Thursday, December 25, 2014

HAPPY HOLY HOLIDAYS!

I would love to take credit for the title of this blog entry but it wasn't an original from me. Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith used this in one of his Christmas emails and it resonated at a very deep level for me. 

So many people are upset when someone says Happy Holidays to them. Oh my gosh! Do you realize how blessed you are to have someone greet you or that you can hear the words? I think there are much bigger fish to fry than this greeting. 

We live in a melting pot of religions, traditions, nationalities and who knows what. Heaven forbid if we are politically incorrect. So when I heard Happy Holy Holidays, I figured this covered it all...Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanza are celebrated around the same time in December. Earlier in December we have Bodhi Day and, of course, we have Festivus. I must admit I had to google this since I was not a fan of Seinfeld. If I missed any, I apologize.








So from my family to yours, 

Happy Holy Holidays!

Mareda, Ulya, Lucky Joe and the boys.


Saturday, December 20, 2014

Be Careful What You Wish For...

As a child I often heard my grandmother say "Be careful what you wish for, you may get it." I did not pay attention as I was so sure I knew better. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the wisdom my grandmother possessed. She had not heard of the Law of Attraction nor had anyone else for that matter but she knew.

Over the last few years, if not my whole life, I've been searching for a purpose. Something to do as a career that is fulfilling and, yes, financially profitable. It has taken a lot of soul searching, visioning, meditating, praying and study to finally be comfortable saying I've found it.

I've worked in the medical field the majority of my life with a short foray into the field of adoption. Rewarding to an extent because I love working with the people who become not only patients or clients but also friends. However, all of these jobs have been just that...jobs. Not careers, not a purpose other than bringing in enough money to meet financial obligations.

Earlier in 2014, I finally figured out what I want to do when I grow up and grow up I have. Life coaching is the answer. I've experienced a lot in my earth journey and have survived and thrived. Why not share with others the fruits of my labor? As I finally accepted that this was the path I wanted to travel, people started coming into my life to assist me on my way.

Reiki classes, coaching classes, and then the answer to the wish. And the answer was and is somewhat scary.

As I pondered my path, I would think and say "I really would like to work a 20 hour week at a job and have more time to develop my life coaching career." Well, guess who got her wish?

The owner of the physical therapy clinic where I work recently manifested her dream of becoming a state representative in Missouri. This necessitated changes in clinic hours which made my 40 hour work week become a 20 hour work week.

I look at this with mixed emotions. Very happy to have more time to relax and do all those things I have wanted to do but did not have the time or energy to do. Very happy to have the time to focus on my life coaching career. With all this happiness there is a bit of fear creeping in at various times when I think of my financial obligations. There will be less guaranteed income. So now it is up to me and my belief system to say no to the fear thoughts and know that my good is at hand.

Am I happy that my wish was granted? Yes. If it hadn't, I would have only marketed myself as a life coach on a limited basis. Now, I have the time and the energy to do what needs to be done. I have more time to devote to the spiritual practices that I love and that keep me centered in Truth.

So to the fear that creeps in I say "BEGONE." As the saying goes, "Do what you love; the money will follow." And as I become financially prosperous, I am able to do so much more for those charities I love.

Look out Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Good is coming your way.

Look out Shannon Foundation. Good is coming your way.

Look out world. I am ready, willing and able to be a channel for good in whatever way the Divine feels compelled to guide me.

My intention for 2015 is to affirm the Good (God) Life that is here right now.

Namaste,

Mareda

www.maredaeckert.com




Saturday, November 29, 2014

What A Wonderful World!

As the 24 hour news continues to focus on all the horrific things that are going on in our world, we tend to forget about the good, the miracles, the beauty, the wonder of it all.  I saw this video on Facebook and felt compelled to share it. The song, "What A Wonderful World," has always been my favorite. Right now, I can see Louis "Satchomo" Armstrong singing it. Please enjoy the clip below and never forget that we do live in a wonderful world.




Today, make it your intention to be happy, thankful, and kinder to those you meet. It just might make a difference. 

Namaste, 

Mareda


Tuesday, November 25, 2014

PRAY FOR PEACE

I ask that everyone who reads my blog, please view this You Tube video of Reba McEntire and her song, "Pray For Peace."

This world needs peace not more guns, or more cars, or more cell phones, or other stuff. Of course, I am really thinking of Ferguson, Missouri and all the people there who have lost their livlihood. Please have this song as your mantra. Maybe if enough people, pray for peace.... Well, who knows. It sure couldn't hurt.



Namaste,

Mareda





Saturday, November 22, 2014

What if?


'Tis the season for giving thanks. This week we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the United States. I'm not totally sure if the majority of people get past the turkey and stuffing and "Black Friday" shopping to really think about what they have. So I am going to list some "what ifs." Think about them. Make comments if you wish. Share this blog if you'd like. Here goes.


What if...we looked at everything as a gift? The good, the bad, the ugly.
What if...we found something good in all experiences?
What if...we saw those people who seem to be difficult differently? As people with challenges just     like us.
What if...we were grateful that we live in a country where we can call our elected officials horrible     names and live to see the sun rise?
What if...we saw the messy house as a blessing? We have a house!
What if...we saw the job we hate as a blessing? We have a job! We get paid!
What if...we turned off the news when they continue to report only the bad?
What if...we respected all living beings instead of demeaning those with whom we disagree?
What if...we waited to judge another until we had all the facts?
What if...we respected everyone as the divine incarnation they really are regardless of race, creed,       sexual orientation or political party?
What if...we refused to get caught up with the negative?
What if...we gave of ourselves to others who are living a less than abundant life?

What if, what if, what if? This could go on and on. As I wrote the above "what ifs," I realized how I get caught up in some of the things that aggravate me. I must admit I am an evolving soul not yet an evolved soul.

This Thanksgiving I plan on being kinder, being happier, being less likely to criticize, and being gratefull for the many blessings I have.

How about you? What will you truly be thankful for beside the turkey and stuffing?

Happy Thanksgiving!






Namaste,

Mareda




Tuesday, November 4, 2014

November

No work for me today. At least not at my usual place of employment. The physical therapy clinic is campaign headquarters for Lavender for State Representative. I'm sure hustle and bustle is what it is all about and later a celebration for a successful campaign...I hope. This post is about something else. Something that is very near and dear to my heart. Adoption.

November is National Adoption Awareness Month. The focus of this month is the adoption of children in foster care. It is true that my daughter came to me through international adoption and it is also true that I worked in international adoption for a few years; however, there are so many children in the foster care system needing homes. I honestly do not know much about the foster care system in this country. I do know that the majority of international adoptions have been halted by governmental bulls#@%. 

This is a short post but one that encourages those of you who would like to add one or two children to your family to consider adoption. Do it because your heart is open and you are ready to take on whatever challenges come your way.  My daughter has completed my life in so many ways.
 
She has grown from a cute little girl of seven
to a beautiful young woman of 24.

As Wayne Dyer said in a lecture many years ago, "Our children get to us...one way or another." 

CONSIDER ADOPTION!

Namaste,

Mareda




Sunday, November 2, 2014

Voting!

This coming Tuesday, November 4 is election day in the United States. Although not a presidential election, it is a very important election. I'm sure many who are reading this blog wonder how in the world this has anything to do with mysticism, metaphysics or spirituality. The actual voting may not have much to do with these things but the manner in which one campaigns has everything to do with it. 

I am appalled at the manner in which most campaigns are run. If a political candidate cannot run down their opponent with mistruths or downright lies, they turn to other types of dirty politics. Let's pretend we are them and treat others rudely. Let's insult another's lifestyle. On and on we go. How low can we go? It would seem pretty low.

There are very few class acts in town. At least, so it seems. Maybe the class acts want to remain class acts and feel they just don't want to get drawn into the world of "dirty politics." 

Where has working together gone? We do not have to agree on everything but we can work together in a decent manner. This country claims to be one based on Christianity. If this type of politics is the Christian way, I want no part of Christianity. I have a feeling Jesus would feel the same way. 

I think about Robert Fulghum's book, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kndergarten." 

"Think what a better world it would be if we all-the whole world-had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess. And it is still true, no matter how old you are-when you go out into the world it is best to hold hands and stick together."

There are politicians who are class acts, who want to do good, and who run their campaigns based on truth and ethics. I hope that when you vote (and I hope you do get out and vote) you consider this when you choose your candidate. 

Many have fought long and hard for the right to vote. I will be voting as will my daughter on Tuesday. Will you be voting?

Namaste,

Mareda

Saturday, August 16, 2014

A Kinder World

When I first sat down to write in my blog, I was going to talk about all the unkindess and intolerance in this world, about the anger and injustice. However, after meditating abut this and telling the Divine I really needed guidance, I saw this post on Facebook from Pookie:

"Just back from Ferguson.... morning rain...cleansing the streets...people out cleaning up and there is a feeling of peace after another night of unrest. Continue to pray for my beloved city...and for all the blessed beings who call it home...Sending love to you and yours...Be Love, Be Loved, Beloved..."

You may read this and think that all this says is that there was more unrest, more looting, more anger. All of this is true but there was so much more and there continues to be so much more. 

What is the "so much more?" The truth is there are good people in this world. Lots of them! People of all colors, ages, faiths and nationalities. These people come to clean up neighborhoods that are foreign to them. They come bringing Peace, Love, Light and Kindnesss. Sad to say but they do not get the same press as those who destroy and feed on the negative. Their deeds do not make the nightly news.

My request today is that we stop sharing the negative, that which perpetuates the idea of injuustice and hatred. There is absolutely no need to make another look bad and evil to justify a point or action if peace is truly our desire.

Today, I salute the Pookies, the Melissa's, the honorable police officers and civic leaders, and all the citizens of this community who are looking for positive solutions. For those of us who are not physically there to help, let us take a moment to pray for a peaceful and kinder solution to the violence in Ferguson/St. Louis.  And....




Every day, let us look at our fellow man and woman as the expression of God that they truly are. They may not even be aware of the Divine Spark that resides within them. Maybe as we see it, they too will see it and lives will change. 







My intention for today and in the future is to be a kinder soul, 
to treat everyone as the Divine Being of Light that they truly are. I shall look through the "eyes" of my heart. 





Namaste,

Mareda

Saturday, August 9, 2014

We Are All One

There seems to be so much anger, hatred and separation everywhere you look. I hear people say "maybe we should just drop a bomb and get rid of them all" not really talking about any one country or class of people specifically. The Russians are terrible. (Some of my best friends are Russian and I can attest to the fact that they are not terrible.) This politician hates that politician. On and on we go. All I can say is there is a great feeling of sadness that comes over me when I allow this type of "stinking thinking" into my consciousness.

I'm currently reading the latest book by Dennis Merritt Jones, "Your (Re) Defining Moments." (A very good book which I high recommend.) There is a quote from Rumi in Chapter 13, The One Thing We All Have in Common, that I would like you to consider:
"Not Christian or Jew, Muslim, no Hindu, Buddhist, Sufi, Zen. Not any religion or culture system. I am not from the East or the West, not out of the ocean or up from the ground, not nautral or ethereal, not composed of elements at all...I belong to the Beloved, have seen the two worlds as One and that One call to know, first, last, outer, inner, only that breath breathing Human Being."                                                                                             
Once again, John Lennon comes to mind. His songs continue to bring a message of peace and unity.


Namaste,

Mareda
                

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Who Are You....Really?

Have you ever thought about that question? Sure we can say our name, what we do for a living, or something profound like "I am a spiritual being having a human experience." I'm looking for something more.

I have discovered over the last few weeks that I am living in a state of denial about who I am and how I want to express in this human experience. Becoming more and more self-aware, there was an instance that could be compared to that divine 2 x 4 smacking me on the side of the head.

A week or so ago, as I was talking with my financial adviser (yes, I finally decided I needed some guidance), he asked what I intended to do as far as continuing to work. Well, I knew what I wanted to do and I knew what I wanted to say; however, speaking the words that answered his question was very challenging. All sorts of questions came to the forefront of my mind.  Is he going to think I am a nutcase? Will he even know what I am talking about? With all the courage I could muster, I told him.

Now I'm telling all who read this blog:

I am now a 2nd Degree Reiki Practitioner. By the end of the year, I will be a certified Personal Mastery Life Coach. I have been a Science of Mind Practitioner for many years. I write a blog on spiritual and mystical topics. 

So how did my financial advisor react:. Well, turns out his mother is a Reiki Practitioner and he knows a few Life Coaches. He didn't think I was strange at all! He even said he was really interested in mystical and metaphysical topics.

What does this tell me? What does it tell you?

Live your truth! If someone thinks you are crazy, so be it! And there will be some who think you are certifiably nuts but it really doesn't matter. There will be just as many people who are interested, who may need your services, or who are in awe of you doing exactly what you want to do. It has taken me six decades to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. It feels so good to know and it feels even better to tell the world!

No, I am not ready to retire. I am ready to take the next twenty or so years to do what I feel guided to do.

My advice to those of you who want to speak their truth or move toward their goals is to take this advice from Star Trek whose "five-year mission was to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before."

"BE BOLD, 
EXPLORE STRANGE NEW WORLDS, 
SEEK OUT A NEW LIFE,
GO WHERE YOU HAVE NEVER GONE BEFORE., 
and
BY ALL MEANS, 
HAVE FUN!!!!!

Namaste,

Mareda

Monday, June 23, 2014

A Little Girl Named Lily

We have all seen and heard stories about children and adults who are experiencing such severe challenges in their human experience that the question comes up as to why. Why did this happen? How could such a terrible thing occur to an infant or toddler? Of course, the biggest question: Why would God let this happen?

I do not claim to have THE answer but I do have a lot of thoughts about this. I've mulled this over in my mind many times in the past but never to the extent as recently. I have a little girl named Lily Grace to thank for this.
Lily Grace, age 4


A couple of my Facebook friends and fellow adoptive parents were always posting about this little girl. For some reason, I did not feel compelled to read about her. However, one day I did read about her and have been hooked ever since.

A little girl from China, orphaned and classified as "terminal" based on so many medical conditions touched my soul. Adopted two years ago, she has had four open heart surgeries during this time span and now has received a gift that surpasses all others...a new heart. And we (I) ask why. 

Some schools of thought suggest that before a soul comes into the human experience, they choose the "lesson" they are to learn in this Earth School. Makes sense to me because there is no way I could believe a loving God would choose this for anyone. Maybe Lily knew she had a purpose bigger than being a cute toddler. Maybe she knew that this health challenge would bring together over 5,000 Facebook friends from all over the world. Maybe she knew that people of all faiths would join in prayer to bring love and healing to her. Maybe, just maybe, her journey is on a fast-track to bring healing to this world in ways none of us could possible fathom. 

What about the child who is no longer having a human experience? What about the family who is grieving the loss of their child yet generous enough to give a heart to another? Sad. Very sad. Maybe this is part of a much grander scheme than we can imagine. It is said a child shall lead. Maybe these two little ones are leading all the adults who think they know. 

Lily is just one of many children who touch our souls. We read about children every day who surmount all odds and survive challenges that we find difficult to understand. We also read about children who bravely leave this human experience but leave a legacy that shall stand into eternity. 

To all the parents who have a child or children who are experiencing health or emotional challenges, I suggest that maybe you are blessed. No, it isn't easy. No, it isn't fun. But maybe your child has chosen you to give you an experience of divine bliss. Our children get to us by birth or adoption or fostering. And maybe even just being there for the child down the street who needs a loving and supportive adult in their life. 

From this moment on, I shall continue to pray for Lily and the soul who's heart now beats in Lily's chest. I shall also pray for all the children who have chosen (yes, chosen) the difficult road. I shall also pray for those who are traveling with them along this road. 

I leave you with this from Ecclesiastes 3:

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

For those of you who would like to follow along with Lily's journey, there is an open group on Facebook: 

Praying for Lily

Namaste,

Mareda



Sunday, March 2, 2014

When will we ever learn?

Once again this world seems to be in a state of upheaval with the threat of war looming over the heads of many nations. When will we learn that what we are doing to stop the violence and hate just doesn't work? We have all heard the definition of insanity as doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different answer. The answer lies much deeper than what we have tried. It is quite apparent that what we have been doing is not working.

I remember years ago during the Cuban missile crisis when Russian ships were headed to Cuba...just 90 miles from Miami. The fear that encompassed everyone. Those "horrible" Russians were going to start a war. Wow! what a difference a few decades has made for me.

For the last 15 years, I've had the privilege of living with a Russian, my wonderful daughter. I also have the privilege of knowing and considering many Russians some of my dearest friends. Traveling in Russia I discovered that the citizens of that country are just like me. We all want peace, love and happiness.

This truth lies within the hearts of all people, all nationalities, all races, all religions. Peace, love and happiness are that for which we strive. So how can we manage to manifest this on earth?

It is my opinion that we need to let the differences fall to the wayside when we interact with others. Let the color of a persons skin, the clothing they wear, the language they speak fade into oblivion. See the soul inside the person. Soul to soul we are one. There is no separation.

Sometimes, it can be hard. We all meet people who are unhappy, angry, cruel, and more. How do we handle this? I think the following insert that appeared on my Facebook page says it all.


Neale Donald Wash author of the "Conversations with God" books has much to say about this at: http://www.theglobalconversation.com/.

Will things change overnight to bring about peace on earth? No, but change will occur. I intend to do my part by sending healing energy especially to the leaders of the United States, the Russian Federation and the Ukraine. May these powerful countries be an example to the world that change can come through peaceful negotiations. 

Namaste,

Mareda

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Turning off the noise

As I continue on my journey of change in this new year, I am discovering how exciting it is. Just saying "yes" has been so illuminating. Doors are appearing and some are opening; others remain closed so I just move on to another door. Sort of reminds me of that game show long ago (at least I don't think it is on anymore) where you had to choose your prize from Door #1, Door #2 or Door #3. What door holds my prize or do they all hold a prize for me? Probably.

I have completed Reiki I and am scheduled for Reiki II this coming Saturday. Wow! the energy is moving. Meditations have been deeper. A white owl showed up in one meditation about 10 days ago with a confirmation of good for me. My dreams are so vivid and real. I've not been moved to interpret them but feel there is meaning or closure or both.

Yesterday, I "love-streamed" a class from Agape Live on From the Center Out: Be Pulled By Your Vision with Michael Bernard Beckwith! Although I've done classes on visioning here in St. Louis and have read his book "Spiritual Liberation" which discusses visioning, this class was so perfect for me right now. Beyond his self-proclaimed "weirdness," he is a very wise and wonderful human being.

I first met the Rev. about 30 or so years ago. He was here for the ordination of Rev. Annie Clark. At that time, he was just beginning his "official" spiritual journey as a minister. Impressed isn't really the word for how I felt after hearing him speak. Not meaning any disrespect to my Baptist friends, I described his message as that of a Baptist minister at a revival but sharing New Thought principles. His journey was beginning and continues to grow. He is spreading a vision of God's Love and Truth.

Getting back to the class, I discovered something beyond that which was being taught. During the class some of my daughter's friends came over and were in our lower level aka basement playing games. Quite loudly I might add. Trying to listen to a class and meditate is rather difficult with an ever-increasing noise level. I found my ear plugs, plugged them in and was transported to Agape in Los Angeles. The experience was such that I felt totally enveloped in the Love that is Agape. The noise from downstairs could not be heard nor could the cars passing by my house. I had tuned out everything but the class. I was totally in the here and now.

This proved to me that in order to thrive spiritually, it is an absolute MUST to tune out the chatter, the noise, the nonsense of negativity and fear. It may not be as easy as plugging in ear plugs but someway, somehow we must find a way to rise above the negative noise in our world.

How can this be done?

Pray,
Meditate,
Turn off the news,
Surround yourself with positive, like-minded people,
Know that the presence of God/Good is everywhere,
and
Be gentle with yourself.

Happy Sunday! By the way, it may be 47 days till the official arrival of SPRING but the birds are singing like it is right around the corner. This morning, a Blue Jay greeted me with his song of praise. Later I saw a Mockingbird singing his song and a bright red Cardinal peered at me from the bare red bud tree in my yard. Of course, maybe they are just singing praise for a new day. Loving it no matter why. 

Namaste,

Mareda

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

The Gift of Today

I woke up to a blanket of snow. Not a huge amount but enough to create a driver's frenzy on the roads of St. Louis. With the arrival of this most recent snow, I was gifted with an unexpected day off. Tuesdays are usually days when I market the PT clinic where I work; however, the roads were not that safe and a text message said "stay home today." Such a gift!

I have been told that 2014 is a year of change. For me, I welcome this change. After all the years I've been on this planet, I think I finally have discovered what I want to do "when I grow up." It isn't written in granite yet but it sure is getting close. I embarked on a spiritual path quite different from that of my childhood in 1985. The path has been a catalyst for me in so many ways. Yet, I've still been challenged to find that which I am to accomplish in this lifetime. It has become more and more apparent that I no longer belong in an office setting doing administrative work. I've been there and done that. So what is it that I am to do?

I feel quite comfortable at last to say my purpose at this time is to facilitate healing and spiritual growth of those seeking it. So many times, I have had people tell me "do what you love and all your needs will be met." This always resonated as Truth but I was never sure of what it was that I loved. Something has happened within me. Maybe as we spend more years on this planet, wisdom finds its way into our psyche. All I can say for certain today is that I am content and happy.

Affirmation for today:

Just for today, I am happy and grateful to be alive.
I am amazed and in awe of all of the beauty and good in my life. 
In gratitude, I let it be.

Namaste,

Mareda


Sunday, January 5, 2014

The White Stuff Has Arrived!

For the first time in quite a few years, the St. Louis area is blanketed with snow....lots of it! Looking out my window, I see the beauty but I also recognize the dangers inherent in it. My plan is to enjoy it's beauty while I stay warm and cozy in my home. Right now, I see some one jogging by. I shall send them warm energy and know that they are staying upright in about 6+ inches of snow.


Traffic is sparse which make me rather happy. Getting stuck is so easy and getting back on the road can be a challenge; however, there are good Samaritans around as can be seen in this photo. People just started appearing and soon this lady was on her way.  My fervent hope is that she made it home safely.

My heart goes out to the homeless men, women and children as well as all the homeless animals. My prayer is that they all find warmth in a shelter and that their challenges shall be overcome this year. Those of us fortunate to have warm homes have a tendency to take this for granted. Days like this make me realize how Good my life is.

This morning, as happens many Sunday mornings, my church service came via the web from Agape Live. Rev. Michael was wonderful as usual. I particularly want to share with all of you his affirmation for the week:
Wild enthusiasm charges every activity of my life!
I am stark raving glad, God, loving and divine!
The financial energy of the universe flows freely through me!
I am a generous and generative being!
The high calling of Christ consciousness resounds in my awareness!
I am a sacred servant of God’s perfect plan!Gratefully I live these words of truth! And so it is!  Amen!
His message was simple. Basically, that we are all expressions of God; that God is everywhere and right where we are. When we pray, we pray with God. When we cry, we cry with God. When we laugh, we laugh with God. And on and on.

My intention this year is to remember that and make it an inherent part of my everyday life especially when a situation may seem otherwise. My affirmation in those times is

God is here; God is expressing as this person; 
God is guiding me right now. It is all Good. 

May this first Sunday of January 2014 be one of much joy and gladness. Stay warm and safe and know that you are Loved and that you are Love. 

Namaste,

Mareda


Wednesday, January 1, 2014

A Message from the Universe aka God this New Year's Day

On the first day of 2014, I plan on spending much of it in contemplation. What do I really want 2014 to be? How do I want to be? In my heart of hearts, I truly feel this year is one of change for the better. Not that everything will be smooth but that I will be able to smoothly move through the challenges and see the Good. 

Every week day morning, I wake up to a Message from the Universe. I highly recommend this as a way to begin your day. Mike Dooley is a true visionary who began Totally Unique Thoughts (www.tut.com) with his brother and "totally cool" mom. Today, I shall share my message from the Universe with my readers.
Dearest __________, 
 I was about to wish that your every dream come true. That you find yourself surrounded by friends, laughter, and good times. I almost wished that your every cup runneth over financially, romantically, spiritually, and creatively. That good health be your faithful companion, peace your guarded ally, and love your perpetual guide. When suddenly, it dawned on me that as an infinite, powerful, fun-loving gladiator of the Universe, with eternity before you and the power of your thoughts to help shape it... it's you who will be granting wishes this year. 
I'd like peace on earth, please -
    The Universe
Namaste,

Mareda