Unique...

u·nique/yo͞oˈnēk/

Adjective:

Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else

This past week all the Christmas decorations were pulled from their hiding places, dusted off, and placed around the home to enhance the holiday spirit. Year after year as one of my favorite pieces, a handmade stocking from my grandmother, is pulled from the bins, a giggle fit takes over. The grandmother who stitched this for me prior to birth was someone with whom I was deeply connected to and loved very much. She understood me well and provided unconditional love and support during the times I needed it the most; so her intuition in color choices as she created this stocking were filled with a great deal of irony and foresight on her part, whether she was aware of it at the time or not!

This beautiful stocking made with tender loving care is adorned with bells, green trees that sparkle and a Santa...whose face is a light ebony color. Each grandchild received a stocking for their first Christmas, and out of six grandchildren mine is the only one whose Santa is a many shades darker than the rest. Don't get me wrong, this is NOT a pity party! It's the symbolism of the Santa that brings the annual smile to my face, for make no mistake, the life path I seem to have walked, encompasses many aspects aligned with that of the 'black sheep'.

Various body piercings, love for tattoos, boarding school student, handmade clothing created from thrift store finds, boot camp attendee, meeting the gentleman with whom I would have three beautiful children with on the interstate as we were driving 65 mph alongside each other...that was me. Most often deemed unconventional when compared to my surroundings, but looking back clearly it was also a way to discover who I really am.

Uniqueness is quite freeing when one can fully embrace and channel it for the purpose of enhancing life, instead of creating the illusion of being a victim of circumstance. Many times I have felt too different, unaccepted, and at times completely alone. This has not fully gone away, victim hood can claim the mind of anyone from time to time. Rationally however, how can someone accept someone if they don't fully accept themselves? Seriously. But internally contemplating this notion for awhile, resolution and peace now reigns in the personal choice to embrace and keep the lessons from the unique life experiences that once hindered my power. Ultimately, this acceptance also has allowed a serious love for qualities of the 'black sheep' style ingrained in my being...for which at times will be flaunted without shame.

Being unconventional, certainly has its perks. One doesn't have to worry too much about what others will think, because you have already been deemed a bit 'unique.' No one asks, "Why would Eliza do/say that?" The question has already been answered. "Why is Eliza's hair purple?" Although perhaps it was an accident made by a hair stylist, no one who knows me thinks twice. Very freeing and hilarious.

So, have you ever felt predestined to hold a certain 'lot' in life? Maybe that 'lot' is a marked with neon green while others have the standard yellow? If so, let's be friends for that is certainly the standard for me!

Cheers!

 

For the love of the stone...

Never having been the hobby type, a few years ago I stumbled upon a store in the Chicagoland area called Crystal Life Technology, Inc. (http://crystal-life.com/). This store, filled to the brim with radiating crystals and beautiful spiritual material, became a starting point for developing my understanding of the energetic properties crystals hold. Beginning as an interest, my appreciation quickly grew into a love and passion for crystals and crystal therapy. 

People have the common understanding of the use of crystals in computers, ultrasonic devices, etc.; but their ability to be put to use in our everyday life now seems to be gaining more recognition as of late. It may be that once a person is exposed to something then they are likely to see more, however even lately Target has been selling crystal bracelets with tags that show the intention of how each individual stone can assist in one's life. CRAZY!

Now living in Los Angeles, The Sacred Stone Gallery (http://www.sacredstonegallery.com/) is a new favorite peaceful spot that continues to nourish my knowledge and collection of crystals. Assisting me in my Reiki practice, daily health, and overall life of my family, this 'hobby' is fascinating yet sometimes difficult to explain. Should you want to have a deeper understanding, below is a link to a video that breaks it down into simple terms.

Enjoy!

Friendship Part 1

One of the biggest blessings a person can be given is to have a friendship with someone with whom you can TOTALLY be yourself.  The type of relationship composed of ingredients such as non-judgement, unconditional acceptance and authenticity. A place where the friendship grows despite differences that arise or the varying circumstances that often present themselves in life. I believe these relationships qualify as an enormous blessing in that behind all of the ingredients listed above, they ultimately allow for people to grow and expand their spirits, boundaries, and beliefs  in a safe way.

Fortunately, I've had the opportunity to have many friendships in my life path that 'fit the bill' above. Some relationships have faded, some faded and returned, and a few that have remained constant over time. For each circumstance, and despite the outcome, all of these friendships have propelled me to grow in ways I couldn't have on my own. It's been good, to say the least...and each individual has special place in my history/present that is surrounded by gratitude.

Just a passing thought necessary to record....

Cheers!

*My sister is one such relationship that deserves a shout out. She's hysterical. We have grown close over time and with her, humor knows no limits.