions we make impact how our life pans out (similar to the movie Sliding Doors). Generally it feels like we are a bystander, or that they can't see us. However, when we visit these alternate planes in our dreams it is possible to feel all the pain, emotions and anguish, because we are that person too. So in a different plane, someone may have been killed or the outcome may have been different.
I know that when I 'visit' another plane, although I am watching what is happening, I feel all the emotions of the person in the dream so acutely as if I was experiencing it, and in a way I am.
I'd be willing to bet that the next dream you have, you will look at it differently.
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx
(picture by Zen Gardener)
 


  
 

(excerpt from my book)
We are each given guides to help us along our life path. Some are from past lives, whether they are friends, family or enemies. Some of our guides 'owe' us for a misdeed in a past life. Others have a specific personality trait we need to draw upon and some are here because they agreed to help us during our
journey. There is no limit to the number of guides we have, some are here for a specific time frame or until we resolve an issue or past life emotion we have brought through into this life and others are here for our entire life.
I've had many guides through my life and I'm going to use some of them as an example of why they were here.
I have (had):
Alfie, a 'boat' man who did me wrong in a past life, messing with my affections and deserting me when I became pregnant. He stands guard over me and helps me rediscover my inner strength. He uses his oar in a way a soldier might stand at attention with a rifle.
Maria, is a spanish dancer, who encourages me to dance and enjoy life.
Carlos is a gypsy I helped to escape when fortune telling was illegal in Spain. He is repaying a debt and tried for many years to get me to accept my psychic-ness.
Sarah was my younger sister, who had played for my parent's affections and landed me in trouble many times because she was cute and I was 'old enough to know better'. She was here to show me that I can still be child-like and use my imagination.
I also have a High Priestess, whose name I've never known. I also was a High Priestess in that lifetime and we were like sisters. She spent a fair amount of years trying to help me see the divine being within me. I died a horrible death in that
lifetime, swearing never to put myself in that position ever again. Over time,
she has convinced me that times are different and it's safe to be all I am. She appeared in my life at a time when I was heartsick and didn't want to  be a part of this world. She would assume my reflection in the mirror. Synchronistically, the time she began to be a part of my life and when I was giving up on life is about the age I had died in that previous lifetime. We wrote a contract on the etheric plane where she agreed to help me through that difficult time.
Peter is a son I miscarried in this lifetime. He appears as a 15 year old, because that is the age he 'chooses' to be. He helps me to remember how amazing I am, that I am lovable even when I feel I'm at my most unlovable! He knows everything about me and still loves me unconditionally. He gets a bit annoyed with me sometimes when I forget to do the same, or to ask for help.
Brian has been with me since birth. He's a bit of a straight talker and doesn't
mind giving me a bitch slap from the other side now and then. I don't believe we
shared any lifetimes together, he just signed up to be my babysitter! He helps
me in all things.
Butch, my husband, is also around me, helping me to learn to live again and he puts in a good word with other people's guides to help smooth the way. I'm told he feels responsible for leaving me to struggle, which is sad and uplifting at the same time. He also makes me realise I am loved and that although his physical presence is gone,I am never alone.
My Grandma is also around me, helping to smooth the way and provide comfort when she can.
I also have a guide who is a Light Spirit. His name is complicated to say, so I just call him Sam. He's taller than the ceiling in my room and has to bend in half if he visits. I have met with him in a meditation and danced with my feet resting on his. He carries me effortlessly and I feel such joy around him. 
Guides can come and go continually. They don't just stand around waiting for
us to need them. They have 'lives' to lead as well. I know that Carlos, Sarah
and the High Priestess are no longer around me. They have achieved what they
were here to do. The rest are still around me, and I know Ihave a few new ones waiting in the wings as I evolve, appearing as my needs and lessons change with me.
Some people see their guides, others feel, sense or hear them. I could feel
Alfie, can hear Brian and I would see the High Priestess as I looked in  the mirror. 
I love all my guides and spirit family, they each bring something different
to my life, so I know I have all the bases covered. I know that whatever happens
I can call on them for assistance. I know they whisper to me as I sleep, hug me
when I'm miserable and inspire me to be all I can be.  They laugh and cry along with me, and will cheer from the sidelines when I most need it. However they never interfere with my free will, and will only step in to offer guidance or assistance if I ask them. If I have a difficult issue with someone or something, they will 'chat' to the guides of others involved to help resolve the situation.
I believe that sometimes the orbs that show up in photos are imprints of the energy from our spirit family and guides. I also believe that not every reading or visit to a psychic will immediately allow us access to all our guides. Sometimes they only step forward when we need to know about them and the reason th
Discovering who our guides are and why they are around us is important. We are better able to see what challenge we are facing and know we aren't alone. We never are, it is only our perception that we are.
As beings of source, we are always connected, even if we don't see or realise it at the time. There is a lot of comfort just in the knowing!
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx

I have had the most wonderful day today. Two of my favourite cousins (and spirit sisters) and I spent the afternoon in the sun talking about all things spiritual. It was fantastic to share our views, agreeing on many and having our own opinion on others. It was perfect! I came home feeling so contented - even though my vocal chords were a bit sore for some strange reason.
It was fantastic to 'be'. We could talk about anything and everything, there were no limits. What answers we weren't sure about we explored options until we found one that 'felt right'.
There was a time when I could never have had such open and frank discussion with anyone about this. I hid that part of me away for many years, only showing people what I thought was 'safe' for them to see. I'd learnt my lesson, after being treated like 'the devil's spawn' for believing in what I did and therefore, according to them, turning my back on religion per se.
It was funny, the more I hid my true self, the more people turned up in my life who thought spirituality was voodoo or witchcraft, and always evil. I discovered there was more prejudice from those with religious beliefs rather than vice versa. I admit I found this a surprising revelation. It didn't seem to matter which way I turned, these personality types kept coming out of the woodwork, pushing my buttons. It was with relief I finally 'came out of the closet' and admitted my beliefs.
When I finally began living my truth totally, I attracted all these wonderful souls into my life. I found out that many of the friends I encountered afterwards as well as some of my existing ones (and that includes my amazing cousins) also had similar beliefs. It was liberating to be 'me' and actually talk about all aspects of the
Universe, swapping stories and experiences as well as opinions.
Here's the thing; If we aren't being true to ourselves, if we aren't being who we truly are and live within the integrity of our soul, the Universe sends us all sorts of random people who will push our buttons, to nudge us and remind us who we are. As long as we are living in dysfunction or at odds with our 'self', we will attract others who are doing the same - it's that same old energy story. 
When we have stepped into who we truly are, we then attract others who have done the same. I look back now and can see how often and how hard the Universe 'nudged' me....and I'm truly grateful. Living my truth is a hell of a lot better than living someone else's lie.
So if there is someone around you pushing your buttons, ask yourself, is there something I need to address? What is it that feels so raw when I'm around this person? Do I need to show who I am? Do I need to admit to myself what is my truth? Because sometimes, just sometimes, the Universe is trying to get you to rise to the occasion and show your true colours and stop standing in the shadow of perception!
Thanks to Joy & Shell for such an awe-inspiring and amazing day full of insight, love, laughter and sharing! Love you xx
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx

Tonight I'd like to 'chat' to you about the energy around you and how it affects  your life.
As some of you know my husband Butch passed away in 2008. I miss his physical presence and the love we shared on this earthly plane.
I was talking to a psychic friend in early 2010, who told me I was about to meet the love of my life, my soulmate and within the year I would be married.
This sent me into a state of panic. I still love Butch, who, I know with every cell
of my being, was my true soul mate. I wasn't in the market for a new man and the
fear that the Universe was going to push me into something I wasn't ready for
created all sorts of emotional turmoil for me. Even though I know this isn't how the Universe works, fear overrode any intelligent thought.
As soon as the words were uttered, I began to 'close down'. I stopped being friendly with any males, just in case I encouraged a situation to develop. I stopped going out socially and retreated back into my cave. ( I had only just started to explore my extremely 'different' life at that stage)
This morning I was thinking about what was said, my reaction and how my life unfolded at that time.
It never happened, because I didn't allow it to.
Although we are given the heads up about  opportunities and challenges in a reading, the Universe doesn't force us to comply. We always have freedom of choice and really speaking we do need to meet the Universe at least partway for a reading to become a reality.
We can't expect a new job to turn up if we aren't even considering a change of employment. We can't meet the love of our life if we never go out of the house. We won't win money if we never buy a lotto ticket. We'll never see the world if we aren't interested in finding out what's out there.
Alternatively, if you are told in a reading that something bad is about to happen, you also have freedom of choice there too. If you know about it, you can take the steps to change it.
Nothing is cast in stone. Life is ever-changing, as are we. It makes sense that the energy around us will either attract or repel.
The Universe will always extend a helping hand, but it is through personal choice and our actions that we decide whether we take it.
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx

For the last couple of months, I've been freelancing as a psychic reader for a couple of other companies. It wasn't about the money (because the payment was
extremely low) it was more about stretching myself, seeing what I was capable of doing. I was reading for people all over the world and it was kinda cool being
able to get visuals of people and places I had never visited..
 It was incredibly interesting to see that it doesn't matter where in the world a reading is purchased, most of the questions are similar - love, career, money, family. 
The difference was that I noticed that some people would pay for a reading every
week - it was as if they couldn't make a single decision without consulting a psychic. I found this incredibly sad that so many people give away their power to someone they think has all the answers.
As you can imagine I struggled with the flowery talk that some psychics use, but in
the end they decided I could just 'be me'! Hah! As if I would even attempt to be
anyone else!
Each of my readings had a message in it, empower yourself, believe in you, don't take any crap, you are cleverer than you think and you are worth more. I like to
think I made a difference. I did receive some feedback, so I know I changed a few people's perceptions of themselves.
It was kinda sad to stop doing it, but it was taking up way too much of my time for  no real financial gain. That makes it sound like I'm all about the money, but even psychics have to pay bills!
My message tonight is to remember you are a powerful being, you are intuitive, you
have access to inner wisdom, don't give away your power, ever!
A reading should be a tool, it should inspire you, empower you, encourage you and tell you things about yourself that you maybe hid away and needed a nudge from Spirit.
It can have guides, guidance and visits or messages from the other side, past life information and information that you have requested the reading to be about. It should never make you feel 'less than' or encourage you to become dependent on anyone. Think of it as turning on the GPS as you travel on your life journey.
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx

I was talking to someone about honesty, being honest to and with ourselves. This person was caught up in the idea that being honest with yourself and others was more about confronting someone about their behaviour or pulling them up when they went out of their way to hurt you.
This isn't what being about honest or true to yourself is all about. When we confront someone in anger, nothing we do or say will change who that person is or how they behave. It just creates more conflict and ammunition for the situation to snowball.
If someone tried to change our behaviour, would we? Could we? We are who we are, it isn't as if we can flip a switch and suddenly we are a different person or act differently.
The secret to living on this earthly plane is to accept everyone for who they are. We don't have to love them, or even like them, but we can recognise and acknowledge the divine spark that lies within.
There are people in my life I don't particularly like, but there is a part of them I love, so when we are together, that's what I focus on.
Don't be drawn into other people's dramas, because that means you own what they are talking about or angry about.
Every time you answer them or refute something, they gain power and you lose it.
Loving yourself for being honest isn't about confronting people, it's knowing that you are being truthful to yourself. You have the ability to tell yourself the truth, that you don't like how you are being treated, that you wouldn't do it to anyone else and its okay to be pissed off and hurt...but its also okay not to confront or take it any further. Acknowledging our emotions and feelings is extremely important when being honest with ourselves and true to who we are 
Everyone has their own 'map' of how an event took place, no two maps are the same, so you will never achieve anything by trying to get someone else to read 'your' map and admit its better. All you can do is acknowledge the maps are different and carry on with your life.
I'm not saying there is no reason to ever confront someone, but sometimes, it really
isn't worth wasting your energy when the other person is so headset in their own
'stuff' and won't listen anyway!
There are times when speaking your truth is vital, when you are being accused wrongfully of something, when you feel intimidated, undermined and many other occasions. However it's important to choose what it is you want to clash with people over, whether it's worth the aggravation, or whether you will just create more tension and achieve nothing.
It is also imprtant to remember that some people take their frustrations out on us when their life isn't going well or they are struggling for any number of reasons. I'm not saying this is right, but we have all lashed out at some stage when someone has crossed our paths at a time when we are irritated, angry or upset. And all too often, if two people are having issues, the effect can end up being a to and fro of words and accusations as both parties seek to find a way to release their pent up emotions and prove that they are in the right. Given that we have different maps and
Lets try to approach all situations with a clear head and a clear heart. Ask ourselves, is it worth creating friction for? Will it change the person? Will it change the situation? Can I handle this differently? Shall I speak my truth? Shall I walk away?
When we know the answer, we can then act accordingly...in honesty and within our self truth. 
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx



 

In 1999 I suffered from a back injury. I was told I would only ever live a sedentary life, that I could look forward to doing not much more than reclining on a couch for the rest of my life. In those days I wore a back brace and couldn't wear shoes with backs on them due to incessant pain. Walking or standing was difficult. For six months I passed most of my days, half sitting/lying on a couch. I kept myself busy learning how to write better, how to play the harmonica and reading.
For those six months I grieved for the body I had taken for granted. I'd been extremely active, exercised daily and felt that not being able to dance, do my household chores and even go shopping signified my life was over. I mourned not being able to play or lift my grandchildren if and when they eventually appeared in my life. 'Depressed' was too light a word to use to explain my state of mind.
Then one day, I decided no one was going to tell me my life story, that I was the mistress of my destiny and I had a choice. Gradually I worked on my muscles, I started walking a little each day, then joined a gym when I needed to step up my exercise program. We moved to Australia in 2003. At that time I would take a lift because walking up stairs was just too difficult and painful. We walked almost every day as well as attending a local gym. After six months, I was racing my husband, Butch up four flights of stairs.
Yesterday I went to the Botanical Gardens with my daughter and my wonderful grandchildren. As I was looking at the photos, I was reminded of how dark and dismal my life once felt. I was also reminded of my stubbornness and determination and willingness to adapt.
In the above photo, I am showing Ella, one of my granddaughters how to jump on leaves to create a satisfying crunching sound. Where once jumping was something I could never have contemplated, where walking for a long period of time was out of the question, where carrying either of my grandchildren wold have been considered an impossible dream, I now know that when we set our minds to it, anything is possible. We can overcome great odds, if only we believe in ourselves and trust that we know ourselves better than anyone else ever will.
Today I celebrate my stubbornness, my willingness to adapt and the resilience of my spirit. My back injury is by no means fixed or cured, but I have found ways to ensure I have a quality of life that far exceeds the dire predictions of doctors and specialists.
In my list of accomplishments I list being a massage therapist, a belly dancer, a fun grandma and an active participant in my life.
I thank those people who said I couldn't, wouldn't and shouldn't. They were the same people who inspired me to believe I can, shall and will. I am grateful for the encouragement they gave by being so negative, because it was within their negativity, I found the positivity I needed.
Are there people in your life or your past who you need to be grateful for? For without their input, you may not have strived to follow your dreams and to be all you can be?  Remember to thank them.
Sometimes events, situations and people present in our lives to prove how strong and amazing we can be...if only we try!
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie  xx

The other day I was doing a Reiki session with a client and as part of it I re-energised and cleared her chakras. Later I explained which chakras had been  out of balance and why. She asked me what she needed to do to be able to 'fix' it, did she need to work on herself, attend a class or have many reiki  sessions to rectify the problem.
I assured her they were working fine now, she didn't need to work on them, she merely needed to acknowledge what the issue was. I said it was up to her whether her chakras went back to the way they were before the session or not.
We have different reasons why our chakras get unbalanced and stay that way.
For example, someone who has emotional and personal power issues with their throat chakra, may find that emotions prevent them from speaking their truth and stepping into their own power. This could be due to a on old pattern or an outdated belief system. Imagine it as an old movie reel that kicks in anytime we want to respond to someone or state our opinion. It automatically begins running when we are faced with stating our truth or opinion.
Now my client knows there is an issue there, she can choose to pause before she reacts or speaks and ask herself, 'Do I want to run the old tape, I have been running
forever, or do I want to start using a new blu ray disc to change and move forward.
The choice is always ours, we decide how we act or react and whether we want to change the ways in which we do. We have the power to change, no one can do it for us. Self love and awareness are the first step!
with love, respect and integrity,
Cherie xx

Worthiness is on my mind again today, so I'm going to tell you a little story...
I had a friend who complained to me many years ago that every man she met treated her the same - They started off as Prince Charming and over time she always became the punching bag. I said to her 'You will always meet these men as long as you have such a low opinion of yourself. How can things change if you believe thats all you're worth, that you should settle for whatever or whoever comes along?' 
  When we believe we aren't worth any better, that we can't expect to meet a 'prince' who stays a 'prince', that we can only expect the dregs of life, that we don't deserve to have a soulmate experience, or worse, we aren't prepared to wait for it, things generally start to go wrong.
As we grow up, we're led to believe that we aren't 'part of a couple' we are a failure or an oddity. When we become a couple, we introduce the other as our 'other half', implying that we weren't whole until we met. So from an early age we believe we aren't whole, that we need to seek a mate and we don't need to be choosy, as long as we're a part of society's expectations.
When things go wrong, we split up, divorce or become widowed, we can feel like a failure thanks to society's standards.
Some quickly search for a replacement, and I'm not saying that's wrong, it is their life and they are free to live it their way, just as we all are free to live our way...that's the beauty of our earthly journey.
However, if we believe we 'need' to be a part of a couple and we have a low self esteem or feel we are an unworthy individual, we can attract the wrong relationships, with people who are looking for someone they can manipulate or bully. (They have
internal radar systems!)
If we don't believe in our magnificence, if we feel 'less than' or undeserving, then we tend to attract relationships and people into our lives that will play on those feelings.
How do I know this? Well, I had several disastrous relationships, followed by an unhappy marriage, which all followed a predictable theme. Then one day I woke up and my first thought was 'I'm worth so much more than this!' and changed.
I believe this was the first step toward my spiritual and personal empowerment. I met my soulmate who I spent 25 wonderful years with. He encouraged me to grow, to be my own person and to believe in myself. Thanks to him I know what I'm worth, I'm not prepared to settle for anything less, no matter what it is I'm searching for. 
I encourage you to realise your worth, to know that you deserve the best life can
offer, to believe in your capacity to give and receive love.
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie  xx

The other day I decided to change my timeline in Facebook. I was under the impression that people weren't aware of all the 'things' I was able to do to help them connect with their inner wisdom. I listed all my 'labels' across the header. It looked pretty impressive, but it felt 'off'. I couldn't explain why it didn't feel as good as I thought it would. I removed it.
During the night I received a message or three. All of them said the same thing. 'We are more than what we do'. I was asked to think about this and consider how I would portray this to everyone. Argghh!
I started the picture with my labels and photo. Well, that was the easy part over and done with. Now I had to work out what it was I knew about myself, my truths. This was the most difficult part of the process! I couldn't understand why it was so hard to think about me in this way. We are all taught not to 'blow our own horn' as children, and this felt a lot like showing off. I began to think of all the parts of me I liked, and the ones that I didn't like to think about. It took me a long time to get past the first few easy words, like stubborn and compassionate. I asked friends and family for other words to describe the divine being that lived within me. Some of the words they chose surprised me, others were connected to my fear of believing I could actually be that! It has taken me about a week to finish this project, to know deep within my soul that each and every word applies to me. When I look at it now I notice there are many more words that describe me than there are 'labels'. The funny thing is that now I've finished it, I can think of other words I forgot. Seeing them in print has made me acknowledge all of who I am - the good, the bad and the amazing!
Creating this picture has helped me realise how much more there is to any of us. Some people only see one side of us, or several 'parts' of us that, all too often, we only allow them to see.
Today, I'd like you to look past your labels and think of all the words that apply to you as well. Ask for help from friends, family and workmates if you want. When you are done, look at yourself through new eyes, see you as everyone else sees you and know you are magnificent in every sense of the word. You are so much more than who you appear in the mirror or what you do. We all are!
This is such an empowering thing to do. Let's get to know ourselves better....and once we do, lets celebrate that awe-inspiring being within us!
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx

Clients often ask me what they can expect to get out of a reading, what impact it will have on their personal lives, energy, relationships and the bigger picture of their purpose. I sometimes wonder how can I explain the result without sounding airy fairy or rambling on for hours? This week I was talking to someone who had a logical/analysical mindset, so I knew telling him that providing inspiration and validation raised his vibration, so he could manifest everything he desired wasn't going to sit well.
I started to create the above flowchart with this person in mind, but once it was finished I wanted to share it in my latest blog.
A reading has far-reaching effects. It can help you remember who you are, clear any self-made or imposed blockages and it can help you remember you are never alone. If you are stressing about a certain situation or decision and you need validation, a reading can help with that too. When you are feeling undermined by someone or something, and you're not sure if it's just the thoughts racing around in your head, your guides and spirit family will probably be sure to make an appearance and offer advice.
A reading done with integrity and love will encourage you to be self-empowered. It won't make you dependent on the Reader, it will merely offer inspiration and insight. As a free spirit, only you decide whether to take any notice.
The most important thing I like to see as a result of a reading is that my clients identify with what they are given, and then take the steps to acknowledging the divine and magnificent being they are!
We are all amzing, awe-inspiring and perfect...we just sometimes get lost and forget this, our fundamental truth!
with love, integrity and respect
Cherie xx