The Journey of Self-Discovery This week's writing invitation revolves around the theme of movement—a concept that encapsulates our lives' physical and metaphysical aspects. Many of you may remember that I am a member of Beth Kempton’s Soulstack, which has proven to be the perfect community for my personal growth and exploration. Each Monday, we receive a word prompt that allows us to write freely, fostering a sense of liberation and creativity. Over the past three weeks, I have been immersed in the writing process, completing the manual for one of my courses, "Reiki & Crystals," and making substantial progress on another course, which is now a third complete. Structuring a course involves considerable effort: writing, taking photographs, creating engaging headlines, compiling indices, and numbering pages. Each task presents an opportunity to learn, especially as I prepare for the eventual writing of a book—indeed, lofty dreams and big aspirations. During this time, however, I diverted from writing by engaging in artistic endeavours and more profound inner work, which have become pivotal aspects of my current path. My journey is driven by an urgent need to seek the truth—yet this search has now turned inward. I find myself sitting in stillness, observing my mind, and recognising the thoughts and beliefs that operate on autopilot. In this context, movement signifies my progression towards my authentic self, as I strive to live and breathe my passions. I am gradually paying less heed to the opinions of others, for I have come to understand the profound significance of silence. In that stillness, much can be communicated; indeed, sometimes the absence of words conveys more than a hundred spoken. As I continue along my path toward wholeness, numerous distractions present themselves. Remaining steadfast and avoiding the meanderings into the chaos of life is essential. It is crucial to engage with life without becoming embroiled in it. I envision myself as an observer, like watching a television show, witnessing the characters’ trials and triumphs unfold. Oh, look—my laptop is experiencing a glitch! Will I remain calm, or will I succumb to frustration? Life frequently presents similar challenges, offering lessons in resilience and composure. Inner work facilitates the discovery of our true selves and helps us discern the nature of our beliefs. How often do we blindly accept what we are told without questioning its validity? Consider the narrative of Adam and Eve—does it hold truth for us? Or think back to your childhood encounters with the Tooth Fairy, exchanging a lost tooth for a shiny 50 pence piece. The beliefs we hold about ourselves can profoundly shape our lives. How frequently did you hear disparaging remarks as a child—whether you were labelled as stupid, overweight, or useless? When a child hears that they are destined for failure often enough, that belief may take root. As adults, disentangling ourselves from these long-held beliefs can be a formidable challenge. Despite the effort dedicated to achieving success, success remains elusive without a fundamental belief in oneself. This dichotomy is particularly pronounced for writers, poets, and artists. The struggle lies in writing for joy and creating for pleasure while endeavouring to monetise those passions. Can one make art that emanates from the soul while producing work that sells? Is writing for a broad audience while responding to a more profound calling possible? Perhaps it can be both. I possess the will, yet at times, I find myself lacking the necessary skills. The adage, "You cannot know what you do not know," rings true. Therefore, one must persist, maintain that connection to the chair and commit to daily writing. Regular writing accumulates momentum, moving energy and shifting our perceptions of our beliefs. As the German saying goes, "Es ist noch kein Meister vom Himmel gefallen," highlighting the necessity of dedicating time and effort to achieve mastery. Is all that is required an unwavering belief in my worth, gifts, and talents? Must I relinquish my need for control and show up daily, regardless of circumstances? Movement possesses multiple dimensions, but the most significant advancement occurred when I finally stepped aside and allowed grace to guide my journey. In this trust, I have discovered a sense of purpose and clarity. Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed my little essay about movement. Who knew that this word was leading to 750 words spilled onto the page? Much love Anja xx

Reiki and your psychic gifts You might think that you don't have any psychic abilities, but let's take a moment to reconsider that idea. Just because you don't see spirits doesn't mean you lack inner vision. Intuition can manifest in many intriguing forms; think clairvoyance, clairaudience, and clairsentience, to name a few. Reflect on any limitations you may have placed on yourself throughout your life, especially during childhood. It's typical for parents, teachers, and peers to dismiss or poke fun at our intuitive experiences, leading us to hide away our gifts. While society is becoming more accepting of metaphysical concepts, many grew up in environments where such abilities were frowned upon and quickly squashed. As you explore your intuitive nature, consider this: Have I restricted or blocked my gifts? Take your time with this question. It might take months or even years to rediscover and develop what you've hidden from the world. Remember, this is a journey, not just a singular event, and you are just beginning to uncover your innate talents. For instance, one of my gifts is reading energy. While I may not see spirits dancing around, I can immediately sense whether your aura is gentle and positive or dark and heavy. Simply by tuning into your energy, I can often gauge how your day has been. During a Reiki session, I perceive energy blocks manifesting as physical, mental, or spiritual discomfort. These are not physical entities but areas of your energy field that may be congested or unbalanced. My intuition plays a crucial role in identifying these blocks, and I have honed this talent over time. Like any skill, it requires dedication and ongoing effort. I also share a profound connection with nature; I can feel the energy of trees, birds, and flowers. This bond enriches my psychic abilities and deepens my Reiki practice. I feel like I am a part of Mother Earth, connecting with the spirit that embodies the power of love and healing across this world and beyond. Can you relate to this experience? Do these words resonate with you? Would you like to explore this connection further? Here are some ways to delve into and expand your psychic consciousness: Heightened Awareness: Keep an eye out for the universe's subtle messages. Be open and attentive—you may notice recurring number sequences, like 11:11 on November 11, which many consider magical. Reflect on what you were thinking at that moment. What might spirit be trying to convey? Nature's Symbols: Pay attention to animals that appear frequently in your life, whether in dreams, photographs, or the natural world. Spotting a hawk, rabbit, butterfly, or hummingbird could indicate a totem or spirit animal guiding you. Research what your animal symbolises metaphysically to gain greater insight into your path. Crystal Connection: Nurture your intuition by exploring the world of stones and crystals. Visit a crystal shop and take your time to select a stone that resonates with you. Once you've chosen, sit quietly with it regularly, tuning into the energy it emits. This practice will help you feel more grounded and connected on your path of self-discovery. Reiki Practice: Make a habit of practising Reiki daily, taking a few moments to connect with energy—whether through meditative practices or sending love to the earth and its creatures. You'll find that by becoming an active part of this world; you feel happier and more comfortable in your skin. This practice will empower you and enhance your sense of control over your energy. Embarking on this journey may be challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Nurture your intuition and watch your gifts unfold.

The many uses of Reiki • Do you feel easily overwhelmed? • Do you feel out of sorts but can’t put your finger on it? • Are you ready for radical change? • Does the menopause cause havoc with your equilibrium? Learning Reiki could be what you need!! One of the things that keeps my passion for Reiki alive is its incredible adaptability. Reiki is more than just a healing modality; it’s a transformative journey filled with continuous learning and exploration. There are countless ways to integrate Reiki into my daily life, and this versatility inspires me to uncover its many layers. Every day, I practice Reiki on myself, nurturing my health and maintaining balance. My daily meditation sets a positive tone for the day ahead. When life feels overwhelming, I turn to the Reiki precepts, using them as a reset button for my well-being. Here the Reiki teachings come in. I also share this healing energy with my animal companion, and I’ve utilised Reiki to heal not just on a personal level but also for the Earth itself, addressing the past, present, and even sending healing energy into the future to support myself and others in the challenges yet to come. Reiki helps with letting go of that which no longer serves. One of the most unique and rewarding ways I use Reiki is to cleanse my home. Yes, it’s true—I clean my space with Reiki! As I began my Reiki journey, I wanted to immerse myself in the energies I had been attuned to. I started by sending Reiki to my cleaning sprays. Once I completed my Reiki Level 2, I infused my home with the Reiki symbols and Kanjis. Reiki to enhance the flow of energy throughout your home. Reiki has also become an integral part of my creative process. It inspired my artwork, including "The Portals of Light." Art you can find on my website. I infuse Reiki into my crystals and even incorporate it into my writing. Reiki opens the door to your creativity, allowing you to express what is inside you freely. Reiki frees you creative power . Practicing Reiki transforms you profoundly; the more you engage with it, the more you become one with its energy. I invite you to explore Reiki for yourself—discover its limitless potential and unlock a journey of healing and self-discovery. Whether you want to enhance your well-being, connect with yourself more intensely, or create a nurturing environment, Reiki has a place waiting to be uncovered in your life. Reiki can change your life – are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery? If the answer is yes, please book your space and be ready for the journey to your authentic self. Transcend your thoughts – transform your life.

Living the Dream The ups and downs of navigating the path to freedom. I am sitting at my desk on a glorious Sunday morning, contemplating my life. The choices I have made, the decisions I didn't make. I am getting deeper into the hole I dug for myself over the last 30 years. I was so busy being what I thought others wanted me to be. The perfect wife, mother, daughter and friend. Over the years, I lost sight of my identity and dreams. What did I want from my life? Is it too late to reclaim my power and start living the life of my dreams? What would I be doing right now if I were not writing? Sitting in front of the TV all day and getting lost in the make-believe world? That may be the question here. What would that be like if I could be anything I want, and how would it feel? Once I had that figured out, I made the changes. Not overnight, mind you. It took a long time to peel away the layers of the false beliefs I embodied. You need to see it before you can take steps to implement the changes. For most, a turning point in life is a mid-life crisis or a painful event that can catalyse waking up and exploring what one wants from life. When we look at our parents and grandparents, did they live happy lives? Were they able to live their dreams? For most, the answer is a big fat no. As writers and artists, we are in the minority. We see past the surface and have reached the point where living the dream is the only way. Living the dream is not about material possessions or societal status but about aligning with our true purpose and finding joy in our daily lives. This is enough to keep the balance. Creatives do event technology, and artists beautify reality—and can also show the other side of the coin. We do live in a dual world. The scales need to be balanced, and nature will find a way to restore balance. This starts with each person. It is taking full responsibility for one's life and the choices made, period. Everything outside of us is a reflection of our inner world. You want peace on Earth. Be the peace you want to see. You want unconditional love – be the love you want to experience. It seems so simple and yet elusive. Inner work, often referred to as ''shadow work '', explores and understands our subconscious thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. It is the key to restoring balance in our lives and aligning with our true selves. I do that by sitting in stillness and observing my thoughts. The mind is never still, but it will slow down with regular practice. By watching the mind run stories, we can see what is true and what is not. Each day, I am peeling back the layers of my being, uncovering who I am and why I am here on Earth, and recognising my dream. This journey of self-discovery is both fascinating and enlightening. Now, I am living my dream life. Every day, I engage in activities that bring me immense joy and fulfilment. This is a testament to reclaiming one's own power and living authentically. Life is a journey filled with ups and downs. I have learned to embrace these challenges and stay true to myself. This resilience is a key part of living my dream life. Do I never get frustrated? Sure I do. And I see it for what it is. Discord stems from expecting a specific outcome from a situation. Why is this happening to me? Please note I said for me. Where am I not in the flow state? Where did I stray off the path? I see it, accept it, and realign myself with my inner calling. I have more than one dream, and all of them need a bit of TLC to keep them in flow and harmony. For me, my strategy is working. I am living the dream. Have I reached the goal I set for myself? Up until now, I have been moving slowly but steadily towards it. How do I juggle everything on my plate? In the mornings, I take a moment to organise my thoughts. What is required of me? What steps must I take today to serve my soul and, ultimately, Grace? I trust in Grace, a higher power or universal force that guides and supports me on my journey. I stop to be grateful for what I have and hand the ''how'' over to Grace, allowing it to unfold in its own time and way. My greatest challenge is to believe in myself. For it all starts and ends with me. I create the reality I live in. I encourage you to believe in yourself and follow your heart's wisdom. Thank you for reading; I hope it brought you joy and insights. Much love Anja xx

Following my passion The need to write & create, and what happens when it doesn’t happen. Some of you know I have a holistic business that is still growing and evolving. My bread and butter, so to speak. I genuinely enjoy it. And yet, it is not enough to fulfil the needs of my Soul. There are various paths a soul can follow. Many want to walk the path of Truth, but not many do—me included. The path of service is the most common and still a challenge to embody. And the path to create. There are many more, but this will do for now. The path to be of service and, at the same time, that of the creator. That is the path I am navigating. What happens when I am not walking the narrow path when I am mainly writing content? I feel unwell, slightly off-kilter, irritated and somewhat impatient when I ignore the early warning signs. The trick is to find the right balance between what needs to be done – like writing course material and writing purely for the love of it. When I ignore the need to create art, I get depressed. Every day, I put the need to paint on the back burner, and my mood gets low. That is what happens to me when I am getting out of balance. Feeling moody and snappy – not very Zen at all. How do I balance what needs to be done and what my heart desires? I make a list—what must be done and what can wait a moment—and I create a plan. I have so many hours free today, and I allocate time to everything I either have to do or want to do. Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy writing content, too. Why not use AI for content writing? Well, since you have asked. Everything is energy. The words I write are an extension of me; my content comes from me and will carry my signature energy. AI can’t replicate that. It may mimic emotional responses, but it has no soul. No energy nor an essence. That is why it is a valuable tool, but it will not replace human writing. As I said, everything is energy and carries a unique vibration, and let me tell you – you feel it. You feel whether an AI wrote the book or a human did. Well, that is my opinion. Feel free to disagree. The need to write and create is real for me. My energy is high, I feel great, and I am in my vibe. I enjoy writing. I enjoy creating art. I enjoy healing. I enjoy teaching. I enjoy shooting the breeze and doing nothing at all. I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences related to these musings and ponderings of a curious mind. Your insights are valuable to me. Much love to you all. Anja xx

Reiki and your Space Usually, people are called to learn about Reiki because they want to make changes in their lives or want to help others change and heal. Basically, what happens through the help of Reiki is a huge, needed shift in energy in the individual’s life. The old, heavy, negative energy leaves while the new loving energy comes in and soothes and heals—the 21-day cleansing process. What is often overlooked and causes a surprise block of varying levels is how clean your space is. This includes your home environment, your work office, and your vehicle. Clutter of any kind, boxes, pictures with less than positive memories attached, old clothes, rubbish, old paperwork, broken appliances, unused furniture, disorganization and mess of any kind pull in dark, stagnant energy. This stagnant energy combats the healing work you are doing with Reiki and puts a damper on how far Reiki can really take you. Thankfully, there's a simple solution to this unexpected Reiki block. Clean your space! And I don't mean just a quick vacuum. I’m talking about a deep cleanse, a purge of anything that doesn't actively contribute to your space's positivity. This applies to your home, car, workplace, and any other place you frequent. It's a straightforward yet powerful step that can alleviate the unexpected barriers to your Reiki practice. Creating a high-vibration space: Take a look around your space. Is it light, free-flowing and open? Or are there things you keep telling yourself you must hang onto that are actually creating blocks? Create three piles in the middle of your space: 1=Items to Keep. 2=Charity Shop. 3=Bin. Get honest with yourself. If you need a friend to help, don’t feel bad. Positive support from someone is always good. This cleansing experience is going to change your life and your vibration. Get rid of anything in your space that is not being used and/or actively adding positivity daily. Let everything go. Once your space is clean, send Reiki to it. Sit in the middle of the space. Picture a large white ball of healing, loving, cleansing energy. Make a large Master or Power Symbol over the ball. Imagine that it grows larger and larger until it pushes all that is negative out of the space, leaving nothing but love and light. Ground yourself and give thanks. Your space is now ready to take you to higher levels than ever before! Getting real and clearing out your space allows the Reiki energy to show you how full of light and powerful it is. With no hidden blocks or negative energy in your environment, your Reiki work can really take off and reach higher levels than you ever thought possible. Give it a try!

A glimpse into the seven-chakra system Chakras and why they need balancing The appropriate crystals can be placed on the chakra and around the body, affecting the chakras and, by default, the Aura. That is the basic explanation. Now imagine the transformative power of balancing the chakras and cleansing the Aura afterwards. It's a journey of self-discovery and healing. There is more to it; you only discover that when you have a treatment. How do you know when your chakra requires a boost, cleanse and balancing? When one chakra is out of kilter, it has a knock-on effect. But only an experienced practitioner can identify what is happening within you, providing you with the confidence that you're in good hands. This blog covers the seven chakra systems, the same one used in Yoga. The Root Chakra is located at the end of your spine, near the perineum, and is associated with red. Keywords: Survival, health, abundance, passion, endings and new beginnings, connection to Mother Earth/Gaia, security. Signs that the Root/Base Chakra requires TLC: • Chronic lower back pain • Feeling of insecurity • Immune disorders • Sciatica • Water retention To name a few signs that the Base Chakra is not aligned. Crystals used with the Root Chakra are Bloodstone, Smoky Quartz, Tiger's Eye, Red Jasper, Hematite and Snowflake Obsidian. The Sacral Chakra is associated with orange and sits halfway below the navel and pubic bone. Keywords: creativity, energy, relationships, innocence, sex, fertility, independence, joy, happiness, self-employment. Signs the Sacral Chakra requires some TLC: • Chronic lower back pain • Lack of confidence • Sexual impotence • Menstrual cycle issues • Unbalanced emotions These are just a few signs that the flow of energy is constricted. The crystals used with the Sacral Chakra are Carnelian, Copper, Orange Calcite, Moonstone, Citrine, and Rutilated Quartz. The Solar Plexus Chakra is Yellow, located above the navel and below the diaphragm. This is the powerhouse where all our emotions reside. Most energy cords are attached here and may benefit from cutting, which is done during the session if appropriate. Keywords: Courage, strength, emotions, logic, taking responsibility, self-esteem, learning, fight/fly respond, confidence. Signs that this chakra needs a helping hand are: • Difficulties to concentrate • Eating disorder • Skin issues due to stress • Insomnia • Digestive issues These are just a few signs indicating a reduced flow of energy. Crystals used for the Solar Plexus Chakra are Citrine, Ametrine, Helidor, Sulfur, Golden Calcite, Amber and Sunstone. The Heart Chakra is located behind the sternum in the middle of your chest. The associated colour is Emerald Green with soft Pink interwoven at the edge. This is the centre of unconditional love and the soul's seat. Keywords: Love, safety, trust, harmony, beauty, kindness, sleep, gentleness, hope, seeing beauty everywhere, no judgement, relationships. Signs that this chakra requires some TLC: • Emotional confused • Narrow mindedness • Judgemental • Heart disease • Lung disease, asthma, chronic colds and influence symptoms • Relationship breakdown These are just a few signs that the flow is not flowing freely. Crystals suited to the heart chakra are Amazonite, Malachite, Green Aventurine, Watermelon Tourmaline, Rose Quartz, Larimer, Rhodochrosite, Morganite and Garnet. The Throat Chakra is located above the collarbone in the middle of the neck. The associated colour is sky blue; this chakra is the centre of communication and expression of creativity. It is also the gateway between the Heavenly and Earthly energy, which flows through all that exists. Keywords: communication, creativity, freedom, choice, following dream, responsibility, speaking your truth. Signs that this chakra requires some TLC: • A weak or bad back • Fear of speaking your mind • Skin rashes • Anxiety • IBS or Crohn's disease • Feelings of unease • Difficulties in staying focused These are just a few indications that this chakra is unbalanced. Crystals that work well with this chakra are Blue Lace Agate, Aqua Aura, Blue Fluorite, Angelite and Aquamarine. The Brow Chakra is also known as the Third Eye. This chakra is located in the middle of the forehead above the eyebrows. The colour associated with it is Indigo. This chakra is the centre of intuition, where creativity and inspiration combine. Psychic abilities and gifts are also focused here. Keywords: ideas, honesty, psychic gifts, dreams, truth, teaching. Signs that this chakra needs some TLC: • Headaches and migraines (no medical reason) • Sinusitis • Eye conditions • Lack of ambition • Personality disorder • Lack of inspiration and creativity The above can indicate that the energy flow is not as free as it could be. Crystals that work well with this chakra are Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Moldavite, Celestine, and Apophyllite. The Crown Chakra is located at the top of the head. The colour associated with the chakra is violet or white. It is the centre of spirituality, enlightenment and the connection to the Divine Consciousness. Trauma can lead to a sudden opening – or closing down. Emotional trauma can have the same impact. Keywords: awareness, trust in life, invention, spirituality, devotion, selflessness, values, fulfilment. Signs that this chakra needs some TLC: • Depression • Vanity • Dementia • Skin conditions • Nervous system disorder • Disconnection to the Divine • Feeling pessimistic These can all indicate that this chakra needs balancing. Crystals which work well to balance this chakra are Amethyst, Howlite Sugilite, Charoite, Herkimer Diamond and Selenite. Remember, your health is a priority. Please seek medical advice before working with crystals. This blog is only the tip of the iceberg, and your well-being is paramount. If you would like to learn more about crystals and chakras, please attend my next crystal workshop.

Why do I write? Perhaps it is time to tell you why. You may or may not believe me when I tell you the why. It’s a long story that leans heavily into the esoteric and mystical realm. It is not fact-based but faith-based. As I've shared before, my journey with writing has been a struggle. I faced challenges in school, needing extra lessons in spelling and writing. Unfortunately, these efforts only reinforced the belief that I was incapable of writing anything of value. My struggle with writing led me to avoid it at all costs. It became a daunting task that I steered clear of like the plague. Then, I was embarking on becoming a Reiki Master Teacher. To reach a wider audience, I had to use social media and write to create content for posts, newsletters, and my website. Eventually, I wrote my own manuals for crystal healing and the Reiki levels I was teaching. All okay, and I did this all. I started working with spirit guides and angels, which led me to write poetry, not to share with the world but with family and friends. It was greeted with a lukewarm welcome. Alas, nothing happened for a few years. Until the day I was listening to one of William Whitecloud's meditations. This one was "The Land of Plenty." And here was Grace's first nudge. At the beginning of the meditation, 30 seconds into it, you receive a gift from Spirit. Mine was a massive snow-white quill with a golden tip/nip, and I heard the word “Scribe.” When I received this gift, I was taken aback. It was so random, so unexpected, that I knew it couldn't have come from my ego mind. I had to Google the word 'Scribe' to understand its significance. (If the gift had been an artist's paintbrush or a crystal, that would have been expected). But what to do? My land of plenty was abundant and beautiful – but there was no road map to show me the way. So here I was, armed with a quill, a word and no direction! Life went on, and so did my life. You know, the ups and downs. I worked in my business instead of working more on the business. Who knew that these were two different things, the on more important than the in? I can't tell you more; I just about get my head around it. Last year, I found Beth Kemptom from Soul-stack via Facebook and felt a deep connection to her. The way she teaches and her books resonate with me, and I found the courage to write due to her way of being and to get myself a Substack page, Which I recently renamed. It went from Musings of an aspiring writer to Bliss and Lemons. I started to fall in love with writing. Poetry is something I now enjoy writing and reading. Newsletters and notes, I enjoy all of it. And yet, I still wasn’t sure about this all. Still dabbling instead of being it. Holding back. Now, we go back to last June. I saw a spiritual life coach I trusted and knew. He walks his talk and tells you how it is, but in a constructive way, with kindness and compassion. We were coming to the end of the session, and the energy in the room was changing and intensifying. Grace was present, and here it was getting interesting. I was saying in my mind that all I wanted to do was write and paint. I felt a push from behind me, and the room was brighter. It was as if Grace had said, "Go for it. You are finally listening." But as it often is with Grace or Spirit, I didn’t get anything else. What am I going to do with this? A quill with a golden nip, the word scribe, and go for it? What am I supposed to do with this? Where is the map to show me the way? Did I misread the whole event? I write because I trust that this is how Grace wants me to be of service. I hope my blogs, letters and notes are useful for others, uplifting and encouraging the reader when the going gets tough. Perhaps this is my time in the desert – to trust, have faith, and surrender to Grace's power. I don’t know, and that is okay. In the deepest moments of despair and fear rises up to take control. I remember the two moments when Grace was holding my hand and whispered, "I got you; you keep on going." Here you have it. This is why I write. And sometimes paint. Thank you for reading my reasons for writing. Thank you for your patience and curiosity, which led you to the end of this confession. Much love Anja xx

Words, the unparalleled power they bestow upon us, transcending all else. Words, the tools of our communication. Yet, it's the intent behind them, the true meaning, that holds significance. And the space between the lines. The unsaid, the unspoken, carries a message of its own. Take me, for example. Here I am, spilling words onto the page, and I can hardly keep up with the speed at which they flood in. As you know, I write Bliss and Lemons and describe myself as a budding poet. What can I say – I have fallen in love with words. And yet, there are times when words do not come. It is hard to speak out loud about what is sitting in my tummy, like two tons of bricks weighing me down. Sometimes, what I say is not well received on the other end, or it gets twisted along the way. Or what I said did not land as expected; it got lost somewhere along the line. Words have the power to hurt us deeply. Silence—the absence of words—can also hurt. The ability to speak the truth with kindness and compassion seems out of fashion. The accusing and blaming leave nothing but hurt feelings and bruised egos. Words could be the medicine the other person desperately needs, but they get suppressed or lost in time and space due to the business of life. I am fortunate that I have the time to write and share anecdotes of my life. I am walking the narrow path to my truth. For how long I can do that, I do not know. I love words; the more obscure and made-up, the better. Roald Dahl was a master of doing just that. The way he played with words. BFG, I love you. Or take JJR Tolkien – I was there in Middle Earth. Or the stories we read to our children. Kipper and Angelina Ballerina, Rubert Bear – “Pleased to make your acquaintance” Words we use to write a song, a poem, a letter written with love. Words documenting present news will be tomorrow's history—a warning letter, impending divorce, and points on the license. Words said in anger, out of spite, venomous, cutting, and cruel. Or words of love, compassion, kindness and encouragement. What I try to do before I open my mouth is to ask this: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Words give us the power to communicate. But would it not be great if we took the time to listen truly? to listen to hear—not listen to reply. To take the time to think about what and how to say something. Here is where writing words comes in. I have the time to feel the words and what I want to say, coming from a place of love—from the heart. A heartfelt letter, note, or one-line message – that is powerful. And you feel it; it stays with you for a long time. When someone leaves a relationship without saying a word or discussing it, it hurts. It hurts more than being told what is going on and that this is the end—words of silence – cutting deep and leaving scars. Words – use them wisely. Not as a weapon set out to silence the other party. Words to keep communication flowing. Words to heal a hurt. Thank you for reading my ponderings. I hope you enjoyed reading. Much love Anja xx