“A succulent wild woman is one of any age who feels free to fully express herself in every dimension of her life.”
S.A.R.K. from the book Succulent Wild Women
I was in a dark place. Back in the late 90s. I felt myself thundering towards doom. Bankruptcy. Divorce. Illness. Now, gently looking back, with kind eyes and a sense of forgiveness. I see they were all blessings.
At the time though, I was living in sheer hell! Sleepless nights. Busy brain. Fear. Anger and torment each day. Bravely trying to hid the nightmarish truth from savvy teenage kids. I was fighting slipping in the abyss of depression on a daily basis.
And I prayed. I asked for signs. Began a Gratitude Journal. Kept it by the bed. Each morning writing down 3 things I was grateful for. Reading them again, before I went to sleep at night. Some days finding the energy to add another three before I slept.
The one magical day, as I was puttering bookstore in downtown Ottawa. I found S.A.R.K. Well, a book by her.
Living Juicy!
Colourful and bright. Imperfect lettering. Funny little drawings. And uplifting messages. All with a glorious sense of humour. And a lightness I was desperately in need of.
Stumbling across this quote by S.A.R.K. this morning, as I scrolled through social media. I took a moment to reflect. Not only have I lived through dark times. I more than survived. I thrived. And I am Living Juicy. There was and always is something bigger than me guiding my journey. The Great Goodness always has us!
Remember the Footprints poem? Here’s a free download.
And, I don’t believe in ‘coincidence’ but see ‘synchronicity’ all around.
The book was called ‘Living Juicy.’ And it became my companion. On the bedside table. By the sofa. In my handbag. Whenever I felt overwhelm. And at times it was often. I’d find my book and read a page or two. (Or ten.)
Eventually I even got into doing some uplifting writing myself. And I started to remember the joy of creativity. Writing, making pretty images. Not perfect, but gloriously imperfect in their beauty.
And I started to live a Juicy Life.
What does that mean? Juicy Living is, for me, owning all my feelings. Being comfortable in being me. Unlike the Abraham/Hicks teachings, which gives weight to only the ‘good’ emotions. I embrace them all. Sure, of course I fight like mad against feeling sad, depressed or angry. There’s a lot of societal programming in there!
But I turn to spirit to guide me. To our unseen helping spirits. The Great Goodness. And I take the time to feel.
There’s a reason for all our feelings. The grief I feel after the unexpected loss of my brother opens me to the love I feel for him. The anger at someone who I feel treats me unfairly. Well, it motivates and energises me to take better care of myself. To enforce boundaries. Get it?
Eventually, I passed the book along to someone in need. I do love to share. But I remember the sense of joy and peace it brought me.
(But dammit, I miss book shops. Don’t you?)
So, dearheart, go forth today and be succulent. Live a juicy life. Own your feelings. All. Of. Them. And, if you have the joy of being near a book shop, take me with you. Into the wonder of browsing.
Big love,
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