Fields of Weeds by Susan Cadley

Fields of weeds
Dying and drying to straw
Not a part
Of any harvest
Only a reminder of warmth
That has passed overnight
With crisp coolness
Biting at the coattails of summer
Time is hurrying past
The innocence of yesterday
Bare feet running through warm puddles
On heated sidewalks
Time to nestle in
While the leaves rustle about
Scurrying for a place to hide
Silence appears
With the first snowfall
Settling
Quieting
Cleansing the earth if falls upon
Whiteness with grace
Waiting to thaw
And awaken the life held
In the seeds of the weeds
Of yesteryear

Susan Cadley©

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Soul Coach, SoulCollage® Facilitator and sole proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops, book studies, and writing, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul.

Touchstones of the Heart~ by Susan Cadley

I’m a lover of life, celebrator of the small, cheerleader for the soul, and hope holder.  Reverence is my favorite word. 

When I lose someone or when I realize loss of life is imminent, I find myself bracing for what is to come and all the feelings that go along with the deep emotion of grief.  Grief is an emotion that rises up from the depths and takes you along for the ride on what can feel like a tumultuous river.   It’s not an emotion to be controlled or managed.  Like a river, it needs to move.   It will move you through loss if you allow it to have its way with you.  Otherwise you may get lost in a swirling eddy by the side of the river.  Grief will wait.

I began experiencing loss as a 5 year old when my paternal grandfather died.
My dad explained my grandfather’s lifeless body to me this way; “your grandfather is not really there; what you see is like a pencil without the lead.”  I wondered about that lead and where it had gone?   The stark reality of someone being here one minute and gone the next is jarring and traumatic.  I trusted my dad, as most little girls would and I would remember his words when he passed away 8 years later.   My family experienced continual losses throughout the years and after I got married, my husband’s family lost loved ones that I had come to know and love.

In order to honor my loved ones and to keep their memory alive, I created touchstones with their name and I keep them inside a sacred circle in my yard. They are my “tribe on the other side”.  And I believe as I send my love to them, their love returns to me.

Love is a powerful force.  Touch into the love when you need it.

When people are in the dying process, they usually want their friends and family around them.  Stories are told and remincing about past life celebrations are shared.  At the end of the journey here on earth, it’s people and love that is cherished.  The love we feel is what survives.  You can test this theory by closing your eyes and remembering someone you love that you’ve lost.  A feeling will more than likely rise up in you.  That is the love and connection you have with that person.  That feeling of love never dies or leaves you.

The heart emits much more electromagnetic energy than that of the brain or any other organ, according to recent research.  You can use the love that your heart holds as energy, fuel, or support when you need it.  Love is a touchstone. Tap into this limitless power.

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Soul Coach and sole proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops, book studies, and writing, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul; www.coachingforyoursoul.com

Uninspired? Get your Creative Spark Ignited! By Susan Cadley

I created a real dud of a painting in the art class I recently joined. The painting was muddy and I couldn’t get the perspective of the barn just right. Over time I’ve learned that not every creation begins with bursts of creativity sparks flying. Sometimes there’s a dud in a pack of firecrackers. I acknowledged the initial feeling of disappointment and the inner critic voice telling me “you’ll never get a creative spark again”. “Thank you for sharing” I tell the inner critic and I let her know that I know better. I remind her that creativity is not always an instantaneous combustion of fireworks and ideas. Some creations take time and mistakes and detours create more layers, complexity and depth. I gently confronted my inner critic and suggested that we “play and see what shows up next”.

It’s usually in the “next” that the creative spark emerges. It feels like a tiny firefly flickering it’s light on and off. With excitement I see the light glow, then it’s dark again. I cheer myself on to keep going, creating. When I’m kind and gentle with myself that’s when the creative spark begins to burn more brightly. Then I enter into what I call “the flow” and the glow of creating. In this space I experience fun and curiosity. New ideas drop into my mind like oranges heavy with juicy substance waiting to be shared and savored.

In my creative life, I’ve discovered that when I ease up, play, and let go of expectations, my creativity begins to flow. If I try too hard or become overly logical or critical, my creativity freezes up. The key here is to be kind, yet firm and direct when your inner critic shows up. If you tell her off or threaten her, she may go underground for a while, but she’ll show up later with a bigger fury. If you acknowledge her presence and assure her you’ve got it covered, the voice will quiet eventually.

Last year, I participated in an online creativity class with author and creativity coaching pioneer, Jill Badonsky . Jill facilitated an exercise that involved drawing what our creativity power looked like. I created the following drawing and keep it posted above my computer to remind me what being in the creative flow feels like. Consider creating a drawing that reminds you of what your creativity power feels like so you can draw on this energy if you need it.

If you find yourself uninspired or lack luster in your creative life, just begin something. You don’t have to wait until you feel the spark. In order to create fire, there’s a lot of friction generated before the flame appears. Begin, do, jump in, play….and watch your creative spark begin to glow and grow!



Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Soul Coach, SoulCollage® Facilitator and soul proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, SoulCollage® workshops, book studies, and writing, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul.

Creativity is Good Medicine By Susan Cadley

Being up with a cold at night as a child was miserable until I was offered the glowing red cherry spoonful of cough syrup. It was a promise on a spoon towards feeling better. At least that’s what my parents would tell me, and they were usually right. I would feel better after the warmth coated my throat and I could sleep restfully.

Creativity is like a spoonful of good medicine for the soul. For me there is a visceral difference in how I feel in my inner world, when I take my creativity medicine and when I don’t.

• When I’m not nurturing my creativity, life feels lackluster, boring, serious, flat, gray. I don’t feel like I’m fully being me.

• When I am nurturing my creativity, life feels vibrant, alive, buzzing with possibilities, satisfying. My soul gets to express and experience.

In order for me to keep my life feeling vitally alive, I’ve had to enlist my left-brain to remain accountable for carving out time for fun and play. I’ve learned from the creativity masters; Jill Badonsky, Jamie Ridler, SARK, and Julia Cameron to name few…that even spending a few minutes at a creative pursuit is enough to open the door to these wonderful feelings. I believe that creativity in any form opens an internal door for your soul to express.

Here are a few ways I’ve blended in creativity into my life:

Hold the Space

A few years ago I realized I needed to dedicate time to my creativity or everything in my life took precedence. I had never painted before, so I took a class at my local Parks & Recreation Center and I’ve been doing this ever since. If there’s not a current class, I use this time to paint at home. I also mark off time in my schedule for dance classes at the gym as I consider this a creative activity. On the days I don’t have something fun scheduled I might be found taking photos in my backyard, around my office, or on a walk. If you have a camera on your phone, you have a creative tool with you at all times.

It’s important to be conscious of your creative time each week. There will always be items on your to do list. And maybe, just maybe if you schedule some creative time, you’ll plow through that list with a bit more energy because you’ve been filled up. Schedule your time and protect it. It is sacred to your soul.

Organize

The left-brain loves this activity – naming, boxing, and organizing. I took the time last year to box and label my creative supplies. I put on some great music and got to work. So now, when I decide what I’m going to work with, I can find the supplies I need easily. I used to become dissuaded from beginning a project because I couldn’t find what I needed in my messy creative stash.

Ask for Support

I’ve shared with my family and friends how important my creative time is and I’ve asked them to support me in claiming my time. It’s a wonderful feeling when a friend asks me what I’ve been doing with my creative time. Ask for what you need and you might just receive it!

Carving out time for your creativity may cause these side effects: more ideas flowing, moments of unbridled happiness, giddiness, problem solving, joy, energy, heightened intuition, satisfaction, fun, connection, learning, opening, hope, love…

Add a dose of this medicine to your week, and then notice how you feel. Wishing you more.

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Soul Coach and soul proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops, book studies, and writing, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul.

Finding Light in Darkness by Susan Cadley

"I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being." Hafiz

Have you ever been awakened from a deep sleep frightened and shaky from a nightmare? If so, the first thing you probably did was to turn on the light. When the light is turned on, the scary imaginings disappear and we are calmed eventually.

Being in darkness in our waking life can encompass many things including; depression, feeling stuck, lost, experiencing grief, or unending anxiety. When we feel hopeless, faithless, and empty it may seem we cannot even reach for the light, though it is always available to us.

I was recently listening to a radio show called “Speaking of Faith” on NPR about spirituality and recovery. The guest was a Native American from the Lakota tribe in South Dakota, named Basil Braveheart. Basil talked about his alcoholism and the last 30 years being in recovery. What struck me most about what Basil shared was his culture’s belief in embracing darkness, or in his words making it a “relative”, a member of his family by acknowledging it as his greatest teacher. He said that for him, this is when answers appeared and miracles occurred.

If you find yourself in a dark place, next time try to be aware and stop yourself from finding the fast fix. Sit with it a while and allow the message it has for you to appear. You can learn about who you are in this lost place. Your soul may be stopping you in your tracks for a reason. Listen.

The most common fear about acknowledging darkness is that it will never leave but quite the opposite is true. By ignoring it, it has to get louder to get your attention. It may feel as if you’re not moving, however there is greater force at work under the surface, a force that supports you on your path always. Marianne Williamson in her book Everyday Grace reminds us that “There is a light in all of us.” When we forget this, it is time to reach out to a friend, a favorite book, a community, to take your hand and help you see in the dark. When things feel hopeless, others can hold out hope for until you find your inner light again.

The dawn eventually returns.


Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Soul Coach and sole proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops, book studies, and writing, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul.

The Invisible Power of Love by Susan Cadley

“The heart is like a garden, it can grow compassion or fear, resentment or love. What seeds will you plant there?” Buddha

It was early in the morning and as I was out walking in the cold, I found myself lamenting about “always” having to walk the dog. When I caught myself in this thought pattern I asked myself a question to ponder; why was I walking Zeke? The answer came quickly – because I love him. By this time, Zeke was far ahead of me on his extended leash. When I had the love thought, he stopped, turned around and came at me full force, wanting to connect. This was very unusual for Zeke as he is like any other dog, following his nose. I knew in that instant what the dog trainer told me was truth – our thoughts and feelings travel down the leash.

Last year I attended two separate workshops where the power of sending our thoughts and feelings was demonstrated. Both facilitators used the technique of kinesiology by testing a volunteer’s arm strength as negative and positive thoughts were silently “sent” to them by the audience members through their thoughts. When a negative thought was sent and the facilitator pressed down on the volunteer’s arm, their strength was diminished and with a positive thought, they held strong no matter how hard the facilitator pushed. These volunteers felt our thoughts and feelings. With this knowledge and awareness, we have quite a job to do in keeping up with our thoughts. Love strengthens others and us as well.

Dr. David Hawkins in his book “Power vs. Force” writes about kinesiology and the energetic effect of our thoughts and feelings. He writes this about love; “loving is a state of being. Love emanates from the heart. It has the capacity to lift others and accomplish great feats because of its purity of motive”. No matter where you are on the journey or what your circumstances, you can always emanate love. If you don’t feel love in the moment and want to send it, think about someone you do love, person or animal companion, to get the feelings started. With just one love thought, you’ll positively change your own feeling state, uplift someone else’s energy, and perhaps change the world!

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Soul Coach, and SoulCollage® Facilitator and she is sole proprietor of Living From Within. Through counseling, coaching, and creative workshops Susan guides you to hear and live the messages held within your soul.

Give Yourself Permission to Sparkle & Shine! by Susan Cadley

“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.” ~ Marianne Williamson

I was hesitant to share when it was my turn to speak.  I was attending a monthly women’s group I belong to years ago, and many of the women were sharing about the chaos occurring in their lives.  I told the women I didn’t want to share my news out of respect for their current struggles.  A wise woman in the group encouraged me to share as my good news could offer them hope that things can change.  As I was trying to protect the other women, I was actually denying them a gift I had to share. Hope.  So I shined my good news, and received appreciation and gratitude, something I had not expected.  A gift all around.

This year, I received a gift on my birthday that soon became my favorite.  As I pulled back the flaps of the cardboard box of birthday gifts from my Mom, I noticed a “post it” note placed on top of the neatly packaged presents.   I’ve decided to make this my intention for 2013, and it can be yours too.

As children we enter the world with the ability to play, twirl, shine, and be curious.  Sometimes this ability gets managed, quieted, or disrupted by family, caregivers or life events during our childhood and we can loose our ability to be shiny and be seen.  But it doesn’t have to remain that way.  You can find your inner shine at any time in your life, and now is a great time to do it!

I slowly turned down my shine after I entered grade school, where being quiet was expected and was the norm.   Toss in some serious family illnesses and I faded more into the background as others around me took the spotlight.    But now, many years later, I’m learning how to step into the light again.  It’s not an easy proposition as old voices and beliefs love to chime in.

If you hesitate to shine or you’ve turned down your sparkle ask your soul this question: What beliefs are keeping your light dim?

Check these out and see what might resonate with you:

You believe:

• It’s safer to not be in the limelight, because it means you won’t experience a perceived conflict.
• What someone else told you about yourself.
• Shining is for certain people, not you.
• If you sparkle you’ll attract jealousy or people will think you are full or yourself.
• Shining means you’ll have to set more boundaries (you might).

Here are some very important reasons to shine:

• You have a unique soulprint; talents and gifts that only you can express.
• You gift others by radiating hope and positivity when you shine.
• Your precious life is your canvas ~ splash it with your colors.
• You teach others it’s healthy to shine and share.
• Your shining light may provide healing for another person.

If you still find yourself hiding in the shadows, I understand.  Taking on old belief systems that seems to provide safety and security, can bring up a feeling of vulnerability and fear.  However, these outdatedbeliefs no longer serve you as an adult. In order to grow, evolve and elevate your consciousness, you’ll need to be willing to shine, sparkle and be more of you everyday.

If you need a permission slip, feel free to use the “post it” note from my Mom.  She and I will be cheering you out of the shadows and into the light.  It’s where you are meant to be.  And you can be loved and be safe there. 

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Soul Coach and sole proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops, book studies, and writing, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul. 

Creative Dreams in Hiding by Susan Cadley

Sometimes creative dreams get tucked away.  And like an old friend you haven’t spoken to in a long time, you can pick up right where you left off.  It’s comfortable, easy, and the relationship flows when you let go and don’t try too hard.

My childhood was filled with imagination and my teen years were focused on the arts in high school. I began college with the intention to continue my study of the arts, but somewhere along the way I received the message that I needed a practical major.   A major that would land me a good job, whatever that was supposed to mean?!The practical major was chosen: business.  Life got much more serious with this major as I packed up my creative pursuits and tucked them away. 

For many years my creative dreams had seemed to disappear as I focused on my career and taking care of myself financially. And then suddenly my life changed as a car hit mine, head on.  The painful recovery opened up a place in me that I had forgotten, the part of me that longed to express.  My pain was constant and I found a caring, compassionate therapist to talk to.  She assisted me in managing the pain with biofeedback, but more importantly she guided me to remember who I was.

With her inspiration, I began taking drawing and meditation classes after work.  I read Julia Cameron’s The Artist Way book and took myself on artist dates to planetariums, art galleries, the sea, and old college libraries.  My creative self began to re-emerge and I felt like I could breathe deeply again, right down to my soul.  I was shaking the dust off my old friend, my creative dreams.

Fast forward many years and more education, I’m now dedicated to guiding women and men to remember who they are; a shining soul. My work as a therapist is the creative process in action as there are feelings, colors, sounds, insights, intuitions, dreams and memories to work with.  And, it gets deeper and richer with time.

I recently declared to a friend that I feel most like myself when I’m in my painting class or working with clients.  Creativity brings me joy and fulfillment and it has brought me full circle to where I am right now in my life.  I’ve embraced that this is who I am and who I came here to be. I remembered.

Your creative dreams won’t every fully leave you, they may go into hiding or on a hiatus and that’s ok.  Just like a warm, trusted old friend, you can invite them back into your life at anytime and they will rise up to meet  and embrace you.

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Soul Coach and sole proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops, book studies, and writing, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul.

Savoring the Moment by Susan Cadley

Summer is my favorite season and I usually find myself wanting to squeeze all the juice I can out of it.  I enjoy savoring the colors and fullness of this season.  For me, summer means playtime and a lightness of being.  I take this practice of savoring into my daily life so that I remain aware, awake, noticing, being present.  This is not only important in the work I do as a counselor, but in my daily life too.   I want to be fully here and experience what is in the now.  

savor |ˈsāvər|    Relish, enjoy (to the full), appreciate,delight in, revel in, luxuriate in, bask in.~Webster's Dictionary

My yard feels like a huge sprawling ranch that is full of life.  Even though it’s not and I live in the suburbs, there’s a lot going on in nature.  You'll notice too, as you slow down your outer pace. That's when savoring happens.

Savoring can happen anywhere, any place.  Consider how you can add more savoring into your day.  Take time to savor your favorite cup of tea or “joe”, relish in a conversation with a friend, see the love in your child, partner or pet’s eyes, notice the colors of nature or the formations of the clouds above.  This slowing down and savoring adds richness to life.  Just like meditation, a few moments of savoring can replenish your soul for the rest of the day.

Here's a poem I wrote while sitting in my yard on a cool September morn. It was a savoring moment, so I got out my poetry net to catch a few words about my experience.  I invite you to come on out into nature for a moment...and savor.

Savoring Sunday morning

Spying through coffee steam

The coolness calms

And begins to soothe

The summer heat

That loosens its grasp

Giving way to autumn

A black crow caw

Pierces through the sky

Announcing the transition

Parting the atmosphere

A rustle bustle of squirrels

Perform on balance beam fence

Marshmallow tufts lull over canvas blue

Grasshopper clings to screen

We all slow down

Moving inward

To rest

Into ourselves

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Soul Coach and sole proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops, book studies, and writing, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul.

Driving in the State of Gratitude by Susan Cadley

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” Anthony Robbins

As my car glided down the highway early one bright Saturday morning, I imagined a white light surrounding my entire vehicle, leaving a trail of blessings for all those that drove around me.  Deva Premal’s spinning chants accompanied me inside the car as I stated my gratitude for the many blessing in my life, including the city I live in.  I stated out loud “ I love living in Atlanta”.   And the rest of the day, Atlanta loved me.

The remainder of my day turned into what I call “flow”.  The attendees at the workshop I attended were friendly, the content was rich, and the presenter deep and thoughtful.  At lunch I took myself to a restaurant where I enjoyed some creamy tomato soup made with goat cheese, which was a surprising treat as I’m allergic to cow’s milk.   Since I had a bit more time after lunch, I walked across the street from the restaurant to browse in a bead store, as making jewelry is a creative hobby of mine.  The bead store was attached to a boutique and I found myself trying on a long summer skirt and in 5 minutes,  purchasing it.   I floated away with the feeling of gratitude and trusted the process and the day as it unfolded.  I had not made the connection to how I began my day being grateful, with how my day turned out until much later.  However I could feel something was in the air that day.

That something was the feeling of being in the state of gratitude.  The word gratitude is a noun, however being grateful can generate feelings such as feeling: wholeness, grounded, peaceful, contented, satiated, and calm. 

If you want to shift your feeling state, consciously move into gratitude.  Feeling down?  Create a gratitude list.  Is someone displeased with you?  Think about the people that love and understand you.   Draw a circle with your name in the middle and the names of all those beings that love you around the edges of the circle. Having some big challenges?  Focus on what is working in your life.  We all have so much, and we need a reminder from time to time.  Gratitude can be your reminder.

Expressing gratitude doesn’t have to be a big production. Simply state it out loud. Or, you can draw on your creativity and create something that represents gratitude, color/paint your gratitude, dance it, sing it.  Be expansive and expressive as only you can be. 

When you enter the sate of gratitude, you shift your consciousness, you take yourself higher and you lift the rest of us higher as well.

I invite you to take a moment right now and say “thank you” for someone or something in your life right now.  Then, allow flow to find you!

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Soul Coach and sole proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops, book studies, and writing, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul.

Strawberry Waffles and Prosperity by Susan Cadley

We sat across from each other in the restaurant booth, chatting away about the church service we just attended and our plans for the upcoming week. Two friends sharing breakfast and life’s details. Little did I know that I was going to receive a lesson in prosperity after the strawberry waffles had been enjoyed, bite by luscious bite.

My friend Edith was 79 years old when we met; I was in my 20’s. We formed a close friendship right from the start. I had just moved to a new city in my home state of Michigan to begin a new job in outside sales. I settled into a townhouse and during my first week there, I had a problem with the lock on one of the windows. I called the leasing office and they sent a maintenance man right away. A very friendly young man, my age, showed up to fix the window. We talked about how I was new in town and was hoping to meet people with like interests. He noticed some books I had on my table and shared with me there was a book study group that in the townhome complex I lived in. The book study was based on “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay. He said he would contact the person who was hosting the group and ask her to invite me. Unknowingly I was about to enter into what would become a catalyst of my spiritual growth.

Edith was the leader and teacher of the group and everyone else was my age. We would read a chapter aloud and then discuss how it applied to us and what we might be experiencing. I could tell everyone was hanging on Edith’s words as she added her wisdom to that of Louise Hay. At the end of the night, someone had to drive Edith home, and I always volunteered. As we slipped through the darkness, I became more illumined as she continued to share her wisdom with me. It was during these slow drives to her home that we became friends. I often felt like I was riding on air as I drove home after dropping her off, thinking about all I was learning.

Edith and I began attending church together, someone would bring her to church and often I would drive her home. It was then that we occasionally stopped for lunch. Since Edith was on a limited income and I had a “corporate” job, so I picked up the check when we would go out. She was a gracious receiver most of the time, until the day we both ordered the waffles with strawberries on top. As I went to grab the check at the end of our meal, Edith told me that this time she would like to pay. I insisted and she sternly told me that if I did not allow her to treat me, I would be blocking her prosperity. What?? This stopped me in my tracks, Edith explained: she was a great believer that what you give comes back to you ten fold. She told me that she needed an opportunity to give, so that her prosperity would remain flowing. With that in mind, I said a gracious thank you. To this day I allow others to give to me with this idea in mind. Giving and receiving need to flow and if we lean too much in either direction, our life can get out of balance. Share, give freely, love and also receive this so you not only experience your good, but also assist another person’s prosperity flow.

Wishing you prosperity in all forms, and a waffle with great big strawberries on top!

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Soul Coach and sole proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops, book studies, and writing, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul.

Why Play is Good for You by Susan Cadley

 "Playfulness is absolutely necessary for your health and well-being - it's as important as the food you eat and the thoughts you think." Denise Linn

Do you remember the anticipation you had as a child when June was fast approaching and school would be out for the summer? I don't know about you, but I could hardly wait for the bell to ring on the last day of
school. We all ran out the door with glee, not sure what was ahead, but we knew it wasn't about sitting still! It was time to play, let loose, take a brain break.

The element of play can get lost in our adult world if we allow it. The serious part of you may have a million reasons not to play, but play has some serious benefits. These benefits have been studied and documented by Stuart Brown, M.D., a psychiatrist. In his book, Play, co-authored with Christopher Vaughn, he writes that play is not only practice for survival but a comfort to the soul.

Here are some positive side effects of play;

• Stress reduction
• Increased creativity and problem solving
• Exercise for health
• Moving energy of pent up emotions
• Induces happiness

How can you carve out playtime in your schedule; in your day and week ahead? Keep that date with yourself and stay committed. What I've experienced when I create play time for myself is that I'm happier, I laugh
more, and I don't mind any of the things deemed as work in my life. This is because I'm satisfying my playing gene.

If you find play difficult, ask yourself a few questions and allow your soul to answer:

1. What is your belief about people who play?
2. If you play, what do you believe will happen, good or bad?
3. What belief keeps you from playing? (Hint:it's all about your beliefs, which can be challenged)

You have the play gene in your DNA too. So how will you play? Here are some ideas to get you warmed up:

• Dance
• Skip
• Sing loud in the car or anywhere!
• Paint
• Sit on a swing
• Write a silly poem
• Watch comedy

Sprinkle some fun into your life and feel your soul soar!

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Soul Coach and soul proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops, book studies, and writing, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul.

Finding Your Voice by Susan Cadley

 “Speak your mind even if your voice is shaking” Maggie Kuhns

Climbing the 12 foot angled ladder on wheels, I held on tightly to the hand rails as I balanced myself and reached deep into the stacked stock shelving searching for the right size, the right color. I would go to great heights to find what the customer was looking for at my first real job; working in a retail store in the men’s dress shirt department. I worked all holidays, kept the stock straight when it was quiet, and I rarely called in sick as I took this job seriously. When it came time for my first work review, I was very nervous, worried and wondering how my manager perceived me. When I read the all “average” ratings, my heart sank as I felt I had been giving it my all. At sixteen years old, I found a place deep with me that would not allow me to sign the form without commenting about the “average” rating. I was extremely shy in high school, and speaking up was a big deal. Very nervously I told my manager that I felt I went above and beyond for customers and even co-workers and that I deserved a higher rating is some areas of the evaluation. She paused and then said the magic words; “I know it took courage to speak your truth, and you are right. You do deserve a higher rating.” And so for me, thankfully, that experience burned into my brain as a reason to take a chance on being heard and seen.

Do you find that you often “bite your tongue” and “swallow your words” so you won’t “rock the boat”? If so, you may need a quick lesson in speaking your truth. Speaking your truth is not about lashing out at others or shaming someone on purpose but instead it is about clearly communicating how you feel, which is difficult for many people. Speaking your truth takes courage because you take a risk; you may or may not be heard. You may not be received well by someone else; they may not hear you or like what you have to say. But here’s the truth, it’s not about them, it’s about you being in integrity with your innermost voice, your soul.

The reasons why the inner voice gets quieted or lost are varied, but mostly stems from how we learned to handle conflict or express/not express our feelings as children. In some families, children are told not to cry, be quiet, or stop being angry. Or if there was chaos and conflict in the household, a child may decide to stay quiet because they are afraid of getting hurt. These early experiences mold how we do or don’t express ourselves in the future as adults.

The benefits to speaking up include increased self-esteem, relaxation in the body, and richer relationships. In order to begin this process, you must decide that you want to improve your communication skills. Then begin to notice bodily cues when you have an interaction with someone. You may have a feeling in the pit of your stomach, your jaw may tighten, or you clench your fists. Noticing is the first step. Next, decide to practice speaking your truth with someone safe who you know will not leave or ridicule you. This practice is like exercise; it takes repetition for this muscle to build. It may feel scary at first, expect that feeling to arise. Here is a quick three-step process to get you started:

1. When _______ happened or happens
2. I felt/feel________________
3. I would like you to___________ or not____________

It’s clear, concise and to the point. If the receiver becomes defensive, go back to the three-step process and repeat yourself requesting to be heard.

The next time you wish you had said something to someone instead of swallowing your words, go back and use the three-step process. It’s never too late to speak your truth or begin learning to care for yourself, and your precious soul.

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Soul Coach and sole proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops, book studies, and writing, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul.

The Delicate Dance of Authenticity by Susan Cadley

"People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway." St. Teresa
If you've ever shared your hopes and dreams with someone and met with naysaying negativity or if you've left a conversation feeling bullied or diminished...take heart dear fellow soul traveler. There's a way to navigate this journey by taking most excellent care of yourself and remaining kind and authentic and true to your soul. It's not an either or situation - it's both.

When our boundaries are too open, we may give too much and then feel depleted, forget to edit what we say, or swallow our anger/hurt, all detrimental to ourselves and others. On the other end of the spectrum, when we are overly protective of shining our souls, we may turn down the dimmer and hide our talents, feelings, ideas from others. This can result in unlived dreams and feelings of depression or apathy. So how do we find the balance here? It's a delicate dance.

Vulnerability and strength hold hands and when they dance together; you are able to express who you are and take care of yourself at the same time. We all have a built-in "inner protector", and if you let her/him rise up to the occasion, you may be surprised at how empowered you will feel. Healthy communication is about speaking your truth from an "I" perspective, naming what you are experiencing, and then making a request if you need to. Hopefully you wouldn't allow a child to be bullied if you witnessed it - you'd step in to help. The same is true for your tender dreams and authentic self. Be you and stand up for yourself if you need to.

I'm choosing to be kind and open-hearted with healthy communication boundaries no matter what people show up with. How about you?

Here's the rest of St. Teresa poem;

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies. 
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Be good anyway.
Honesty and frankness will make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People need help but will attack you if you help them.
Help them anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Soul Coach and sole proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops, book studies, and writing, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul.

Your Life is a Creative Process by Susan Cadley

Whenever I start a creative project, I seem to go through a similar process. Because I know my process, it can make starting a bit easier....usually. I know that no matter what shows up, I can create again and the learning is in the doing not the finished project. I still get frustrated...I keep fortitude and acceptance in my pocket.

I recently took a painting class offered by a talented artist, Maureen Engle. Maureen is a fabulous teacher as she helps her students express who they are as well as offering concrete suggestions. The class I attended was called "Paint Your Dream Dress". I had absolutely no idea how to paint a dress but I as shared with Maureen, it didn't matter what we would be painting, I would've attended. This is how I maintain balance in my life; keeping a healthy dose of creativity flowing. If I don't, my soul will speak. Loudly.

I believe every person is creative, it's not just the obvious people who enjoy artistic endevours who are creative. You are creative in how you design your calendar, home, clothes, food, garden, and self care. You are creative in how you spend your time, with whom, and how. You are creative in writing an email, a card, a note for the babysitter. Any time there is some-thing that is an outcome of no-thing - you've created! So for those of you that affirm "I'm not creative" you no longer have permission to say this. Instead, embrace and honor your creativity in whatever form it appears. The more you do, it will grow and expand.

The following are some creative stages I move in and through and around when I paint along with some life lessons that parallel the process;

1) A blank canvas. I usually feel nervous and excited with some fear sprinkled that I have no idea what I'm doing. It's at this stage, I hesitate...I distract myself. Fear can do that.

Life: If you stop yourself from creating new relationships, job opportunities, or projects, it may be fear getting in your way. Fear makes us pause and evaluate. Then, when we discover the coast is clear we move ahead. If you get stuck in this stage, you won't experience all you can in your life. This is "take a risk" phase and it's where you'll grow. Shift your inner dialogue to "I can do this".

2) If you don't like it, change it, add color, paint over it. Just about every time I'll reach a stage where I don't like my painting. Something's not right. Perhaps the proportion is off or I don't like the color. I've asked my fellow painting students if this is true for them and they all said yes. Their suggestion; step away for a while and come back with fresh eyes.

Life: Have you ever been so immersed in something that felt painful like an argument, an upset customer, a relationship, project...that you could not come up with a solution? Stepping away and out of the situation allows you to gain a new perspective. Asking for help can remove the feeling of being alone in the process and may offer an innovative idea, or two, or more.

3)Love it, paint over it or start a new piece.

Life: No matter what happens in your life, you can begin again. If you allow fear to hold you back, you may believe you are protecting yourself but you are missing out on the buffet of choices life has to offer. And oh... all the luscious color, texture and joy as well!

This is the finished painting of my wedding dress from the painting class. I’m happy with the outcome, love the surprises and “mistakes” that showed up. I gained a wee bit more painting confidence, a benefit of forcing myself to try something new. Invitation to you; attempt something new or old, and allow your soul to express. It’s always waiting for the invitation to dance with life.

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Soul Coach and sole proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops, book studies, and writing, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul.

Projects Are Like Quilts by Susan Cadley

Have you ever had a HUGE project or idea and you become so overwhelmed you stop in your tracks, get distracted, feel anxious, and end up just ignoring it? These kinds of projects have a way of continually tapping you on the shoulder, saying “hey, when are we going to get started?”

In construction, there’s a term for huge, overwhelming projects, they are called BHAG’s. This acronym stands for a Big – Hairy – Audacious – Goal. I had never heard this term until I heard a man describing the BHAG he was working on in his back in his yard. I’ve always wanted to use this term, and now I can. If you’ve got a BHAG, how do you get started?

I’ve been in what I call a brewing stage for a while now. I’ve been listening to my soul and receiving many new creative ideas. I’ve been writing them down and talking them up. I kept getting tapped on the shoulder by these ideas so I decided to take on a BHAG. Instead of thinking about the task as one huge project, I decided to begin taking small steps. I complete one task a week and give it all my attention.

If you have a large project looming, begin simply, begin small. Each step will take you to the next, and the next. I liken this to creating a quilt. My Mom is a quilter and I’ve always enjoyed sharing in her satisfaction as each square was completed. Each square being unique and important to the whole of the finished project. Find joy and learning in creating each square. The process is the journey. Before you know it, you’ll unfurl a quilt that is uniquely you.

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist & Soul Coach and sole proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops and book studies, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul.

Starting, with Fear by Your Side by Susan Cadley

“When we feel stuck, going nowhere--even starting to slip backward--we may actually be backing up to get a running start.” Dan Millman

Oh, where to begin? That is the question when faced with starting something. Especially when it's something you've started before.

I've been on a short hiatus from the gym and working out in general. The reasons why are not as important as beginning again, in the now. I'm careful not to admonish myself for not working out, it's just not helpful. Instead, I first think about getting back into a routine, I remember how energized and grounded I felt, and then I decide. I decide to start. At first I hesitate as my inner protector begins to speak, wanting to shield me from ANY pain; "you'll be so tired, sore, you won't be able to keep up with the workout class, blah, blah, blah ". There may be some truths in that little rant, however, it's really trying to talk me out of it to avoid either perceived pain, which is really FEAR.

The element of fear is meant to keep us safe from harm. Think about that intuitive feeling you have when you sense real danger. It’s a natural built in instinct. However, what is unique to humans is that we place danger on situations that may not be harmful at all. We do this based on our personal history, looking for evidence that something did not work in the past. In order to avoid feeling failure, disappointment, or sadness, hesitation sets in. Fear can stop you in your tracks from moving ahead.

If you’ve been thinking about starting something such as a healthy lifestyle, work project, an event, anything that feels big and overwhelming to you, look for these signs that fear is in charge:

• Negative self defeating talk – “you can’t do that, it’s too hard, you’ve failed before”
• Procrastination – “you can begin later"
• Comparing – “other people have it easier, they are more talented”
• Complacency - Doing nothing is a habit.

Here are some ways to get yourself at the starting line once you’ve decided to begin:

• Do your research and have a plan in place. Name the main goal and then create smaller attainable goals to keep overwhelm at bay.
• Imagine how you would feel if you began something you’ve been putting off.This usually results in feeling a sense of calm, accomplishment, increased self-esteem.
• Gain support and cheerleaders along the way.
• Write down your goal and post it where you can see it everyday.
• Celebrate yourself for starting with a healthy reward.

Beginnings can be filled with excitement and fear, as the unknown offers a plethora of possibilities and fear offers only one; perceived safety. Consider starting something you’ve been putting off and open yourself up to learning and growing. And remember, even if you slide backwards, you can begin again in the next moment. Life is a series of starts. Be gentle with yourself and decide to start living even more fully, right now.

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist & Soul Coach and sole proprietor of Living From Within, LLC. Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops, book studies, and writing, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul.

Tender Dreams by Susan Cadley

Your dreams, emotions, accomplishments, losses, mistakes, are all part of you and what makes you human on your life journey. As a soul tender, I want to share with you something I learned from one of my spiritual teachers, Edith, when I was in my 20's. Edith used to advise me not to share my hopes and dreams with people that could not whole-heartedly support me.

At first, this puzzled me as I felt as if I was withholding parts of myself from others. However, as I grew older and wiser, I learned the truth of what Edith was teaching. Yesterday I was reminded of this truth as I was listening to Life Coach Cheryl Richardson on her radio show. Cheryl was reminding a caller to keep her dreams sacred as other people may place their emotions on her dream before it had manifested.

Our dreams are like tender shoots emerging from the earth and we must nurture and protect them as well. One way we do this is to share with loving, supportive people who can visualize and see the truth of who we are. This supportive energy can assist our dreams in taking flight.

So why would someone not support our dreams? The reasons are numerous. Sometimes our sharing can bring up feelings about yet unrealized dreams for another person. This may show up as jealousy, fear, negativity and naysaying. The trigger can cause the other person to negate and question our dream, or make a cutting comment passively, jokingly, or directly. This is all projection on the other person's part, a piece of their healing.

Find your circle, tribe, shaman, therapist, coach or best friend and ask them to see the best for you. Close your eyes and make a wish upon your dream seeds. I'll silently, quietly, and sacredly wish with you.

Susan is a Licensed Psychotherapist & Soul Coach and sole proprietor of Living From Within, LLC.   Through counseling, coaching, creative workshops and book studies, Susan guides you to hear and live the messages of your soul.

Meet the Dreamers: Susan Cadley

Susan Cadley

I’m a ponderer, I just can’t help it. My curiosity about human behavior, spirituality, creativity, animals, the life force, cultures, health, shamanism, the elements, dreams…ok…I could go on, and I will here. I’m always reading, listening, thinking, wondering, jotting it down or typing it up. I’ll be sharing what I what I’m noticing, processing and learning.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Soul Coach in private practice. My counseling orientation is integrative as I attend to the body, mind, spirit and emotions and the rich information they each can provide. I believe that each day is a gift and there’s richness available to you in every 24-hour timeframe. The possibilities are limitless. I also believe that you are the most interesting person you’ll ever know.

You are a soul – a shining light. You are not your roles, thoughts, career, economic status or who others think you are. My intention in my profession and writing is for you to be able to hear the messages of your soul so that you can live a fulfilling life as the authentic, real you.

Website: Coaching for Your Soul. Blog: Soul Tending. Twitter. Facebook.