Bouncing Back and Flourishing

We've all lived through challenging times these past two and a half years. You have experienced so much. Make sure you celebrate your perseverance and strength, dear heart.

You are not the same person you were at the beginning of 2020. These difficult conditions have honed your resiliency.

I looked up the definition of resilience in the dictionary (yes, I do use a real, old-school dictionary) frequently. I'm forever looking up words I've not heard of before or if I'm unsure of their meaning or usage. I love words and am a self-described "word nerd." Maybe you can relate. *smile*

Anyway, the word resilient is defined as "recovering readily, as from adversity or illness, buoyant, springing back after compression or stretching, elastic." Seems like a great definition we can identify with, especially after these past two years.

I've been watching a tree in the neighborhood during my morning walks. The majority of the tree’s interior is missing and yet, she stands tall and thrives. See her photo below. She is the epitome of resilience.

See how much of this tree’s interior is missing due to disease, injury or accident? Still she thrives and continues to bounce back and flourish. Great lesson for us all. <3

Like this tree, we are all looking to bounce back, recover readily and stand firm when things are tough. One of the ways I do this is by selecting a word of the year. It is my guidepost and beacon of how I want to live each day. This practice has increased my resiliency.

During 2019, I journeyed with pancreatic cancer, which helped hone my inner strength as I concentrated hour-by-hour on healing.

My word of the year for 2019 was Flourish. Each day, sometimes many times during the day, I would focus on how I could best flourish at that moment.

Sometimes flourishing while feeling nauseous, when my hair was falling out, and when nothing tasted "right," looked like resting, taking an antinausea pill, reaching out to a loved one or friend, or knowing and trusting that brighter days were ahead.

That mindset, along with my fantastic medical support team and the hosts of family, friends, and strangers who supported my family and me during those scary days, helped forge my complete healing and enabled me to recover, thrive and become stronger and more resilient than ever before.

I am so grateful to be here today to share my story and to celebrate the miracle of my healing. In fact, my words of the year for 2020 was Celebrate, and for 2021 was Miracles. Each day during those two years, I looked for ways I could celebrate or find a miracle. It's a marvelous way to live.

My word of the year for 2022 is Wonder and daily I'm on the lookout for it. Sometimes, it's something beautiful I see, experience, or ponder. I like to take a daily walk out in nature and capture a picture of something lovely and occasionally share my wonder with others.

I appreciate you reading my story, and I'd like to share more about being resilient and living your best life.


You are invited to attend an upcoming event hosted by The Wellness Universe, produced, created, and hosted by Leah Skurdal, which features esteemed speakers in the self-care industry: Carol Pilkington, Carolyn McGee, Debbie Prediger, Nicole Batiste, and David McLeod. It's coming on September 10, 2022, with 90 minutes of online self-care resources and how to fortify your resilience. Resilience and living a life of joy, health, and harmony go hand in hand. Mark your calendar and find out more HERE

Blessings of love, joy, and peace.

Love,

Janette

Janette Stuart: Best Selling Author, Ordained Minister, Certified Angel Card Reader, Blogger, Military Mom, and Emissary of Joy at Angel Angles and Well-Being and Wonder will assist you to own and embrace your divinity and live a life of love, joy, and peace. Gentleness and Joy are her Superpowers.www.angel-angles.com

Joyful Living Requires Bravery

Even when the rest of the world seems to be falling apart before your very eyes, don’t feel guilty for feeling and exuding your joy. Your joy is a beacon of hope for others, especially during challenging times. And oh boy, have times been challenging for us all.

Joyful living requires us to be brave. Brave enough to choose joy and shine our brightest despite what is happening around us.

Joy is the core of who you really are. Joy is your birthright, and joy is your essence. It’s also a contagion for good.

We knew this truth as children before we were tamed by society. We moved with joy and frolicked. We’d skip around from place to place just for the sheer pleasure it gave us.

We knew how to delight in the simple pleasures of nature, hello splashing in a puddle, making a wish upon a star, and using our imagination bravely. Remember how that felt? When was the last time you skipped? Do you even remember skipping?

My friend, Pam Bohlken of Healing in Progress and I enjoyed some time frolicking at a wellness retreat in Maryland last month.

Our joy was second nature to us: instinctual, and then we were taught to be still, sit quietly and conform. Joy was slowly groomed out of our lives as we learned  to be “responsible adults.”

At age 12, I remember shutting down my inner child when I became a woman thinking, Now that I’m a woman, I’d better act like one, and I put my inner joy, my zest for life, that spark of divine goodness, behind a locked and dreary door that no one could access.

Your joy is a beacon of hope for others, especially during challenging times, and oh boy, have times been challenging for us all.

Here’s my favorite quote about joy.

“It’s not just that your purpose is joy, it is that you are joy. You are love and joy and freedom and clarity expressing. Energy-frolicking and eager. That’s who you are.

And so, if you’re always reaching for alignment with that, you’re always on your path, and your path will take you into all kinds of places.”
Abraham Hicks

A way to bravely live my joy is to swing at a park. Yes, swinging in a public park when others are nearby. I love to swing, and it gives me a sense of freedom. By being brave and enjoying the gift of swinging, even if I look silly to others, I can inspire others to live more courageously and do what they love.

I encourage you to live your life joyfully by doing what lights you up. Maybe today, you’ll do one thing to spark that joy in your own life.

Joy is different than happiness. Happiness is fleeting and depends on outer circumstances, and joy is a deep-seated inner spark of divine goodness. It is possible to live joyfully amid struggle, illness and hardship. I know it’s true because I’ve experienced that joy many times during challenging times, including when my precious brother was dying and during my healing journey with pancreatic cancer in 2019.

Want to find out more and cultivate extra joy in your life? I invite you to join in my online monthly donation-based event, The Secret Garden of Joy, in partnership with The Wellness Universe, where we’ll focus on joyous living for an hour as we leave the world behind to discover, explore, and dream. Find out more HERE.

Blessings of love, joy, and peace.

Love,

Janette

Janette Stuart: Best Selling Author, Ordained Minister, Certified Angel Card Reader, Blogger, Military Mom, and Emissary of Joy at Angel Angles and Well-Being and Wonder will assist you to own and embrace your divinity and live a life of love, joy, and peace. Gentleness and Joy are her Superpowers.www.angel-angles.com

11:11 and All is Well: 11 Meanings for 11-11

Just what does 11:11, 11/11, or 1111 mean? Do you see this or other repetitive numbers often? If so, stay tuned, and we’ll explore the meaning.

Today is November 11 or 11/11. It is also Veteran’s Day or Armistice Day. World War II was officially ended in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1945.

Today is a personal favorite of mine because it’s our son’s birthday. He was born in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and weighed almost 11 pounds (10 lb. 12 oz.) I see 11:11 nearly every day. I see 1:11 often, I can’t tell you how many times I have 111 unread emails. So, what does it mean?

According to angel numbers and numerology, 11:11 means many things. I’m sharing 11 things because I couldn’t help myself:

1. Pay attention, awaken

2. You are one with life

3. Live in Light

4. Creativity and genius

5. A fresh start and new beginnings

6. Big things are in store

7. Your dreams are being made manifest

8. Balance and synchronicity

9. A portal or doorway to trust

10. Your angels are sending a message

11. All is well; you are on the right path

When I see 11:11, I think of my son and send a blessing. I also thank God for the gift of his life and how grateful I am to be his mom. I usually think or say, “11:11, and all is well.”

Another visual I remember when seeing the number 11 is from my friend Moira Hutchison: Intuition Cultivator, and Mindset Mentor, showing us her index fingers of both hands with the hands apart, saying 1 and 1, the Universe and me and bringing the fingers side by side forming the close connection showing the number 11 as we are one with the Universe, we are not alone, the Universe and we are one. A compelling image indeed. Maybe it resonates with you also. You may want to visualize that image next time you see the number 11.

What do you think of when you see 11:11?

Do you also see other repetitive numbers? If so, pay attention to those numbers and google their meaning as you are being guided. Repetitive numbers are definitely signs of love from above, and warrant our attention.

We have lots of repetitive numbers in our family:

• Grandma was born on 4-4

• My Husband was born on 10-10

• Son was born on 11-11

• Sister and I share the same birthday, 3-26, and we are not twins (I’m five years older), and our great-grandmother was also born on 3-26

I’ve always loved numbers and numerology, and angel numbers fascinate me. As an angelic practitioner, many people I serve are on the lookout for signs that they are on the right track and are loved, supported, and protected.

So, what other things are signs of love from above and warrant our attention?

Here is a list of ways the angels send us messages:

• Feathers

• Coins

• Songs

• Repetitive numbers, thoughts, or ideas

• Snippets of conversation we overhear

• Synchronicities

• Birds, dragonflies, butterflies, or other gifts of nature that fill us with awe

• The scents of roses or other sweet fragrances

• Intuitive guidance

• Inner knowing

Feathers are often signs of love from above sent to get our attention. What other symbols do you frequently find?

Enjoy your 11/11 and next time you see 11:11 or the number 11 perhaps this article may spark the sense of you being on the right path, that you are not alone and there is lots of divine goodness grace for you.

I offer 1:1 angel sessions that benefit people seeking guidance, clarity, or direction. I invite you to find out more if it resonates with you.

Blessings of love, joy, and peace.

Love,

Janette

First Published on The Wellness Universee on Nov. 11, 2020.

Janette Stuart: Best Selling Author, Ordained Minister, Certified Angel Card Reader, Blogger, Military Mom, and Emissary of Joy at Angel Angles and Well-Being and Wonder will assist you to own and embrace your divinity and live a life of love, joy, and peace. Gentleness and Joy are her Superpowers.www.angel-angles.com

Get Drenched in Love - 7 Ways to Feel Steadier Now

First Published on The Wellness Universe on Sept. 1, 2021. with love and gratitude

We each have at least two guardian angels. They are with you your entire life, whether you believe in their existence or not. They have loved you since before you were born.

The name Angel means God’s messenger: pure unconditional love.

I often use the word God, Divine, or Creator, and others use the term All That Is, Universe, Source, Love, or other reverent names. Use whatever name works best for you.

Our Angels adore us and delight in being with us. You can call them anytime as they are just a breath away.

You are not taking them away from “more important” matters; they like God, are omnipotent, and can be present for all of us, all the time.

We are all living through extraordinary times, and life as we knew it has changed by leaps and bounds. We are all doing the best we can. We are all navigating the sea of the unknown.

These challenging times take a lot of energy out of us. You may have felt you were “treading water,” holding space for the unknown takes tremendous energy. Uncertainty is very draining, so be extra loving and gentle with yourself, dear heart.

Self-care is essential. Self-care is not selfish. It is a way to honor the precious gift of your life. Self-care not only benefits you, but it also benefits all you encounter and influence. Think of it as a public service.

If you are coming to SoulTreat, (and I do hope you are), you will be Drenched in Love at my booth during the experiential fair on Friday and Saturday nights. There will be mini-readings, angel messages to take with you, heart-to-heart hugs (or elbow bumps), and even chocolate. Swing by and say hi, and you’ll be Drenched in Love. I’ll also be unveiling my newest book Drenched in Love at SoulTreat. It’s a Daily Dabble in Loving Devotion to enliven and invigorate your sense of wonder and delight by the divine gifts of beauty in our world.

Here are some ways you can feel steadier right now during these unsettled times. Give yourself all the time, energy, and grace you need, dear heart, for this exquisite self-care.

1. Swaddle yourself

2. Rest

3. Take a media break by turn off your screens for an hour, an afternoon, a day…and see the improvement

4. Be gentle with yourself and others as we are all doing the best we can.

5. Meditate

6. Indulge in some fun, even five minutes will work wonders

7. Get out in nature

Envision every cell in your body being loved, supported, and cared for by the Divine. Here is a snippet from my Drenched in Love prayer blessing, which can be a great way to start or end your day.

• I am safe

• I am protected

• I am well

• I am drenched in pure, unconditional love

To help you keep self-care in the forefront, enjoy my free, gorgeous self-care rituals journal to bring more love, joy, and peace into your life. My gift to you is an opt-in to my love letters from the angels. Get yours HERE.

Have you ever wondered what an angel reading would be like for you? Angels are God’s messengers and are pure, unconditional love. Their messages are uplifting, inspiring, beautiful, and customized just for you. I’d be honored to provide this service for you to gain clarity and connect to the divine wisdom of the angels. Find out more HERE.

Connect with Janette Stuart on The Wellness Universe and walk away feeling better!

Janette Stuart: Best Selling Author, Ordained Minister, Certified Angel Card Reader, Blogger, Military Mom, and Emissary of Joy at Angel Angles and Well-Being and Wonder will assist you to own and embrace your divinity and live a life of love, joy, and peace. Gentleness and Joy are her Superpowers.www.angel-angles.com

11 Magical CoffeeTalk Topics

Last March, the day before my 60th birthday (and my sister's 55th),  I attended my friend Douglas Ruark’s Zoom session called CoffeeTalk with Douglas. He’d put out the invite the week before, right after we all received the stay-at-home order thanks to the COVID crisis. I thought, why not? I love Douglas, and I'm not going anywhere, that's for sure. This will be fun.

I showed up with my coffee; after all, it was 10 am and a good time for a second cup. Honestly, I thought we might discuss coffee, and I didn't know what to expect.

No one was going anywhere, and the constant angst on the news was wearing me out. I could use an uplifting diversion with Douglas and those he invited. I knew it would be inspiring because I'd been following Douglas for years on his My Wish For You Today Facebook Page, and he is a master at bringing people together.

A few years earlier, he had a small, online group called "The Conversation" where I met some other dear, like-minded souls. A couple of those women were in the Zoom room that day, and I was so excited to see them on the screen. Most of the other faces on the screen were unfamiliar to me. Our common denominator was Douglas.

We thought we’d meet together for a couple or three weeks “until the world returned to normal.” Now, 16 months later, we are still meeting weekly on Zoom and have forged inseparable bonds.

What was a group of strangers has become a close-knit group that feels like family. We have shared laughter, tears, births, deaths, and so much more, all while experiencing unconditional love.

We’ve had many milestones along the way during these past 16 months. Several became first-time published authors in The Ultimate Guide to Self-Healing, Volume 2, 3, and 4 by Laura Di Franco. That experience exposed us to fellow authors who became friends and were invited by Douglas to join his special group.

We've had deep discussions that are so satisfying. We keep coming back for more. We are all life-long learners and open to new topics and personal growth.

Here are 11 magical topics we’ve shared during CoffeeTalk:

1.      I don’t know how to pray.

2.      I’ve lost my identity and am floundering for direction.

3.      Divine Guidance and the angels.

4.      Our words of the year.

5.      Living from the heart and the Global Heart Challenge.

6.      Getting Better with Age Now.

7.      Trusting that the best is yet to come.

8.      Finding our Voice.

9.      St. Teresa of Avila.

10.   This exercise showed that I am a writer.

11.   We should write a book.

Speaking of number 11, "We should write a book," which was mentioned casually by Douglas early in February following another great discussion. I thought that was a fabulous idea because CoffeeTalk with Douglas is an amazing group of international individuals who have a soul connection with each other. 

By the end of February, we had our plans underway to write our chapters about what CoffeeTalk with Douglas meant to each of us. We’ve compiled this extraordinary labor of love and respectfully are submitting it to the world with a heart full of love and gratitude on July 28, 2021.

19 Authors, 19 Stories of courage, connection, and celebration during the worldwide pandemic. This amazing book is available on Amazon in Kindle format and paperback NOW. May it bless your heart.

Blessings of love, joy, and peace.

Love,

Janette

Being the Me-ist Me

I remember learning the song “This Little Light of Mine” in Sunday School at about eight years old. It is thought to have been written by Harry Dixon Loes.  I knew then at that tender age that I didn’t want to hide my light under a bushel; oh know…I wanted to let it shine. I knew I wanted to shine my light in the world to be the me-ist me I could be. Bruce Springsteen does a great live version from Dublin, Ireland, of the song that is pure joy that you can view on YouTube.

There are so many ways to shine our light in the world, but the best way is to do what truly lights us up. Doing that thing makes you so happy and fulfilled that you lose track of time while doing it. You’d get up early or stay up late doing it just for the sheer and utter delight it brings you. That is your gift to the world. That is being the me-ist me I can be. I often say the Janette-ist Janette I came here to be.

What is it that lights you up and makes you be your you-ist you, dear heart? That is your gift to the world; that is what you came here to do.

I lost my way in my teen years. I deliberately remember thinking Now that I’m a woman, I’m going to put my childlike ways behind me and be a ”responsible adult.“ Oh…those were some tough times. I squashed my inner child, my sense of wonder and delight, my sense of joy and radiance to conform into the daughter, student, friend…I thought I should be.

Fast forward thirty years. I enjoyed a career in finance and human resources, working full-time for 36 years. I had a happy life, was fulfilled by being a mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend…and contemplating what retirement would look like I knew I wanted to do the work of my soul.

The angels were calling and guiding me and it was challenging to go from a “normal” left-brained career to doing the “out there” or “woo-woo” work of my soul.

I retired six years ago. At first, I was afraid to put my name on my website and of being seen in the world. I took things slow at first. I was living in alignment with my dreams and desires, and the bigness was often frightening, yet I knew in faith that I was being called. I was being led. I was expanding into being the me-ist me or the Janette-ist Janette I came here to be.

My first book was self-published in 2016. I had no idea what I was doing yet I felt the angels were leading me to put my words out there. I created the book cover in blue, which is the color relating to the throat chakra, which signifies speaking our truth and being visible in the world.

I wanted to be the next Louise Hay.

Pancreatic Cancer in 2019 taught me a whole new level of being brave and living in gratitude, being the me-ist me, the Janette-ist Janette I could possibly be. I put my business on the back burner while I focused on flourishing and healing during that time.

In early 2020, when I was regaining my strength, I was being nudged to do a weekly Facebook Live in my Angel Angles Circle of Gratitude group. I was petrified to do a Facebook Live since the day my mentor was asked to show her breasts during a Facebook Live a few years earlier. I thought I’m never going to put myself in such a position…Now I’m doing a Facebook Live talk and mini-angel card reading each week for the past 18 months. Was I scared? Yes. Am I grateful I listened to my inner guidance? Yes. So grateful.

Think how much happier we all would be if we did what we came here to do and didn’t worry about what we should do or be. You be the you-ist you, you can be, and I’ll be the me-ist me. Imagine what a world that would be?! I’m cheering you on, dear heart, as you lean in to be the you-ist you, you came here to be. Sending you blessings of love, joy, and peace always.

This Article Originally posted on May 12, 2021, on Brave Healer Productions

How to Manage a New Pet and a Business without Feeling Overwhelmed Guest Blog by Cindy Aldridge

So, you’re starting a new business and you just welcomed a new furkid to your life. Those are two exciting and major life changes! If you’re feeling a little anxious about taking such big steps at the same time, you really don’t have to feel that way. That’s because balancing life as a pet parent and business owner is pretty simple when you have the right tricks up your sleeves.

To make the most of these two blessings, check out these tips from Angel Angles. (Janette’s beloved rescue dog Spike is featured in the blog thumbnail.)

Don’t Try to Do It All on Your Own

Whew, you definitely are going to have a lot on your plate! The secret to not getting overwhelmed is pretty simple though. You just need to get comfortable asking for help! That help could come from family members who can help look after your pet during work hours.

If family or friends aren’t available, you can always budget for a dog walker or pet sitter to keep your new furbuddy company while you’re busy building your business. There are helpful apps that make finding the right caretaker a snap, and then you’ll have some peace of mind.

On the subject of apps, if you need an app built for your new business, you could also outsource this task to freelancers. Not only will this free up more time than you can spend bonding with your pet, but it will also help ensure a more user-friendly and polished final result. If you need even more help, you can find freelance virtual assistants, graphic designers and so much more.

Do Make Time for Your New Companion

Animals need time to feel safe and comfortable in their new home, and you will need this time to get to know your new best friend. You can make the most of this time by creating consistent routines and safe spaces in your home, both of which will help your pet thrive. Then, you won’t feel like your schedule is being overrun by your pet and business.

One way to help your dog feel right at home is to crate train. If you’ve never used crates before, you may think they’re pretty cruel, but most dogs love crates because they feel like a soothing den. The trick is to make sure your dog associates his crate with positive things, like treats.

By the way, if you need a boost of happiness during your workday, go for a walk with your new dog! Spending time with your pet can relieve stress, but so can spending time getting in touch with the great outdoors. Combining these two mental health practices is even more powerful.

Don’t Forget Patience and Compassion

Did you adopt a rescue animal? If so, you should know that it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for your new pet to fully settle into a life with you. Seasoned rescuers and pet parents often refer to this as the 3-3-3 rule. Just like with your business, setting reasonable expectations with your furry family member can help mitigate stress.

Now if your new pet is stressing you out so much that it’s hard to focus on your business, it may be time to call in some professional help. There are some basics you can work on with your pet, but you should be able to find local trainers and classes to help with more serious issues. Investing in training can make life as a new pet owner and entrepreneur more enjoyable.

Perhaps most important of all, don’t forget to have compassion. Both for your pet and for yourself. This is a lot to take on all at once and you can totally do it! Even so, it helps to recognize all of your hard work and efforts. Remember to focus on your joy and blessings.

You’ve totally got this! You can run a successful new business and adapt to life with a new pet. Just focus on getting the resources and help you need to make caring for your pet easier. You can start with this guide and then look for other tools to smooth the process.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Cindy Aldridge is a freelance writer and dog lover. She started Our Dog Friends as a fun side project for herself and to educate pet owners and potential pet owners about how dogs can enrich our lives. She enjoys writing about dogs and pet ownership. cindy@ourdogfriends.org http://ourdogfriends.org/

Nature is Calling: walking in wonder and amazement

Nature is Calling:

Walking in Wonder and Amazement

I wanted to do a little something different for my birthday this year. Our weather was so lovely and the great outdoors was calling. I wanted to get outside and have some fun. Maybe you do too, dear one.

I asked my husband if we could go walking in a park before our family dinner of celebration. He agreed. The park we planned to walk at was closed and under construction. So we changed our plans and found a new place to enjoy ourselves.

We took off to see what this new park and trail system had to offer. It had lots of majestic oak trees in various stages of rebirth following the season of rest.

The oaks closest to the creek were already leafed out. The trees farthest from the creek still looked "dead" according to my hubby. I invited him to look at the trees and see how they were emerging back-to-life at various stages. I was feeling the wonder and magnificence of their cycle of life and its implications in my own life.

I captured this picture of an oak just beginning its re-leafing process. The leaves start as yellow nubs at the furthest tips of the branches. The branches near the center of the tree remain barren.

Life is re-emerging following a season of rest. It is the way of nature.

Taking this walk and feeling the magic of our journey felt amazing. It felt like wonder. It felt profound. The angels urged me to write about it here with you today, dear one.

Are you feeling life emerging for you too, dear heart? If so, what is seeking to be born? Where do you want to place your energy?

If not, enjoy the rest until you are urged to start blooming yourself. It is all perfect and wonderfully timed.

The angels are reminding us to enjoy the blessed gift of nature. It is a wonderland awaiting our attention.

What beauty are you seeing today in your world?
     

Blessings of love, joy, and peace.

Love,
Janette

Nature is such a joy. If you are looking to bask in the energy of joy for 4 weeks come join us in Ignite Your Joy, early bird registration ends April 1. Save $11. Find out MORE NOW.

Janette Stuart: #1 Best Selling Author, Certified Angel Card Reader, Blogger, Military Mom, and Emissary of Joy at Angel Angles with Janette Stuart which will assist you to own and embrace your Divine Beauty and live a life of love, joy, and peace. Gentleness and Joy are her Superpowers.

www.angel-angles.com