Hi there! I’ve been asked if I was in hiding by some clients and readers. Yes, I’ve been a bit busy. Even though I risk breaking that internet marketing rule about writing evergreen blog posts, I am going to share what has been new with me, Lisa (a.k.a Punk Rock Psychic™).
The first fun thing that I’ll share is that hubby JT and I went on a vacation to San Diego over the holidays for eight nights (our trip coincided with Hanukkah). I’ve always dreamt of waking up in Southern California on Christmas Day. We made it happen! My husband was very happy to surf at Torrey Pines near La Jolla on Christmas Day, along with some other days surfing at Pacific Beach. (He has a variety of wetsuits that he travels with.) I myself hung out to watch him surf, taking a few rejuvenating naps on the beach as I read, journaled, drank coffee, and did some people watching. It was our first vacation together in about two years, so we were long overdue. Besides hanging out in San Diego and the beach towns nearby, we drove up to some of our favorite parts of Orange County to visit Dana Point (said “hi” to Mary at Girl in the Curl surf shop, our buddy!), Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach too. It was one of our first trips together that didn’t involve a schedule for a conference of some kind, so it was nice to eat (Wahoo’s Fish Tacos is our favorite!), shop, relax on the beach, and just talk. Here’s one of my favorite photographs of us together on our trip (taken further down from Main Beach in Laguna Beach, CA):
Once we arrived home to Detroit, it was time for me to get really serious about my manuscript again. I have been working hard on it since last summer 2011. I’ve spent a lot of time polishing and editing it, along with getting some editorial help before I submit it to my publisher soon. Whew, it’s hard work! I have learned so much about myself as a writer. It was an eye opener for me. Even if you have writing experience, writing a book is so different than writing shorter works. This may sound like I’m stating the obvious, but your first book will push you to your limits. Thank goodness for my French Press, along with hubby JT helping me out with house work so much.
Besides vacation and writing, I had a milestone birthday earlier this month, exactly one week after hubby JT’s. We celebrated by going rollerskating (before doing dinner and Starbucks). We wore the old school quad type of skates. The music wasn’t like we remembered from our childhood days of the 1980s (well, they did play Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.”). Rollerskating (and skateboarding later) was my passion as a kid. I felt good about myself. As I skated, I regained my mad skills rollerskating. I still can haul. Not bad for a 40 year old at all! That night, I rocked a 1940s replica red dress I was saving for turning 40, showing more of my rockabilly side as Punk Rock Psychic™. I’ll share a picture of myself, the really goofy one (I purposely smiled goofily ’cause chocolate cake is not something I splurge on much in my life.):
The past couple of months I’ve been thinking really hard about my direction in life too. I think that milestone birthdays cause you to do that, perhaps? I’ve had a few realizations that I’d like to share next, instead of talking about my New Year’s resolutions (I don’t make NY’s resolutions any more.):
1) I don’t want to be an internet marketer. I will use internet marketing as a tool in my business, but I don’t want to be an internet marketer. I’m an on-line business owner, but I don’t resonate with using some internet marketers’ techniques. I have studied their tricks of the trade for a long time. I always say to learn the rules so that you can break them  So, I’ve preferred to build connections and meaningful relationships with clients, colleagues, and others I’ve met in my work on-line. I tend not to do things according to internet marketers’ rules. So, you won’t see me tweeting ten times per day. You probably won’t get a weekly email newsletter from me (I prefer once or twice per month maximum.). And, nope, I don’t have much of a marketing funnel.
2) I’m going to be doing readings on a limited basis. I only want to work with clients with a sincere desire to make lasting changes in their lives. When my book comes out, I’m making the switch more to coaching, speaking, teaching, and writing as my career path. I will always give readings on some level, but they will not be available as much once my book comes out. (Feel free to email me about my availability, however. My service pages have changed somewhat, you’ll notice.)
3) I’m a spiritual teacher, not just a psychic. My psychic readings only contain about 10% or less predictive content. Spirit usually says that we need to focus on the present moment. I tend to have a style as a psychic that is more about you creating your own reality. A wise person once said, “The best way to know the future is to create it.” I believe this too. I prefer to give you guidance about how you can move forward. (This stuff is not new if you’ve followed my work, but it is important to me, so it bears repeating.)
4) I enjoy helping. Instead of just giving psychic readings, I’m going to start offering some products for you to make your life easier and more fun. My intention is to make these affordable for you.
5) Music calls to me. It’s part of my path. I need to devote more time to my guitar studies (I play electric). One of my dreams is to play guitar in a band, so I want to make this happen before I get grey hair or they change GarageBand where I can’t figure it out. It means I will be spending more time on-line with guitar lessons I subscribe to, not on social media as much. Thanks for your support. (A few of you fellow musicians and artists have been my cheerleaders.)
Just wanted to share what is new with you. I hope that your 2012 is going well and you’re having a lot of fun too. I also hope you enjoyed your holidays…
Blessings and love,
Lisa, Punk Rock Psychic™
http://punkrockpsychic.com
The entire Universe is made up of energy. This is nothing new. You’re made up of energies too. Others have their own, unique energy imprint too. It all mixes up. Mystics of old have been saying that we’re all one for years. Quantum physicists have written about it.
Some argue ’cause you can’t see energies, they don’t exist. This is ridiculous to me, since there’s tons of things that are invisible to the unaided human eye in our world, yet they do exist. (Things like microscopic organisms, right?). Just because you can’t see something, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. (Don’t get me started on the Observer Effect though ’cause this will contradict everything!).
“So what?,” you might be saying. “What does energy have to do with me?” Actually, energy is everything. Your beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and feelings create your world. These are forms of energy. It’s so easy to blame others for our life sucking. But, nope, you’re responsible for everything you create in your world.
This doesn’t mean that you blame yourself or beat yourself up for something bad happening, it just means that you are more empowered than you think. When certain things happen to you, it might be that you elected these soul lessons on some level. By the way, there are more universal laws than just the law of attraction. (This is a topic for another blog post, or really, a book!). Yet, starting with the law of attraction can do wonders for your life.
Every day, you have a myriad of choices. You can choose what to wear, what to eat, how you’ll respond to others, and your attitude (positive or negative). I see these choices similar to picking out which radio station to tune into. You can pick the radio station filled with doom, negativity, naysayers, rudeness, or hate. Or, you can pick the radio station filled with love. Yes, it’s a choice.
Sometimes, it’s overwhelming ’cause you might be getting interference from others’ radio stations. You might be picking up their signals. You might hear, feel, know, or see their stuff, including their thought forms, energies, beliefs, feelings, and emotions. I’m not blaming you, I’m just trying to give you some food for thought. All of this being tuned into others’ stuff can be tiring, even exhausting, draining, and be interfering with your own life in some small or big ways.
But, you can remedy this. Energy follows intention. So, start with an intention each day to only be tuned into your own radio station. You don’t need to get every piece of data and energy imprint from the Universe, the people around you, etc. Ask your divine helpers to customize your station to only what you need for any given moment, task, or day. Ask them to bring you positive information that energizes, heals, and inspires you. (Of course, use your own wording.)
Even when I give psychic readings, I’m not fully tuned into the entire cosmos, just to what I need to hear, see, feel, and know, which are my guides and divine helpers and the client’s. Of course, the divine is huge, but since it’s everywhere, you can adjust the level of its “bigness,” seriously. In my daily life, I like to keep my energies focused, specific, and positive. Even when I’m in public, such as at a grocery store, shopping mall, or park, I have my energy contained, so that I don’t get drained. It might sound like I’m living in my own world, but not so. I’m just choosing my radio station. I also include an intention to be connected to the oneness that exists in the Universe, but in a way that is best and most positive for me, without draining me.
I also am a big believer in grounding, connecting yourself to the earth. Just imagine your feet connected to the planet with roots going down in Mother Earth. This helps you to feel focused, instead of spread too thin. You won’t bump into walls or stub your toe as much (heehee!). Have you ever been around ungrounded people? They change their trains of thought 10 times in one sentence. They lose their keys every day. They try to text and drive. Or, they can’t make decisions. (Do you relate to any of this? No worries, no judgment from me.) They bombard you with their problems, and well, they mostly seem to function from a place of chaos. You might feel exhausted just being in their presence.
Another way to manage your energy is to use shielding. You can use different colors for different purposes–use what feels right for you. Place a bubble or tube of light around you. Some spiritual teachers say you don’t need to shield. It really comes down to what you believe works for you. I love hot pink, which carries the heart vibration, so this is special to me and it works. I rarely encounter impatient, rude, or negative people since I’m in the heart space and loving vibration. If I do encounter them, I know I need to return to my heart. Whatever you put out there, you get.
I also clear my energy, my energy fields and chakras. I’ve studied energy work since 1998. I always seem to come back to the simple methods. I just simply use breath to clear away any density. I ask my divine helpers and angels to clear away all that no longer serves me. I have them remove energy cords. Energy cords result when you get hooked by a situation or person. You can’t cut love, but you can get rid of the ones that drain you. I prefer to remove them with the help of my angels, especially Archangel Michael who is the energy -clearing, bouncer of the spirit realms who can be in multiple places at once. (Check out the works of Doreen Virtue for additional information on energy cords and clearing methods.)
When others are challenging to you, have you ever stopped to regroup and reorganize your energy? Maybe leave the room, wash your hands (water is a great cleanser, especially sea salt baths–please use discretion if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant with hot baths, by the way!). Take some deep breaths. Put on some high energy music and dance. If you need to let off some steam, go for a walk, even five minutes is healing. Or, go scream in your car (please clear the energies in the car afterwards).
I also use energy clearing sprays to cleanse my energy, to really feed my energy field, if I feel depleted. You can Google instructions on how to make your own sprays. (Often, these are called aura sprays.)
Meditation or prayer, yoga, tai chi, breathwork, chanting, being in nature, and bodywork and massage are great ways to recharge too.
You can clear the energies of your house, work place, or public places too with the methods I’ve discussed. I simply ask my angels to clear the energies of my house, car, and all of the physical locations I visit. I actually ask that they are cleared for me, without interfering with what works for others. Some people don’t like the relaxed type of energy that I prefer. So, I try my best to honor what others need too, when it comes to public places.
It’s empowering to take charge of your own energy. You won’t feel like a victim of circumstances any more. You can choose how you respond to others–more from a place of love and patience. You won’t feel so rushed, scattered, or depleted. This is true self-empowerment. It’s a big relief. It just takes practice and a daily dedication to having positive energy and outcomes. Intention is key, as mentioned.
I hope this is helpful to you. As of late, I’ve had a lot of questions about managing energies. I share this information from my heart, with the intention of serving and helping you.
Blessings,
Lisa, Punk Rock Psychic™
©2011
http://punkrockpsychic.com
Hey there! How’s life? Life is good here. I’m getting back into the swing of running my business. I’ve been a bit busy working on my manuscript. Also, I’m developing a new, author website. (I’m waiting until the Mercury Retrograde is done though before I upload it all and publish it.)
To be honest, I’ve been resistant to blog here. It’s for a really dumb reason. I don’t have the energy to look for photographs and artwork to decorate my blog posts. So, oh, well, you get plain black and white text without a visual aid. Ha ha ha!
I believe in sharing parts of my life that can help others. I like to have a bit of humor in the process too. So, here’s the 5 Things Not to Do When You’re Working on a Book:
1. Detox diet. I didn’t do a hardcore fast or do any raw food or juice fasts, but I did go on a candida (yeast) destroy diet. After a recent bout with the upper respiratory flu in October that lingered, I thought maybe I was toxic or something. Now, mind you, I eat super healthy and rarely ever eat refined sugar. My body was not happy that I decided to push it in this way. I workout and so my body was yelling for some sort of carbos, at least brown rice, you know? I don’t do gluten or dairy about 99% of the time in my normal diet. So, silly me, thinking I was all toxic. It didn’t really make that much of a difference for me.
2. Sleep deprivation. This one might seem obvious as something not to do. But, the problem for me was getting restful sleep. Ideas were pouring through me so much at night. I had to keep a notebook in my night stand drawer. I finally told the divine, “Hey, can you catch me in the morning, please?” Apparently, I’m their scribe, which I totally got this in the past intellectually, but wow, it’s really true, for reals!
3. Do your first informational product. November was busy. I was in a telesummit. I felt like rising to the occasion and doing my first informational product (digital one). Lots of hard work. I recorded my podcasts, after teaching myself how to use GarageBand. Wow, I learned so much about the tech end. I’m so grateful for my hubby’s help too with the tech side. I’m glad I did this, but I relate to the Far Side comic, “Teacher, may I be excused, my brain is full?”
4. Have the holidays. Okay, I couldn’t control this, but it’s the holidays, right? I’m working hard, but oh, yeah, I gotta get gifts, do the holiday events. My solution is to just take it all one day at a time. It’s not easy ’cause I’m sometimes a punk rock, Martha Stewart, all crazy during the holidays. No handmade gifts this year, friends and family!
5. Go on a vacation. Just kidding! In November, I went on a one-week trip to Tampa, Florida to attend the Hay House, I Can Do It conference. Hubby and I had fun. We accidentally booked a hotel in Ybor City, which we had no idea how cool of a place it would end up being. While there, I picked up some Cuban espresso at a local coffee roaster–the best coffee I’ve ever used in my writing process! The nice thing is that I came home and I had to really focus and get down to work. Whew, time for a nap or two…or three.
Just wanted to touch base and say “hi.” If you have a good photo for this blog post, I’m happy to add it, especially if you want to share your own artwork!
Happy December!
Hugs,
Lisa, Punk Rock Psychic™
http://punkrockpsychic.com
©2011
(Gosh, I couldn’t even find a photo or artwork to compliment this post.)
I’m doing the heavy duty personal growth work…again. I’ve been doing things like re-examining relationships, letting go of what doesn’t work or resonate in my life.
One area I’ve pondered as of late relates to marketing, specifically when the marketing is directed at me. Again, I recently found myself unsubscribing to various email newsletters, un-liking pages on Facebook, and reducing other marketing messages in my life.
I’ve been thinking about the “why” behind my paring down. I started to recall some scenarios and experiences I’ve had as a consumer that have left me feeling less than happy.
Please realize that I’m not venting, I’m just processing how I feel about these situations. I like to use writing as a vehicle to process my emotions and feelings. So, keep this in mind as you read. (Also, please don’t take any of it personally, since chances are, I’m not writing about you personally or specifically.)
Here’s the scenarios where I felt negative about the marketing directed at me:
Scenario #1: About four or five years ago, I met a cool person at a networking event. We exchanged business cards. She was an interesting person. She followed up first with me via email. We kept running into each other at local events, and would enjoy good conversation. Eventually, this person not only emailed me, but added me to her business email list without asking me. I received a slew of emails that did not contain any way for me to unsubscribe. I let it slide. Soon after, the phone calls started. She kept sending me post cards. You see, she was involved in selling multi-level marketing products. Not only was she doing a hard sell with the products, but also, pushing me to sign up. I didn’t want to purchase the products or be a salesperson for the company. I already took my own supplements that worked for me, recommended by my holistic physician. I wrote her a kind email, asking if she’d take me off her marketing lists. I told her it was nothing personal and I enjoyed connecting with her, but maybe it would be fun to get together for coffee and pursue a friendship. She took my rejection really personally. And, she didn’t take me off her marketing lists. I wasn’t sure what to think or do. A few years later, she gave up. It left me feeling strange and a bit sad.
Scenario #2: I am a member of an on-line group. It’s a place to go to for support and healing. I rarely post about my life trials, but at one point, I really needed support. A colleague wrote me, using the group’s private messaging system, to tell me about the system of healing she studied and was a practitioner in. She wanted to offer me a session, but it would cost me $250, which was a 50% off discount from her regular price of $500. At the time, I was on a strict budget, and I told her that although I appreciated her discount, I couldn’t spend money like that since I had different priorities. The person became really upset, saying that I was rejecting help offered to me. This shocked me. I mean, I had others write me privately, offering loving words, prayers, affirmations, and a listening ear. The interaction with the one woman made me feel judged. It felt like spiritual ambulance chasing.
Scenario #3: A self-published author sent me a friend request on my personal Facebook profile. He had a note about how he found me and why we might enjoy being friends. I tended to accept all friend requests back then (since then, I don’t.). Soon after we became “friends,” this author sent me a message about his book. I wrote back, saying, I had a lot of books to read right now, but would consider buying his book once I became caught up. He wrote me a long message with a link about how/where to buy his book. I thanked him. Soon after, he was sending me a link to his book every day. He posted the link on my Facebook wall each day. I had to delete him from my friends because I felt so dishonored. Before deleting him, I asked him politely to quit messaging me and posting on my personal wall. He said that he had a right to market himself. I told him about Facebook Fan Pages and how it might be something to consider. Still, his bad marketing behavior continued, so I had no choice but to delete him. I felt a bit annoyed.
Scenario #4: A Facebook friend posted some exciting news about a class she taught on weight loss. I hit “like” since I enjoy reading about people’s success, especially when they are so happy. Well, this person wrote me privately on Facebook, asking me if I wanted to join her next class since I had hit the “like” button. I said thanks for the information, but I didn’t really need it at this time, but would keep it in mind for others, if I felt called to refer them. It felt again like the whole spiritual ambulance chasing bit. Ugh.
Scenario #5: Another time on Facebook, someone tagged me in a photo. I checked it out to make sure it wasn’t something crazy (like naked people! ha ha ha!). Nope, it was a Facebook “friend” trying to sell me some shoes. Again, I learned about what NOT to do to market myself. Unfriend!
Scenario #6: I once had a package of healing sessions with a local healer. She kept raising her rates, and added that if I wanted to work with her on healing my stuff, I’d have to buy packages, not individual sessions. She also told me I needed to work on healing my past lives or I’d never move forward. She tried to sell me supplements and other products too. I didn’t feel comfortable working with her any more, so I told her I was going to be done after our one session. She protested saying that we weren’t done with my healing. It felt so strange and disempowering to me. She took out her marketing materials, showing me how kind she was to offer me so many “discounts.” I felt like running to my car and peeling out in it, just to get away from her. But, I calmly left. I felt a bit weird for a while. Again, I learned about what NOT to do in marketing.
Scenario #7: Years ago, I went to get my engagement ring inspected and cleaned for my yearly insurance policy. The woman that helped me made some comment about how I really should consider getting my ring re-set to look bigger, since it was such a “small” diamond. I almost fainted. I mean, 1/2 carat is small? I guess size is relative (keep your mind out of the gutter!). I calmly said, “Well, I appreciate your feedback, but we bought this ring here at your store when we were in our early 20’s. Our priorities are different than some people. My husband bought me a nice, new mountain bike since I was a racer back then as part of my engagement gift, in addition to this lovely ring that I enjoy wearing. Aren’t I a lucky woman?” I felt a bit like the high school girl who is told that she’s not pretty or her clothes are not in style. I stopped myself from going down the path of self-abuse. Here I was, an adult in my late 20’s or early 30’s, feeling a bit dissed. I didn’t let it get to me. Still, it didn’t feel very good at all. It felt like bad marketing. I wasn’t offered any brochures on getting my ring re-set either.
Scenario #8: I had a coupon for a bit of money off a facial on the 10-year anniversary of my late grandma’s death. I booked the appointment, showing that I had a coupon to use. The day of my service, the person working with me said that she had to take the client that was supposed to be before me first. That client was late, but she didn’t want to lose the service. She asked if I’d wait. I was understanding and waited. I had a facial that was so-so. When I went to pay, I had my coupon and she said I couldn’t use it. I wasn’t super concerned, but simply and kindly said, “Oh, you guys said I could use the coupon when I booked.” I asked to talk to a manager. The manager said the person that booked my service was wrong. The manager offered no apology. Nothing. I felt challenged by this. The company sent a survey later asking me how I felt about the experience and my service. I went into detail about my frustrations. No one wrote me or called me back. I continued to get tons of coupons, emails, phone calls, and print fliers in the mail from this company. I asked to be taken off their mailing list. They asked why I’d want to do that. I told them about my frustrations. There was silence on the other end. I still get their stuff, and it gets recycled!
I called this post, “Bad, Bad Marketing,” but I suppose some of it could be called “Bad, Bad Customer Service.” I’m easy-going and laid back, but I’m clear about my boundaries. I suppose it’s all a good example of what NOT to do in my own business. I’m grateful for these learning experiences.
What about you? Have you ever experienced “Bad, Bad Marketing”? How did you address it? What about handling the customer service issues? What do you do differently in your own business? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks and blessings,
Lisa, Punk Rock Psychic™
http://punkrockpsychic.com
 (Photo Credit: vonKinder, Flickr, Creative Commons License) Warning, this is a longer post than usual…
I’ve been a student of the Universal laws for many years. One of my favorite Universal laws is the Law of Attraction, popularized by the movie, “The Secret.” Basically, the Law of Attraction states that you attract who you are, not only what you desire. Ponder this for a moment when it comes to your own life.
Lately, I’ve been pondering the Law of Attraction in my own business, more so than usual. An idea that I have learned in studying the work of Esther and Jerry Hicks’ Abraham teachings is clarity through contrast. Basically, clarity through contrast is the idea that you need to experience what you don’t want in order to know what you do want in life. Being clear on what you do desire in life is so very important. If you don’t know, you might find yourself wandering around in circles, going from one thing to the next, without any of the results you desire.
When it comes to my own business, I really believe in being transparent and honest, sharing my own thoughts and feelings. I’m always talking about how important it is to be the real you. Well, if I didn’t do that myself, I wouldn’t be a very good teacher. I like to do my best to walk my own talk. These are my intentions in writing this post–to walk my talk and be authentic.
For a while, I’ve been hesitant to share the following information. My human ego worried that I might piss some people off. Or, I might hurt someone’s feelings. Yet, the idea of clarity through contrast spoke to me strongly. Previously, I attracted some of the clients that are described below.
Last year, a wise coach I hired had me fill out a clarity through contrast worksheet when it came to my business. I listed all of the readings that I didn’t want to do any more. After I made my list, I attached a note to the Universe, basically saying, “Hey, I’m done with these types of readings and clients.” Soon after, really instantly, I no longer attracted clients who would request the types of readings that I no longer desired to give.
I never went into business with the intention to be all things to all people. Instead, my intention was to be of service to the people I enjoyed working with and who enjoy working with me. I decided to carve out my own niche, target market, etc., creating an authentic web presence that was from the heart.
Since it is my business, I decided that I can do things in my own way. I don’t have to follow anyone else’s rules. I also don’t have to give service in ways that don’t resonate with me.
I’m going to describe the readings that I don’t do below. I thought you might like to see the list that I made when I did my homework last year. By claiming what I don’t do, it helped me create my services in a way that felt right for me. As I write this blog post here, I’m working to develop packages of my services that feel in alignment with not only how I desire to work with others, but also, conversely, the ways I don’t wish to work with others.
I figure that if someone does not resonate with the list of readings that I don’t do or it creates some negativity in their being, that person is not my ideal client. There are tons of psychics, healers, and coaches to serve those who don’t resonate with me. I don’t live in a lack and limitation Universe, feeling that I have to serve everyone. I also honor others’ realities and I know they are most likely different from mine. It’s all good. I think it’s a U2 song that says, “We’re one, but we’re not the same.” Thank goodness we’re all different, bringing a variety of food to the buffet table of life.
Here’s my clarity through contrast list of readings that I DON’T do:
–I will not do readings for other people within your own reading. (I simply can’t give guidance that you’ll pass along to another person due to psychic (and my own) ethics.)
–I will not do readings about the lottery numbers or other gambling-oriented results information. (I once heard Sylvia Browne say something like, “Don’t you think I would have won by now?”)
–I will not do readings about whether there is infidelity in a relationship, whether it is your own relationship or another person’s. (I highly recommend counseling, instead of a psychic reading in these cases.)
–I will not do readings about what others are thinking. (I recommend that you ask them yourself!)
–I don’t do pet readings or animal communication. (I can give you a referral, however.)
–I don’t do readings about ghosts (earthbound spirits) or other entities. (I only will talk to kind, loving deceased loved ones who have crossed over to the Other Side.)
–I don’t do readings about when you will get a job. (I only can provide guidance about steps spirit is showing that you need to take. And, well, if you don’t have a job, I wonder if you really be spending your precious money on a psychic reading? Please return for a reading when you’re financially stable and on another subject. I’d love to work with you then.)
–I don’t do readings about if/when someone will die (including yourself!). (I’m psychic, but this doesn’t mean I know everything. The divine doesn’t always allow me to be privy to all information.)
–I don’t do readings on areas/questions that you already asked me about. (Chances are, if you haven’t taken action on things, you will get the same guidance or reading on this stuff…again!)
–I don’t do readings on what you should do about a situation. (It’s up to you to decide. I only give guidance to help you with making your decisions!)
–I don’t do readings providing mundane details such as names, places, dates, etc. (I’m not your psychic version of Google.)
–I don’t do readings about the name, looks, characteristics of your future romantic partner. (I can give you details about how to manifest your ideal mate, but that’s it.)
–I don’t do readings about if your house will sell. (Of course, it will. Why don’t you talk to your real estate professional?)
–I don’t do readings on readings that you have had with other psychics. (I can’t continue on from where the other psychics left off. I can’t comment on or confirm what they said, etc. All psychics are tapped in to the divine in different ways.)
–I don’t do readings that ask me to psychically spy on a third or other party. (Not ethical at all, in my opinion.)
–I don’t do readings where you expect me to dazzle, entertain, or impress you. (I’m not that sort of girl.)
–I don’t do readings for you when you’re really desperate financially. (Save your money for groceries and other essentials! I will refuse you service. If you really feel you need a reading, I offer a sliding scale, which I don’t overtly advertise, that you can request.)
–I don’t do readings on medical issues. (I can refer you to an appropriate medical professional for your situation.)
–I don’t do readings on the outcome of legal situation, including criminal or civil matters. (Yep, you need to defer to your attorney, not a psychic!)
–I don’t do readings focused too much either on the past or future. (I prefer to focus on the present and immediate future. It’s very rare to get information in readings that is too far off into the future. I tend to work with the next 3-6 months to 12 months or, up to 2-3 years maximum.)
Yes, it required courage for me to write about this stuff. I’d rather be 100% honest with you, instead of sugar-coating things. By the way, if you read this and found yourself having a negative reaction to some or any of it, good. It’s showing you were you need to do some work on yourself.
My list also will help you to know where you stand in regards to your beliefs about psychic work. I’d love to hear how you feel about my view of psychic readings. I say we can learn from each other. And, all views are right. I’m simply providing this list as food-for-thought, as well as a conversation starter.
I also wanted to honestly share a part of my healing process from working with a coach. I sincerely hope that you will see how this stuff works. By me getting clear on what I don’t do, it helped me to create what I desired to do. (My new packages will be launched soon. Stay tuned for more details.)
I took my clarity through contrast worksheet one step further. I wrote down the opposite of each statement. I used the positive statements to focus on in my manifestation work, along with developing services. I also wrote down the positive statements as affirmations. I found all of this work from a year ago recently. I referred to my homework as inspiration in creating new packages.
It’s powerful to say “no” in your business. After all, it is your business. You have every right to work in the ways that feel best for you. Do what makes your heart sing. You don’t have to try to be all things to all people in your business. I once read that specialists had more fun than generalists. (I’ve seen some internet marketers write that specialists make more money than generalists too. Nice to know, but I’m focused on the fun aspect mostly.)
Chances are, if you have your own business, you left the corporate world or working for someone else so that you can enjoy your work more. You don’t have to live by others’ rules. Your business can be whatever you decide it to be–it is yours, after all.
So, what do you think about saying “no” in your business? Does it feel scary or liberating? How do you show up authentically in your own business? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share.
Blessings,
Lisa, Punk Rock Psychic™
http://punkrockpsychic.com
 (Photo Credit: Gilderic, Flicker, Creative Commons License) Lots of healing this past month for me. In hindsight, I laugh at myself for sometimes (well, usually) taking a hardcore approach to my own healing process. (Gosh, eating two tins of Rescue Remedy Pastilles in two weeks is not a good idea for me! Oops!) But, sometimes, healing works that way. It can be intense or gentle. It can be gently intense–okay, that is how I will describe the recent version.
I was processing a ton of emotions about love, life, work, and the past. I felt overwhelmed. Thank goodness that I knew when to take a break. I had purchased my friends’ guided shamanic journey as an mp3 a while ago. It seemed appropriate this week to take some time for my own healing. (My shaman friends specialize in helping artists and other creatives get past blocks.)
When I did the journey, I went through a creative portal of sorts. I recognized it as an enchanted forest leading to of all things, my grandparents’ home. You see, my late grandparents lived with us in a basement apartment from the time I was around four years-old until I was around 11 years-old. I was truly blessed to have them be such a major part of my upbringing. While doing the shamanic journey, I came across the bookshelf that had my coloring books, favorite story books, and a prized, wooden music box of my late grandma’s. I picked up the music box, winding it up in the meditation journey. It felt soothing to my spirit. I walked into the living room of the magical basement sitting right down on the floor at the coffee table. (My late grandma always teased us about replacing it one day when we got our first jobs since it had cracks in it, but she was only joking. It seemed to convey more loving energies with the cracks in it, so she kept it for years, for the rest of her life.). In the meditation, I colored in some books, drew some pictures, and listened to the radio with my late grandparents. They were younger, as I always remembered them. We sat and enjoyed each other’s company.
My late grandma and I always played music, whether it was on the stereo (vinyl records still are my favorite), radio, or one of us playing the organ (we both took lessons). As I finished up the shamanic journey, it was hard to leave. I realized how much I missed that sacred, creative portal, the magical basement. Yet, my grandma conveyed to me in the journey that I always could come back if I needed to do so. My intention with the shamanic journey was to heal blocks related to my guitar playing. In the journey, I saw my late grandma hand me my TV Yellow Les Paul Jr. electric guitar, which is my baby. It felt like my grandparents were approving of me.
As I came to, tears of healing came, the type that are partly sad and the type that are joyful all at the same time. I woke up in my own living room, on my couch. I smiled as the first thing I saw were my amplifiers and my very own coffee table. Later that night, I was driving home from a couples’ class that hubby and I are taking the next month or so still processing from earlier in the day from the shamanic healing journey, as well as from hubby’s kind, healing appreciation expressed to me in the couples’ class. I felt happy, but just a bit teary ’cause I wear my heart on my sleeve. It’s just the way I roll.
As I drove home, I was randomly changing the stations on my satellite radio, when I heard my grandma and I’s favorite song to dance to when I was growing up. Saturday mornings we would put some records on and crank up the volume and dance around. The song, in case you’re wondering is “Peace Train” by Cat Stevens. (My grandma was hip, what can I say?) I heard my late grandma whisper in my ear, “Don’t forget about our dancing.” I smiled and cried at the same time.
How divine, to have your creativity on all levels nurtured by an adult while growing up, whether it is singing, dancing, playing music, doing artwork, making up plays, and reading and writing poems. I enjoyed all of this with my grandparents. What a gift!
I invite you to find your own creative portal or magical place where you can go for healing and support. Us artists can be very sensitive to the world at times. We feel more deeply. We sometimes use addictions to mask our true selves or our pain, instead of reaching out for love, hugs, and support. Or, we use addictions to numb ourselves from feeling at such a deep level. I did the shamanic journey yesterday for removing blocks around my book project too. I was taken to one of my favorite beaches in the journey, El Matador in Malibu, California. I saw myself starting my day with meditation and yoga. It was such a profound message since I usually start my day with coffee and answering emails (two of my own personal “addictions” I use to self-medicate). I had been receiving repeated guidance for a very long time about starting my days differently. Wow.
I envision a world where artists and creatives are championed, appreciated, and paid their worth. This would be utopia, in my eyes. The world would be rather boring without art and music. The world needs you, by the way. The world needs your creativity to be expressed.
Here’s my shaman friends’ link, if you are interested in going on your own journey: http://www.abundantheartliving.com/Products.html
Here’s to creative expression!
Blessings,
Lisa, Punk Rock Psychic™
http://punkrockpsychic.com
©2011
(FTC disclaimer: I mentioned a product in this blog post and do not receive commissions or payments for any purchases of said product.)
 (Photo Credit: Tony Spencer, Flickr, Creative Commons License) I might get flack for this post, but I’ll write it anyway. I don’t think that life gets any easier. In my own life, I’ve noticed that I just get wiser from more experience. Then, I’m able to find more resources and tools that help me to handle challenges and also, to live more fully.
I thought of this after reading over hubby’s shoulder last night as he wrote an email addressing one of his coaching clients’ frustrations over not feeling “fresh” during races.
Some background: Hubby was a category 2 (Cat 2) bicycle racer back in the day. (It’s probably the highest amateur level you can go before needing to quit your day job to train and race as a Cat 1/Professional.) I also did some road racing, but didn’t like it as much as my first love mountain bike racing. We both know what it takes though to be a success as a bike racer. Part of it is learning to enjoy suffering. Yes, you read that correctly.
Anyway, back to the email. Hubby ended up sharing part of what he wrote to his client. He loosely quoted bike-racing legend Greg LeMond in the email. Greg has a quote that basically says, “Training and racing doesn’t get easier. You just get faster.”
This morning, I was thinking about how to apply this to life. I think of happiness and success as a direction that you choose. I see my life as training on the earth school for evolving my soul. So, I wouldn’t want to make life easier.
Sure, you can have a more prosperous life, but that just makes you comfortable. I’m all about having fun, but I wouldn’t want to take easy earth school classes. It’s not my style. When I was in regular school, I always challenged myself to take a heavy course load with hard classes. I wanted to get the most out of my experience. It’s the same with electing life lessons. I never signed up for life to be easy. I signed up to learn and grow here on earth.
I do think it’s possible to learn your lessons via fun, joy, and laughter though. But, it might take you a while to get there. You’re human, and well, us humans don’t always learn things the easy way. After you walk through fire a few times, you’ll have enough of the old way.
I’ve noticed for myself that even when I learn my life lessons via the fun way, there is still work to be done. I liken it to hosting a party. Of course, the party is going to be fun. Yet, I have some work to do such as making food and cupcakes and cleaning house. I can choose to do this work with a positive mental attitude or with drudgery. Yet, either way, the results will be a party.
The title of this post might sound a bit emo. It’s not intended that way though. You can’t always control what life throws at you, but you can choose how you respond to it all. Over time, you develop the ability to speak your truth with love. You develop strength and courage that you never knew that you had. You learn how to handle people and situations in the appropriate ways. Even if you have experienced loss such as a loved one dying or filing for bankruptcy or losing a job or losing your home, you still persist in moving forward in life. These are the times that might test you, but really, you will see in the future that you learned so much. I’ve heard many clients say that they would never change a thing in their lives since all of the challenges and hardships made them who they are today.
The best thing is that challenges help you to have compassion for others. You will be able to pass along your knowledge and wisdom to others. Also, when you experience self-doubt, you can tap into the memories of how you overcame even more serious challenges in the past.
I myself would never ask the universe to make my life easier. I’d ask for the strength, courage, ability, and skills to transmute any hardship into blessings for myself and others. That is just how I roll.
Although I’m no longer a competitive athlete, I push myself to excel in other life areas. As I write my book, I notice that it’s not easy, but it stretches me and forces me to grow. It is my first time writing a book. When you’re doing something for the first time, it can feel scary. But, you were given the challenge for a reason. That reason is unique to you, and only you can know what it is. It is your life lessons. By the way, don’t allow anyone else to tell you what your lessons are. They are yours and yours alone.
I’ve often been nudged to write about my personal life challenges. I tend to be private here about what I’ve been through. I suppose part of it is that I don’t want to dwell on the past. Another part is that I don’t feel the need to show you my scars. I don’t want us to sit here comparing scars, “Oh, I can top that, I almost died.”
A person recently emailed me to say that I didn’t have enough punk rock in me since I was so positive and happy-go-lucky. This made me laugh, seriously. Yeah, I’m not punk enough My punk rock rebellion just looks differently from this emailer. My life challenges were different than his. It’s all good. (I’d even venture to say that my challenges are very common. They are not that special. So, I don’t give them energy. Although one day, I might write more about my own life story. It’s an old, old story that I no longer live.)
What do you think? Does life get easier? What have you learned? Feel free to share by commenting here!
Blessings,
Lisa, Punk Rock Psychic™
http://punkrockpsychic.com
I’m so grateful to accept a Versatile Blogger Award from writer Tia Silverthorne Bach. Her and her mom, Angela wrote their first novel called Depression Cookies. Check out their blog: http://depressioncookies.blogspot.com/ and also, their book: http://depressioncookies.blogspot.com/p/ordering.html. Their novel is written from the perspective of a middle-aged mom and teenaged daughter, working to retain their true selves during life challenges. (I can’t wait to read it, once I get my own book done! Yay!).
There’s a few rules when it comes to accepting the Versatile Blogger Award:
1. Thank the person who awarded it to you, by linking back to them in your post.
2. Share 7 things about yourself in your blog post.
3. Pass this award along to 15 recently discovered blogs (contact the owners to let them know too!)
I’ll share the 15 blogs after I share my 7 things. Here’s my 7 things:
1. I’m a jock. Yes, you read that correctly! I don’t compete any more, but I still exercise for stress reduction. I’ve played many sports. Most of my talents were in endurance sports such as running and bicycling. These days, my “sport” is electric guitar.
2. I avoid gluten. I also avoid dairy, soy, corn, refined sugar, artificial colorings, and lots of caffeine. I’m really sensitive to chemicals.
3. I’m an omnivore. I’ve tried being vegetarian, even vegan and raw vegan for a good portion of my life. I always seem to return to eating fish, seafood, and occasional meat. I feel healthier when I have animal protein in my diet. I used to really beat myself up about this, feeling like I wouldn’t become enlightened as quickly. I just do my best to eat healthy.
4. I dislike scary movies. I’m a wuss. I am too sensitive to watch them. Some action/adventure movies are too intense for me too. I prefer music documentaries, romantic comedies, and nature films.
5. I’m not into the paranormal trend. I feel as though ghosts (earthbound spirits) need compassion and love, along with a loving, swift kick home from Archangel Michael. I get disgusted when people like to exploit the ghosts. They are lost souls, needing help getting home. I’m open to life on other planets, but it doesn’t inform my spirituality. I admit to being curious about Big Foot though. I think I saw one once in Northern Michigan at a mountain bike race, deep into the singletrack. He seemed friendly! Vampires, werewolves, and other interesting creatures are okay too, but aren’t my thing. (I still haven’t forgiven them for hiding under my bed as a kid!)
6. I don’t do astrology. Astrology is a fun tool that I use to understand myself. I don’t like to live my life entirely by it though. I am not an expert in it either. I don’t take people’s birth dates or towns to give readings. I tend not to use many tools when I give readings, other than psychic skills.
7. I rarely drink alcohol. Again, I’m sensitive. I might have a drink or two on vacations once or twice per year. I drink a couple of energy drinks at the bar when I see live music. Since I don’t usually do much sugar and caffeine, it really works! Ha ha ha! (It’s true, you will get wings!).
That’s it…for now, about me…
Now, to share the blogs–yay! Here the 15 blogs, and I recommend that you check them out. (They are in no particular order since they are all #1 to me!).
1. Rock Your Biz Into X-treme Productivity
2. Sassy Psychic
3. Abundant Heart
4. The Sassy Minx
5. Chocolate and the Meaning of Life
6. Angelic Alchemy
7. Healive
8. Frugal Science
9. The Niche Clarity Coach
10. Karmic Kappuccino
11. The Inspiring Bee
12. Everyday Gyaan
13. Heather Bestel
14. Rebuilding Tori
15. Coaches Circle Mastermind
I hope you will check out the above blogs. It’s some good stuff, seriously!
Thanks again, Tia for this fun blogging award!
Lots of hugs, love, and gratitude,
Lisa, Punk Rock Psychic™
http://punkrockpsychic.com
 (Photo Credit: Rebecca Wiliamson, Flickr, Creative Commons License) This week is a sad week for me. Borders, the wonderful book store chain is closing. I feel as though I’m saying goodbye to a friend. It sucks, to be honest.
The other day, I thought I’d stop by for the big sale at one of the remaining locations in my area. I needed a book, and although I have an ebook reader now, I just thought it would be nice to buy one last physical book from Borders. I also picked up a book on songwriting since I’ve been playing around with that for a while. As I walked out, I felt the characteristic wood of Borders’ doors, took one look back at the store with tears in my eyes. I saw all of the black, red, and yellow signs with things like “Store Closing” and “Nothing Held Back,” and that is when it all sunk in. I cried.
Yes, I had tears.
You see, Borders and me go way back. As a high school kid in the late 1980’s, I would make pilgrimages with friends in beat up, old cars to their original store at 303 South State Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which was about a half hour from my home. Later, when I attended the University of Michigan there in the early 1990’s, I found solace and refuge at that store in between classes. I would spend a spare five or ten minutes in there in between my crazy schedule of classes and work. Years later, the store moved up the road to Liberty in Ann Arbor, taking up residence in the old Jacobsen’s department store building. They also had opened up several locations in Michigan, including one in the suburbs, closer to my family home. Later, the store spread all over the United States as a very successful bookstore chain.
So many times, people advocate spending money at local businesses. I couldn’t agree more. But, when some people would dissuade me from shopping at Borders, I had to stop them. To me, Borders was a local bookstore. I found them to be so involved in their local communities with events for young and old, along with supporting local authors. It also was a thrill to shake the hands of my favorite authors at book signings who came from Michigan or the Detroit area.
My hubby and I have spent thousands of dollars on books, music, magazine, coffee, greeting cards, gift certificates, and other products at Borders for ourselves and loved ones. Borders was our Saturday night date. Hubby and I would get dinner out, and then, follow up with coffee, conversation, and book browsing at Borders. It was a huge part of our lives!
Whenever I needed to recharge or get some creative inspiration, I would stop at Borders. In fact, Borders felt like a friend to me. I sometimes felt challenged by life like most human beings on the planet, but shopping there always made me feel better. I also will miss the staff there who would go the extra mile to find a book that I needed or order it especially for me.
I even had a stint there briefly after college as a bookseller in 1996-1997. It was where I discovered a book on holistic medicine that changed my life, helping me to heal chronic fatigue syndrome, along with getting on the path to becoming a massage therapist, energy worker, and then, professional psychic. All of that stuff led me to my spiritual path.
I once even celebrated my birthday at Borders. Hubby and I were low on funds a few years ago. We did lunch at a restaurant, and then, had a special coffee drink at Borders. In fact, many of our anniversaries, birthdays, and special occasions have involved Borders. We would gift each other items from the store or buy a joint gift for and from each other. The best gift anyone could ever give me was a gift certificate for Borders. I’ve also visited Borders in all of my travels from Washington, D.C. to Chicago, Illinois to Louisville, Kentucky to Seattle, Washington to Santa Monica, California to Kona, Hawaii–and other places in between.
Saying goodbye is hard. I know that there are other bookstores. I know that change is all there is. I feel sad though in a big way. Just as I’m writing a book right now, I’m disheartened that I won’t ever see it on the shelf at Borders. Such is life, I know. You can’t always have what you desire, I realize.
So, goodbye, dear friend. I will miss you Borders! Thanks for the good memories! We will miss you!
Happy Trails!
Blessings,
Lisa, Punk Rock Psychic™
http://punkrockpsychic.com
 (Artwork by Gustavo Silva, used with permission) Today’s blog entry is a guest post by Gustavo Silva of Frugal Science. Check out his website/blog here: http://frugal-science.com/blog/ Gustavo writes about creating more simplicity in our lives. Read more about him here: http://frugal-science.com/blog/about/ His following post really resonated with me since I work in the business of helping people find more clarity. And, well, I’m a big fan of Krishnamurti’s work, considering him to be a paper mentor of mine.
Anyway, here’s Gustavo’s post:
Clarity has become ubiquitous lately. Ever since the anti-marketing approach stated that you should search deep within yourself for authentic branding, many bloggers are trying to seize a bite of it.
In order to be successful in your online biz, you have to start by answering “What do you rally want in life?” –they say. With infinity of choices available nowadays, Clarity becomes a great tool.
Moreover, loads of information incoming every second thanks to new technologies from the “age of distraction” makes Clarity of Perception a very good option against “information overload.”
But, what is Clarity? And, how can we get some? Let’s take a look at what one of the wisest men of the twentieth century said about the topic (shall we?).
The “Holy Man” goes solo.
Jiddu Krishnamurti was very smart. Of all the authors I have ever read, I consider Mr. K to be one of the smartest. His writings however, are not the easiest thing to digest–not much for clarity there–but, once you courageously decide to follow his argument, you discover that his proposal is clean and consistent.
Raised to be “the chosen one” amidst his fellows, he abdicated to his holy man status when he was still a young man, and decided to become an independent thinker.
And independent he was.
If you know the man’s work, you may acknowledge that his ideas were not aligned with any trend of thinking. In fact, he was an acrid critic of all religions and ideologies; he often stated that any kind of preconceived idea, judgment, ideology or belief defeated any possibility of really finding the Truth. In his own words:
“All ideologies are idiotic, whether religious or political, for it is conceptual thinking, the conceptual word, which has so unfortunately divided man.”
Also:
“I maintain that Truth is a pathless land, and you cannot approach it by any path whatsoever, by any religion, by any sect.”
Via Negativa.
Clarity was one of Mr. K. recurring topics. The main idea was that Clarity could not be reached by any kind of method but only by identifying what is obstructing our perception.
That is called “via negativa”: trying to infer the outcome by identifying what is preventing it: (i.e.: health defined as the absence of sickness and happiness defined as the absence of sadness)
The full argument is much deeper than that and has a lot of connotations. This is my attempt to synthesize it:
* Clarity is there for anyone who really is serious about finding the truth.
* Clarity can not be obtained by any kind of method.
* The moment you propose a method, you are introducing a concept.
* Conceptual thinking provides a false sense of security to people.
* People search for the sense of security and not for the Truth.
* People are ready to fight to defend this concept against everybody.
* That is how Conceptual thinking produces division among people.
* That is how Conceptual thinking prevents persons from obtaining clarity.
Summing it up:
If we really want to have Clarity in our lives, we have to identify what is obstructing our perception of reality. If we are really serious about the Truth we have to be ready to dismiss all our pervious knowledge of what is the Truth. We have to discard all preconceived ideas of reality and life. Only then we could start seeing life as it is.
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