WELCOME TO THE BLOG...
June 17, 2024
When things happen....
Welcome to the first entry of the Good Spirit Wellness blog.
It has been said that all things happen for a reason. And I think that I've always believed this. It used to be, however, that I'd try to seek out the WHY. I'd want to know the reason things were happening. From small things like, "Why was that guy such a jerk - cutting me off like that!?" to the bigger, "How is it that a person so in the prime of their life, with a young family, having so much promise for the future... can get a diagnosis of cancer with no chance of recovery?"
But then... is it really any of my business? I'm going to have to say I don't think so.
My own story isn't tragic, but it isn't small; in fact, it's a pretty significant one, because it got me where I am today, and helped me learn about myself. I did do a lot of wondering why I was being sent down the path that I was on. Coming up on 6 years after this journey began, I don't have all the answers, but I feel I'm beginning to understand.
Someday, everything will make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears, be strong and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason." - John Mayer
June 29, 2024
Imposter Syndrome
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I don’t know when I first heard the term “imposter syndrome” - definitely within the last 5 or 6 years. I also didn’t know what it meant … so, being the curious sort, I did some searching.
One of the first definitions that came up was from the Oxford Languages Dictionary; it said imposter syndrome is, “the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills.”
Hm. If ever I read something that made me think of, well, ME… this was it.
I think self-doubt is probably quite natural on some level. But what is it that makes us believe, or not believe, in ourselves? Maybe some of it is to do with nature… and some with nurture. Our genes and our environment. I’m no scholar, so I couldn’t tell you for sure, but it makes sense. The home you grow up in, the people you spend your time with, the relationships you’re in… can all have an impact on what you believe. If you hear “you’re worthless” enough times, you might start to believe it. If you’re told that you’re smart and beautiful, you might start to believe that.
One of my clients sent me a review today, about some of the Animal Reiki sessions we’ve had. I had to read it a few times over, because my immediate thought was, “This couldn’t be about me… maybe she meant to send this to someone else.”
But she meant to send it to me. And they were beautiful words, and they meant the world to me.
One day, my natural reaction when I read kind words sent to me by a client or friend or family member… will simply to be thankful - and not doubt.
I still have a little imposter syndrome… It doesn’t go away, that feeling that you shouldn’t take me that seriously. What do I know? I share that with you because we all have doubts in our abilities, about our power and what that power is.” - Michelle Obama
October 13, 2024
Energy Vampires... and other not-so-Halloween-y characters
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About 15 years ago, my mum, who loves talk radio, told me she'd just listened to an interview about "energy vampires" and "empaths". Now, the word "empath" has been around for a long time... but it wasn't commonly used when we were discussing this - at least not in my circle.
The author, psychiatrist Judith Orloff, M.D., was being interviewed about her book, Emotional Freedom: Liberate Yourself from Negative Emotions and Transform your Life. My mum told me that when she heard this doctor describing empaths, she immediately thought of me. And when the interviewee starting talking about energy vampires... WELL. It resonated as well - not because anyone in the family "is" an energy vampire, but because mum saw it in all of us - that we can be affected by them.
So... what IS an energy vampire, and how do we slay... er, AVOID, them?
According to Dr. Orloff, the best ways to rid yourself of the energy vampire(s) in your life is to set strong boundaries, limit your exposure to them, practice self-care, and learn to say no when required.
It's definitely one of those "easier said than done" exercises for a lot of people. Me included... and it takes time, and WORK, to be able to change things - not unlike anything else that is worth the effort
Work at it. Don't give up. And don't be afraid to say no.
Energy vampires are those people who suck the life out of you by draining your energy and leaving you feeling exhausted. ~ Doreen Virtue
September 16, 2025
So... what EXACTLY is Reiki?
If you've ever heard someone say, "I just had Reiki and I feel amazing!" and your first thought was, "Cool... what’s Reiki?" — you’re not alone.
Let’s clear it up.
Reiki 101: The Basics
Reiki (pronounced RAY-key) is a Japanese healing technique that works with energy — yes, energy. The idea is simple: your body has an energy flow (think of it like an internal Wi-Fi signal), and when that energy gets blocked, stuck, or depleted, it can affect your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Reiki helps to balance and restore that flow.
It’s not a massage. It’s not a religion. It’s not about belief systems or crystals or chanting (although hey, no judgment if you’re into those). Reiki is gentle, non-invasive, and deeply relaxing — often described as a calming, warm experience that leaves people feeling lighter, clearer, and grounded.
What Happens During a Session?
You lie down (fully clothed), close your eyes, and... chill. Seriously.
The practitioner gently places their hands either lightly on or just above your body, moving through a series of positions. You might feel warmth, tingling, or even nothing at all — and that’s totally normal. Some people fall asleep (happens all the time). Some get emotional. Some just feel super peaceful.
It’s different for everyone. Your body takes what it needs.
Is This... Woo-Woo?
An excellent question. Reiki sometimes gets lumped into the "woo" category because it’s not always easy to explain in scientific terms. But here’s the thing: just because something can’t be measured with a fitness tracker doesn’t mean it’s not real.
In fact, more and more hospitals, hospices, and wellness clinics around the world now offer Reiki as a complementary therapy for stress reduction, pain management, and emotional support.
It’s not magic. It’s not a miracle cure.
But it is a powerful tool to support your body’s natural ability to relax, restore, and heal.
Or... if that was TL;DR (too long; didn't read): What Is Reiki?
A Japanese energy healing technique
Promotes deep relaxation and balance
Involves light touch or hands hovering over the body
Can support physical, emotional, and mental well-being
Feels really, really good
Whether you're a seasoned Reiki regular or just Reiki-curious, know this: your body wants to feel better — sometimes it just needs the space and stillness to do so.
And that, my friend, is where Reiki comes in.
The best things in life often come from unexpected places. ~ Jeannette Walls
(Interested in learning more? Let's connect!)
September 30, 2025
A Client's experience
(Shared with permission)
The first time I met her was about a year ago.
She was in her early 70s, dealing with intense jaw pain—her teeth didn’t even meet properly on one side. Her Reiki session was gentle and uneventful, but she left feeling relaxed. That was her first time trying Reiki, and she wasn’t sure what to expect.
Some people come back. Some don’t. Last week, she walked in again. I barely recognized her—there was something different in her face.
When a person comes to see me for a follow-up session, I always like to ask how they've been since I last saw them, if anything has changed, if anything is new. After settling in, we started off with that, and she replied, “Oh yes, I definitely want to tell you something.”
She reminded me of her jaw pain, then told me what happened after her first session: she was at home, eating, when she felt—and heard—a loud CRUNCH. She panicked, thinking she’d made things worse.
But in the weeks that followed, her jaw started to feel better. Her teeth aligned more. Her dental surgeon had no explanation—he just said things must’ve relaxed enough to shift back naturally.
When the dental surgeon mentioned things relaxing, she began looking back and connected the dots: the relaxation she experienced during Reiki may have allowed her jaw muscles to finally release, giving everything space to move into a better place.
Since then, she’s been more comfortable than she’s been in some time. She’s even reading up on Reiki to learn more about peoples' experiences. After her second session, she’s hopeful for even more relief.
This is why I do this work.
Not for the “wow” moments—though they do happen. But to be able to provide people space. Stillness. To offer people the deep rest their bodies sometimes need to finally let go.
Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation. ~ Unknown
(Interested in seeing if you can experience the same kind of relaxation? Let's connect!)