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

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

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

Is there anyone else out there who plans to go to the beach to retreat, reconnect, to find solace within the ebb and flow of the waves, only to discover the bluddy tide is out?!
Even if I was so inclined, which I'm not, I couldn't even throw myself off the longest pier because I'd only end up on my arse - which is pretty much the norm for me at the moment!  I suppose I could have jumped into the mud and prayed for quicksand....
As I sat there, looking at the landscape, I couldn't help but feeling the mud and rocks symbolised my life right at that moment. Everything felt murky and full of obstacles..  I tossed up whether to go back to the comfort of home where I could hide from the biting cold, or remain seated on a stone cold (ha ha) rock, which was probably giving me 'monkey piles' like my Mum warned me about whenever I sat on cold concrete.....A part of me felt I needed to sit there until I could see past the dark and dismal to the tranquil beauty in the distance.
As I sat there on the pile of rocks lying haphazardly around me, I noticed they were kinda smooth after years of being pummelled by the sea.
If I was to equate that to me, I would say, yes, life has shaped me, taken my rough edges off - not without sacrifice or pain, I'm sure! So, within that context, if I was to consider this pile of different shaped rocks around me, I could think of them as my talents, skills and abilities. There are small ones, strange looking ones, big 'in your face' ones, just like my talents or skills. The fact they are all heaped in a big messy pile is relevant too (and yes, I do realise this is a man-made pile...so is mine - well, woman-made! LOL)
Like the rocks stacked here, I am struggling to work out which dream I should be following, which ones inspire and lift me.
All too often as we accumulate skills and talents, but we don't see them as amazing abilities. We take them for granted, or lack the confidence to feel proud of our achievements. It's only when someone points out how awesome it is that we take a step back and notice how incredible we are.
This happened to me this morning when I spoke to a good friend and set me to thinking about what I want to do in my life. I know I love my writing, I love helping others with psychic readings and healing through Reiki and massage, but is this where my passion is, my fire? I already know the answer, these are my passion, they light the fire in my soul, so why am I doing all the other 'stuff'? Its time to cull the ones that don't serve my purpose or help me to be all that I can be.
Back to my seaside musing...
In front of me the rocks thin out and scatter, reducing in size. To me, these represent the obstacles we encounter on our way to personal greatness. By the way, personal greatness isn't measured by wealth, possessions or a great relationship, unless of course its loving ourselves wholly and unconditionally. It's about being all you are meant to be. These rocks are the big incidents in our life, the ones that create change whether we want it or not.
The small rocks gradually give away to rubble and eventually muddy looking sand. These are the day to day tribulations or 'hiccups', like missing a bus or a green light, spilling sugar as we put it in our coffee mug or running out of our favourite biscuits. Apart from those that disrupt our life and change our day or life irrevocably we barely register the impact they have.
Just past that murky patch, the sand is is gleaming in the sun (I have to use a little imagination here, as the sun is behind a cloud and I can't quite see the colour of the sand from here, but I 'know' it to be true).
The sea laps at the sand invitingly, encouraging me to look past all the boulders, rocks, stones, rubble and dirty sand to begin a journey of discovery, full of light and opportunity, to me, to my personal greatness....if only I take that first step.
I can't take all these rocks with me, or I'll need scuba gear. However, if I take those ones that matter most to me, the ones that light a fire in my belly. I can probably take some and still keep my head above water. Who knows? Once I have put faith in my 'rocks', they just might float to the surface or even better yet, they may float higher and carry me to where I truly want to be.
It's all about faith, faith in our choices, our abilities, what and who we love and most importantly faith in OURSELVES!
Love and Respect
Cherie x

PS. In the distance I can see someone sitting at the end of another pier. I wonder if they are seeing the beauty around them, or like me, do they have to 'look past' the rocks to get there?
Life is beautiful if we just take the time to sit still and 'be' to notice.

We all know someone who we feel has 'done us wrong' in our lives,  At a function the other day I met up with someone I had not spoken to for a long time.  At first it was awkward, I am ashamed to say I tried desperately to avoid this person because I felt hurt by her actions many years ago.  I decided this was a silly way to act.  I didn't want to spend my life hiding from anyone, all I had to do was speak my truth, resolve the issue and move on. 
There had been many times I had thought of this person and mourned the loss of our friendship, but I was stuck in my own 's***' and wouldn't do anything about it.  I know I'm not alone here, many of us do this.  Rather than sort it out, we swallow those horrible emotions and pretend we don't feel any pain or sadness.  We build a wall around our heart, brick by brick.  Back to my story...
We ended up talking for a while and although we reconnected, I still felt a block around my heart, so obviously just talking about 'stuff' wasn't going to make this go away. 
Wandering away from the crowd we were able to discuss the events that had resulted in me 'cutting' this person out of my life.  I was surprised to discover she too had missed our friendship and her stomach churned whenever she thought about what might have happened.  Although I had walked away from our friendship, I had never explained why, so she hadn't had the luxury of closure.  I, of course, believed she wouldn't notice I was no longer around...
As we amicably ironed out all the miscommunications, misconceptions and hurts, we realised we were both keen to renew our friendship despite what had happened, that we valued our friendship enough to start again.  Together we laughed, we cried, we hugged...
I learnt a lot from this experience. 
 - We never really know the repercussions a choice or action we make impacts on others
 - Releasing a hurt can be incredibly liberating
 - Sometimes our perception of others neglect or rejection may just be that - our perception!
 - It isn't until we have forgiven an event, action, situation or a person, we realise how it was stored within our body - all of a sudden there is space in our heart for love instead of fear or hate
As I drove home the sky seemed bluer, my heart was lighter and my soul was singing.  The feeling was so amazing I wanted to contact everyone I felt had ever wronged me so I could feel this way forever.
Do you have some unfinished business that could be transformed into a sense of awesomeness?  Try it, I definitely recommend it!
with love, respect and integrity
Cherie xx