Author: Emily

Full Cold Moon

December 3, 2017 by 0 Comments
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As winter approaches, the ground becomes cooler and growth is halted. The full moon lights up the sky revealing what has grown and what failed to thrive. Not all seeds that are planted grow to maturity. Some things don’t need to grow and when that realization is made, it is time to just let it be.

This full cold moon is illuminating what needs to be let go of. Winter is only a season and this ground will bloom once more. I have been noticing the things in my life that failed to thrive. Things and ideas expire and it is okay to move on.

I started this year with the intention to learn to accept and receive. It has been a struggle for me throughout my entire adult life. I pride myself in my independance and receiving help is painful for me. However, I know that when I set an intention to learn something, the universe never fails to provide the lessons.

This year has been full of needing to ask for help, turning over control, receiving and realizing that my life is about to be shared with someone that I have been waiting for and has arrived. Business has taken several twists and turns that I resisted against at first. My resistance has caused anxiety and pain when all I had to do is let it be, open my arms and receive.

The beautiful thing is that when I lay down my armour of self-sufficiency, love and acceptance pours in. What is very scary, has become this deep transformational lesson where I can feel my cells changing. It’s amazing to release and feel years of tension fade away.

What has been highlighted are the following:

  • I am exactly where I need to be.
  • Everything I have ever needed has been provided.
  • Love lives everywhere and has the power to melt the hardest surfaces.
  • Letting go releases so much tension and is a constant practice.
  • Meditation and prayer are key to having a beautiful outlook on each day.
  • Nothing can be held onto too tightly because it doesn’t leave room to receive what’s on its way.

My hope is that whatever this moon is highlighting for you, that you are able to accept the message, let go of what is no longer thriving and find comfort in knowing that something new is on its way and it will be exactly what you need.

I let go of what is not working and open my hands to release my grasp. I accept the lesson that is being revealed and pray for strength to get through this time. I will ask for help and release control. I am open to learning and receiving the good that is on its way. I am grateful for this lesson and open my heart and mind to whatever comes next.

Grateful Reflections

November 21, 2017 by 0 Comments
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Thanksgiving has been my favorite holiday for years. I love the idea of getting together with family and friends to give thanks. One of my favorite traditions is friendsgiving which is a way to share the holiday with friends to reflect on the wonderful things that have happened, the trials that were overcome and the beauty of finding a group of likeminded people to share life with.

Family is also very important to me and in the past couple years, I have extended my family with a recent engagement. When I got specific on what I wanted in a future partner, someone who was close to their family was near the top of the list. It brings me so much joy that both of our families have welcomed each other with open arms. It feels loving, exciting and just right.

As I reflect on thanksgiving, I see that even though there were times of scarcity and sadness but there are so many joyful moments to celebrate. I am firm believer in the fact that my needs are always provided for. Even when it feels tight, I have everything I need and that is comforting.

Here are a few things I am celebrating this thankgsgiving (and always)…

Getting Engaged: For years, I didn’t think this would happen. I had dated and had my heart broken several times. But then, I decided to manifest my dream man. I sat down and got specific on what I really wanted and refused to settle for anything less. Little did I know, he was doing the same and the day we met, I knew he was my person. He proposed to me in June while we were on a hike (one of my favorite things to do). I am grateful for him and the journey and I can’t wait to marry him next year.

Collaborations with creative and soulful entrepreneurs: There are so many beautiful and creative minds and I am fortunate to have collaborated with a few this year. It is my desire to collaborate in this healing and creative space of coaching and it truly was an honor to be a part of a few awesome projects.

Seeing two of my favorite authors speak: I have been reading and following Shauna Niequist and Brene Brown for years. I was so excited to see them on their book tours for their amazing books, Present Over Perfect and Braving the Wilderness Seeing them speak was so inspiring and encouraging.

Holding my book for the first time: After years of trying to get published, it felt surreal to see a book with my name on the cover and my words inside of it. I still can’t believe it when I picked it up. It was crazy to see it in Barnes and Noble as well. Having a book published was probably #1 on my bucket list since I was 9 years old! I am so thankful for all the kind emails and reviews I have received and for each reader who has made Moonlight Gratitude a part of their nightly routine.

Seeing my family all together for the first time in years: I come from a big family and it is rare that all of us are together at the same time. Earlier this year, we all got together for the first time in 5 years. It felt so nice to be with my entire family and laugh like I only laugh when I’m with my siblings.

Watching clients start their own businesses:  I am so grateful for each of my clients! One of the most rewarding things about my work is when I get to see my clients take a step in a completely new direction and create something they love. My mission is to empower women to harness their bravery and go after what they really want. Here are a couple business I wanted to share because these women emulate bravery…Check them out and follow their journeys!

Andora Photography

Healthy Transformations by Hilary

Gratitude is a magnet for joy and I hope that as you reflect on the things that made your year shine bright, joy fills your heart.

Full Beaver Moon

November 3, 2017 by 0 Comments
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Tonight is the Full Beaver Moon, named after a creature that works hard to get their job done. With hard work, they can change the course of a river. By learning the flow of water and working with such a powerful force, beavers are able to use water to their advantage to finish their work. Even though a beaver works diligently it also spends quality time with its family..there is a lot that can be learned here.

It is easy to fall into the glorification of busy trap and I can’t remember how many times I have allowed my work to take over my life. I have lost balance on several occasions because I wanted to finish a task only to find myself a slave to my to-do list and ignoring those closest to me. There was once a time when I was home only 10 days out of the month and they were not consecutive.

I craved connection and balance, but didn’t know how it was possible with the demands of my job. There was a desire to settle down, find my person, have time to see friends and get back in shape. It felt impossible when I thought about how much time each of these desires required. It took me a couple years and learning to make necessary endings to find balance, but I am happy I did.

This is the time to make sure to spend time with the people who are important to you. Create the space to just be together instead of creating elaborate plans. Find the time to just be with yourself and others by putting down the phone and calendars and holding space for connection. The present moment is where connection thrives. There are enough parties and schedules to keep us distracted. The hard work is letting go of those distractions and learning to just be, which takes practice.

During this season, it is important to finish projects as the holidays approach. Make sure that you have created space to enjoy quality time where you are present and engaged. Work should never hinder the ability to focus on self care. It is important to ensure you are taking care of yourself in order to be available and present for the ones you love.

Tonight, think of ways to incorporate stillness, connection and self care into your busy life. Write down anything that does not serve you. Perhaps there are things that are just schedule fillers that can be released to create the space needed to be still. At first it may be uncomfortable, but stick with the practice. What will result is a deeper connection to yourself and the opportunity to truly be there for another.

Full Hunter’s Moon

October 5, 2017 by 0 Comments
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October is such a lovely month. I just love it when the air becomes crisper and the leaves start to change color; like they are putting on their fancy clothes before letting go of each leaf. There is a bite to the wind that was once welcomed on hot summer days. Layers are added as we step outside. The days are becoming shorter as the sun seems to travel farther away.

Tonight’s full moon is called the hunter’s moon to commemorate the time of year right before the nights get longer allowing hunters a bit more light to hunt in preparation for winter. This time of year is full of reflection of what has been harvested as well as preparation for the winter.

We are all hunters in our own sense. Hunger drives us forward. There is a constant pull to go after new things and see new places when our hunger is alive. A hunter is never satisfied if he cannot satiate his needs. Each of us have needs that are begging to be met. The full moon is shining light on these needs and tonight is the perfect time to ask a few questions:

  • What are you hunting or searching for in your life? Sometimes it feels like something is missing and we need to go in search of it. Just as a hunter finds food to sustain his family in the winter, we too need to find things that will nourish our mind and soul as the cooler temperatures draw us indoors.
  • What do you need to get through the winter? Winter is a darker time of year and the cold draws us inside. Prepare your mind to go inward. Clear out clutter that may keep you from enjoying time indoors.
  • What shriveled and fell away? Reflect on all the things that have been harvested in your life and noticed what failed to thrive. Offer gratitude for the the things that took root and the things that did not grow, despite your best efforts.
  • Are there things that are still being held onto that need to be let go of? Finally, look to see if there is anything that you may be holding onto that needs to be let go of. If there is something that you are forcing to make happen but does not seem to work, it may be time to let go.

Gratitude brings things that need to be let go of into the light. There is usually an effortlessness to things that are meant to be. When we push, control, manipulate and become stubborn, we feel the pain of holding on. Our hands get tired from the grasp they have on something that continues to fade away. Pretty soon, we just hold on to nothing, yet our grasp remains rigid and our will bruised.

In order for things to enter our lives, we need to remove energy from the things that aren’t meant to be. Clear space for new things to take place. Don’t settle into the winter with old baggage, grudges and clutter. All these things can weigh us down. Feel your grasp loosen around what has dissipated allowing a place for what is waiting to be held.

Feed your hunger. Read, learn, communicate and stay open to new horizons. Even if you can’t see what is coming, all the energy you put towards actualizing your dreams will come back to you. Remember, the universe listens to your deepest desires. Your hunger will be fed, perhaps not exactly as you would think, but needs are always met.

Creating a Side Hustle

September 25, 2017 by 3 Comments
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Starting a business is one of the most exciting and terrifying things I have done. When I decided to go into business, I had no idea what I needed to do. I just knew I wanted to help people. The idea of coaching was presented to me by a stranger and when I asked those close to me, they agreed that he was right.

I didn’t know where to begin, but the more I thought about it, I realized it was where I needed to be.

One of the questions I ask my clients is “What is something people consistently ask or need from you?” There is a wealth of information in this answer. Each of us have talents and will find that we are asked to do the same favors or asked for the same advice time and again. When I answered this question, the answer was coaching, mentoring or training.

Starting a business was something I would think about, but was afraid to embark on because it seemed too difficult to navigate. There were so many pieces to the puzzle, and I didn’t want to take the time to figure them out, especially while I was working for someone else.

When I finally started my business, I realized that every job I had before gave me tools to help run a business. I noticed where the skills I acquired working for companies were coming in handy and helping me create a business. Each experience provided an outline for a process that I would need to create.

Now, I coach several women who want to start their own businesses. Many who want to start a side hustle before leaving their jobs. I love watching the progression from “I think I want to …” to “I am so happy I started …!”

If you are thinking about starting a business, here are a few tips to help you get started:

  1. Get clear on what you want to do: make a list of all the things you would do if money wasn’t an issue. Ask yourself: what do people tend to come to me for or ask me often? Look at your list and notice where a potential side hustle could bloom.
  2. What problem do you solve?: Think about all the things that you are good at and think about the specific problem you will solve with your business.
  3. Who is your ideal client?: Write out the attributes, spending habits, specific needs and issues this client faces. This exercise is valuable to help you hone in on who you are speaking to and recognizing your market.
  4. How will I make money?: Decide on whether you will be offering a product or service. Make a list of what your potential offerings will be.
  5. What do I need to start?: Will you need materials, a website, social media, products, a certification, investors? Figure out what you need to do before you get started and make a list and timeline.
  6. Name your business: Once all of the above steps are completed, its time to name your baby! This can take some time and you may find out that someone else has the name. I always suggest making a list of words that emulate what you are trying to say with your business and working from there.
  7. Never stop learning: if you haven’t already, pick up books, take classes, watch videos and surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Owning a business is a never ending education and have resources and a network are lifesavers.

With these steps, you will have a great start to beginning your journey as a business owner. There are many intricacies to having a business, but clarity must come first. It is also important to allow your business to be fluid and change with you as you grow.

If you would like more help on how to make your dream idea into a reality,  check out my business coaching packages to help you get started.

Full Corn Moon

September 6, 2017 by 0 Comments
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Lately, there has been some tension in the air. Perhaps it was the eclipse or maybe because Mercury was in retrograde. Whatever it was, I have talked to several people who have been feeling like change is needed. Even people who have just embarked on a new venture, find themselves yearning for something different.

This past week, I also felt a constant itch for change. I searched for flights to anywhere, looked at maps and felt like I was the only person who was staying put. It grew and grew until I woke up one morning completely discontented and upset. I didn’t understand why I was feeling that way, I just knew it felt very real and was bringing me down.

Tonight is the Full Corn Moon. As with every full moon, the things we need to let go of are highlighted and are brought to the surface. This discontent is clearly being highlighted.

This full moon was named to celebrate the harvest of corn; a staple in the Native American diet and way of life. It was not just a source of food, but also used for making furniture, baskets and toys. This one crop created sustenance and became revered for centuries.

I have been reflecting on sustenance as I prepared to write this post. Sustenance is a source of nourishment, strength; something that maintains life. There are many things that are thought of as necessary to maintain a modern lifestyle, but I wanted to notice where my sustenance comes from.

So I asked myself, “Where does my sustenance come from? What do I need to maintain my life and strength?” I broke it down to mind-body-soul because I think all three need to be cared for. I honestly asked myself what was necessary to feel sustained. This is what I came up with…

Mind:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Meditation
  • Meaningful Conversations

Body:

  • Running
  • Healthy Food
  • Walking
  • Hugs

Soul:

  • Prayer
  • Quiet Time
  • Creating
  • Travel

I looked at my list and noticed that I already had everything I needed. This changed my perspective on the desire for change. Instead of needing change, I realized that contentment was the true need. Although I will always welcome change, it was necessary to reframe the story I had created around my current situation.

When I consciously pay attention to contentment, my focus moves from want to gratitude.

The beautiful thing is that the more gratitude you give, the more things there are to be grateful for. The universe hears our deepest desires and want to provide everything we dream of. But, we have to notice what needs are being met, where the gifts are coming from and be grateful first and foremost.

As the full moon shines its light on the areas that need refocusing, pay attention to where your sustenance comes from. Make a list and see where these things are already being provided. Then, offer heartfelt thanks for everything that is and will be. The Corn Moon teaches us that sometimes only one crop can meet so many of our needs and that its source should be recognized and revered.

May your month be filled with sustenance, gratitude and contentment.

Full Sturgeon Moon

August 7, 2017 by 0 Comments
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Tonight’s full moon was named for the time of year when sturgeon could be abundantly found in the Great Lakes. This is also a time of celebration and insight as things are preparing to ripen for harvest. Abundance is all around and the sun still hangs in the sky allowing for longer days. The sturgeon moon is about looking deeper and noticing the goodness all around.

If one looked at a lake early in the morning, it would seem tranquil with the sun just coming up. Boats have not made their way out. All is still. The lake mirrors the sky above, yet there is plenty of life thriving just below the surface.

What is alive below the surface for you?

This full moon illuminates things the things that we have either ignored or that are trying to make their way through into consciousness. All of the longings you have been feeling are signals to what is trying to grab your attention. Ask yourself: What are the messages that are trying to be delivered?

It is easy to bury our desires and needs in the midst of schedules and to-do lists. But, right now it is important to pay attention to what begs to be seen and heard. These things are asking you to be true to yourself.

Heed to the relentless call of your soul.

As harvest arrives, it reminds us that this is a time of great abundance. All the work that was put into change and growth is showing proof. Think back to January and notice what you wanted and needed at that time. See where you put attention and work. The fruits of that labor are about to be harvested.

What is abundant and ready to be received or given in your life?

In order for abundance to take place, we have to be open and willing to give and receive. Open your heart, minds and arms to whatever needs to take place. Let go of hoarding and replace it with generosity. Let go of the longing and replace it with gratitude.

Often times, we sell ourselves short because we don’t believe we are deserving. There can be an underlying guilt when goodness appears. Whether it is a promotion, kindness or a loving relationship we must be open in order to receive the grace and abundance the universe has to offer.

We live in an immensely abundant universe. If you have something to give, give it. If someone is trying to give to you, receive it. Don’t block the flow of energetic love. Pay it forward. Say thank you when it is your turn. Notice where you can spread your abundance whether monetary or emotional.

Gratitude and generosity are cornerstones to an abundant life.

Allow yourself and others to rise up and shine. We are both the fisherman and the fish with something to take and give. Reciprocity keeps abundance flowing.

So tonight, look past the surface and see what is deeper; waiting to be received and notice any places where you can be generous. The moon is highlighting these opportunities. Spend some time in a quiet place and be open to what lies beneath.

How to Align Your Career With Your Values

July 31, 2017 by 0 Comments
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One of the most rewarding feelings is changing from a career that no longer brings you joy into one that aligns with your purpose. Some careers have expiration dates and it is daunting to think about leaving the familiar into the unknown. But, if the idea continues to pop up, it may be something that needs attention.

Important decisions present themselves relentlessly.

I have worked with many people who have the aching feeling every day at work that they must leave. They aren’t sure where they are going next, but their soul tells them that it is time to move on.

One of the first things I do with new clients is work with them on gaining clarity on where they want to go. Before they start randomly applying for jobs, it is important to have a sense of direction. Clarity does not come without contemplation and reviewing what is important. If you are leaving one job just to go into another one randomly, the likelihood of finding fulfillment is low.

In fact, getting a job just for the sake of a paycheck does not bring the satisfaction that a job that aligns with one’s purpose does. This does not mean that finding a job to pay the bills in the meantime is not necessary. Most people hold a job while pursuing their passions. But the end goal should be to find a career that aligns with your purpose and values.

One of the exercises I do with clients who are seeking a career change is to discover and define their core values: Foundational beliefs and ways to think and act that are most important to you. These are the values we want to emulate in our day to day life — the non-negotiable feelings we desire.

In order to discover these values, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

  1. Why do I do the work that I do?
  2. What am I doing when I am at my best?
  3. What qualities do I admire in others?
  4. What are my greatest qualities?  (ask 10 people to name your top three)
  5. What are the most important things in my life?

After taking the time to answer these questions, I have clients come up with their top 5 core values. This is a living document that evolves as one learns and grows. There are usually 1-2 that stay the same throughout our lives.

  • In order to narrow it down to 5, look at your answers for questions 3, 4 and 5. These are clues to what is the most important. Make a list. Then sit down and find your top 5.

When your top 5 are discovered, you now have the framework to how your career should make you feel and act. If the career you are currently in is void of these values, see if you can infuse them. If the answer is no, begin looking for industries and companies that align with your values.

This is a key step in seeking alignment with your career and values. Be open to what comes up. Don’t force the answers to appear. Sometimes, we need to slough off layers of years of frustration in our career in order to truly uncover the answers.

If you would like more help, career coaching can help navigate the transition by finding clarity and figuring out what steps need to be made. This is not an easy decision and there is a lot of hard work to do, but when your soul prods you to move on, it is worth paying attention to.

Thunder Moon

July 9, 2017 by 0 Comments
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Tonight’s full thunder moon is named after summer’s thunderstorms. The warm air collects as clouds clap to release their roar, commanding attention. Nature is full of thunderous sounds; like the ocean which releases a roar as waves crash down on the surface.

Waves deliver a constant and steady thunder as they move across the ocean. As a wave swells it peaks before tumbling, creating a thunderous sound. So much energy is gathered and stored until the moment when there is no choice but to release the power.

Water is a dynamic force and the ocean demands respect as it thunders and bellows yet gently holds each sea creature.

Some of the most powerful forces in nature are destructive yet graceful. A greatest strength can also become a weakness if the power is harnessed with the wrong intention.

There are many things we can say or do to create destruction in our lives. Speaking harsh words, holding grudges, physical and emotional abuse. However, the same force inside of us that creates these actions are also capable of being gracious and gentle.

Tonight is a perfect opportunity to think about what has been building up inside and release whatever no longer serves you. Pressure from holding back words and not speaking your truth creates unnecessary stress and anxiety. The full moon illuminates things we need to let go of.

If there is anxious energy surrounding an area in your life, ask the following questions:

  • Is there anything I need to say or come to terms with?
  • Is there a situation or relationship that needs attention or maybe even less attention?
  • What meaning am I giving this situation?
  • How can I release the energy around this situation?

If there are feelings that are being harbored around a certain situation, you can transform the energy you give and receive. The story you tell yourself about the situation, may perpetuate negative emotions and thoughts. Think about a way that you can reframe the narrative in a more positive or healing light.

One of the things that has always helped me when I get stuck in a spiral is remembering that everyone is operating from their level of understanding. They may be in pain and unable to consider both sides because their pain is drowning them. This empathic approach helps alleviate the feeling of needing to be understood and right…even if you are right.

Then, there are cases where you just need to let go and walk away because the other person is just too hurtful. If they are unable to reach past their pain and continue to create pain and suffering in your life, it may be time to release them.

Speaking and living your truth takes courage. It is not always easy to say the things that need to be said or even let go and walk away. But, everything is energy. Think about how a wave travels long distances to create their roar. All the energy is collected to make something beautiful.

All the energy that is being stored can be released in a loving way. Think about a time when you finally found the courage to speak the truth and how relieved you felt. That was a release of powerful energy.

In order to release the thunder within, be like the ocean. Your words or actions may take bravery and create some waves, but if the intention is with grace and love, the release can be beautiful.

May whatever you release tonight find love, grace and healing.

Full Strawberry Moon

June 9, 2017 by 0 Comments
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Tonight’s Full moon was named for the time of year when strawberries are ripening; ready for picking. It is an opportunity to reflect on what has evolved in our lives and honor the work that got us there.

A few years ago, I worked in the wine industry and part of my territory was in California’s Santa Maria Valley. I loved this time of year because I could drive through the vast strawberry fields. They seemed to go forever ala The Beatles “Strawberry Fields Forever” which I would play as I slowly drove through this part of the valley. The sweet scent of ripening berries would fill my car and last even after I passed them.

There was a stark contrast to the sweet smell as I saw laborers working hard to pick the berries, bent over at the waist. It made my lower back ache to think of the hours spent huddled over the strawberry bushes. Grateful for their hard work and for all the work and time it takes to harvest the food we eat.

Ripening is beautiful, but harvesting the fruit is laborious.

When a seed is planted, the water has to soften the seed casing in order for the plant to break through. Then the plant needs to push through the soil to find the light. After sprouting, growth takes place above and below the soil; leaves and roots take form. Then the bud breaks and blossoming begins. Eventually, the blossom creates the beginnings of the fruit. If the circumstances are just right, ripening can occur and the sweetness can be enjoyed.

A plant goes through months of work to produce a moment of sweetness.

There are definite times of struggle during a growth season. The same can be said for the sweet things in life. There are so many celebrations that we acknowledge: the birth of a child, graduations, a new home, a job promotion, retirement, weddings and so much more.

But there is also a lot of work that takes place before the celebrations are had. Pregnancy, studying, relationship ups and downs, saving money, the daily tasks of a job. All these tiny steps are necessary to get to the end result. Each tiny victory is a step in ripening. Each deserve a moment of gratitude.

Practicing gratitude can create even greater celebrations in life. Instead of waiting for the grand finale, make every day a celebration. Being present enough to notice the small things can cultivate more presence and gratitude when the fruit of your labor has matured.

During this full moon, take note of all your small victories. Offer gratitude for each of them. Then create an intention for what is ripening. What do you want to create? What are you working towards? Notice where your small victories have occurred and celebrate what you are becoming.

Ripening is only a moment in time; bring mindfulness to all the little moments leading up and celebrate.