Hello dear friend,

I pulled these cards the other day when asking what I need to know right now – “Happiness is my birthright. I am a spiritual being here to have a human experience and I’m here to get closer to love.” Gosh, could I have pulled a better combination? Maybe, but this one is pretty awesome, no? I think the messages here are such important ones to remember – but they are oh-so-easy to forget, especially as I get caught up in the mundane, repetitive tasks of daily life. But gosh, what an idea. What a marvelous point of view – to go beyond the idea that we have a right to the pursuit of happiness to the idea that happiness is an innate right in and of itself.

I’m reminded of this video I saw a year or so ago, featuring a talk by Mo Gawdat – I really resonated with the message that happiness isn’t those moments of high excitement and joy, but rather “the absence of unhappiness”. What an interesting, thought, no? I remember being particularly struck by the simple exercise he shared that showed we can shift our moods so quickly. As someone who has often struggled with negative thought patterns and cycling thoughts, this idea of using distraction as a way to pull myself out of negative emotions had me nodding along. But I also remember thinking – well, yes, it helps while I am distracted, but the feelings come back when the distraction ends.

Though it took me many years to learn it, it is at those moments that I need to gently remind myself that I’m a soul having a human experience and I’m here to learn. I need to remind myself that I can approach the learning experience through a lens of love – for others AND for myself. Because when I come at a situation when I’m centered and calm in the knowledge that I am loved and safe and that the energy never dies – I know I can take on anything life throws at me. I know I will never again fall as far as I have before – and I know I can soar far, far beyond the dreams I can currently imagine.

I don’t know where you are in your journey, my friend, but I do know this – if happiness is my birthright, than it is absolutely your birthright, too. I also know that you, and I, are here to learn – and though the lessons might break us, I know we are also resilient enough, strong enough, and loved enough to always bounce back. And in case you need to hear it today – you are loved. You are so, so loved. You’ve survived so much and come so far – look at how strong you are! I’m so proud of you. I’m so glad to know you, even if just energetically through sharing this connection across the internet. I’m glad you exist.

Until next time, my friend, sending you lots of love and energetic hugs.

Love always,

Katie