Living Juicy

“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,