Every ending is a new beginning, but it doesn't always feel that way--and it didn't in the spring of 2017. I was freshly divorced, with a storage unit full of stuff but no house to put it in, a job that I was just about to quit and no future plans at all.

So I decided to ride my bicycle across the United States of America. On my own.

Four and a half months later, I realized that the hardest part of any adventure--whether it's by bike, by car, in our minds and hearts, the result of a change we chose or one that was thrust upon us--is the beginning. It can feel nearly impossible to start, and many of us don't know where to even begin. And so we get stuck there.

We get stuck on making things perfect. On choosing the right moment. On being ready. On what others might think. On being old enough (or too old), or not having the right skills, the right gear, the right state of mind. On what we should have or could have done.

And yet, what I on learned on this journey and what my body taught me was this: Go anyway. Keep moving, day by day, breath by breath, pedal stroke by pedal stroke. Choose and then choose again. What's the worst that could happen?

Actually, what's the best that could happen?

Years later I can tell you: Only the most incredible of things. Things that you once only dreamed of. Things that you once never even dared to dream--like moving across an ocean. I had to ride my bike across a country, though, before I could rebuild my life on my own terms.

So what is your bike ride across America? Where will it take you, if you just dare to begin?

P.S. Listen to the end for reflection questions, resources and a quick breathing exercise to help you get started!

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So, what’s your story? This is one of the many ways that we modern humans get the conversation going. It’s one that I use a lot, actually. Maybe because I’m a writer, and a trained journalist. And because I'm a curious person, which is probably what drew me to that work in the first place.

This podcast has been quieter than usual for a bit because I’ve been following my curiosity to see where it leads me. I feel as if I am molting, and also being asked to step up, so I've been sitting on that. I also feel like the world is crumbling around us—new atrocities, new wars, new human rights violations flash across my screen every day, even if I open up my Instagram for just two seconds. I’ve been ruminating a lot on what it means to be American, now that my country of origin has become intent on destroying itself and the world in the ugliest, most backwards, most hate-filled way possible. More than that, I’ve been thinking about what it means to be a woman in a world still dominated by men, and one which I am convinced is falling apart largely because of that.

A very important note: I know plenty of very good men, including my own father and the man I married. Men are not the enemy. The toxic patriarchy is. In fact, going forward, we’re going to need those good men to stand with us so that we can build something better.

And just how do we build something better? Us little people, the powerless ones? First of all, we have to stop thinking that we’re powerless. Big changes are made in small ways by many, many “small” people every single day.

Second of all, women and women-identifying humans, we need to make our voices heard. We need to provide the compassionate and nurturing leadership that the world so desperately needs—starting in our communities, our families, our homes. Make them a place of love and acceptance where all are welcome, where domination has no place, and where each living thing has a place at the table.

How do we do this? It all comes down stories. Stories are THE way that humanity has been learning, growing, and passing down wisdom since the dawn of time.
So, you’ll be hearing a lot more from me in the weeks and months to come, as I do what a writer does best and put my life experiences into words. As I answer the question: What’s my story?

So, pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea and let me tell you a story.

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"In strange and uncertain times such as those we are living in, sometimes a reasonable person might despair. But hope is unreasonable and love is greater even than this." (Musician Robert Fripp)

Whose heart doesn't hurt these days? We might, in this turbulent period, find it logical to believe that the darkness has won. However, as Robert Fripp said so beautifully, hope is not logical, and neither is love. And as long as we don't slip into despair, we continue to be stronger than the forces that want nothing more than for us to give in.

In this very special 50th anniversary podcast episode, we're going to tackle a very important and timely question: How do we find peace and purpose in such uncertain times? Where can it take root, and how can we cultivate it? How do we not only survive, but thrive when our personal and collective lives are in chaos?

I personally find that one of the answers lies in community. It's so important to listen to and learn from each other--especially in times like these. Times that really do make us feel like we're back in Suckville (and those of you have been with me from the beginning will know this is in reference to the podcast's original name: Live From Suckville!). 

That's why I put out a call asking for your wisdom. Furthermore, that's why you'll hear not only my voice on this episode, but those of other magical humans with wisdom and hopeful messages to share. 

As another example of how to find peace and purpose, and in homage to the transformative journey of this podcast--which has, in fact, contributed greatly to me finding my purpose--I'm going to take you on a little trip down memory lane :)

So, join me to celebrate the 50th episode of Magic, Medicine and Mayhem by gathering together--whether you're at home, driving your car, walking through the park or the city. Thank you for being here, and thank you for having been here with me through the good times and the tough times. I can't wait to see where the next 50 episodes take us!

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If you're looking for a different way to live--one which is grounding, nourishing, inspiring and supportive--look no further than tomorrow's episode.

Join me and the wise Amy Terepka for a timely and playful conversation on how we can simply but powerfully reconnect ourselves with the natural world--one tree or plant at a time. 

Inside this episode, you'll get to know Amy and how she became a teacher of natural connection and plant medicine. You'll also understand exactly how you can ground yourself, slow down and create a respectful, reciprocal and loving relationship with the non-human beings growing all around you. All you need is an open mind, a sense of childlike curiosity, a few intentional minutes and a plant or two. Oh--and this podcast!

Don't miss out on this episode, especially (but not only) if you are looking for a way to do something about the state of the world today. As always, my dears, it starts with you, me and our non-human allies.

Find more about Amy:
www.goldenstone.love
www.groundwaterhealing.com
@groundwaterhealing 

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Join me to celebrate my favorite spooky holiday: Samhain (aka Halloween)! We'll get into my crazy outfits for this year and the history of Samhain before I guide you through a protection spell I crafted just for the occasion.

What you need to for the protection spell mentioned in the episode (and you'll need to prepare it before listening if you want to do the spell with me):

1. A candle + lighter or match
2. A handful of salt and a small bowl or cup to put it in
3. Your favorite incense or smoke cleansing tool*
4. A rock, cone, stick or leaf from nature**

*I talk about this more in the episode, but I suggest not using white sage or Palo Santo, because both of these are part of a closed practice (unless, of course, you belong to the cultures from which they come).

**If you take something from nature, make sure to leave something in return so that the earth feels some love.

Protection Spell (created by Sylva Florence):

As on this night, the veil grows thin,

Old magic stirs, messages come in.

Protected by flame, wind, soil and sea

I am safe and blessed, so mote it be.

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There's proof in the abundance of nature, especially at harvest time: We really can have it all.

A supportive community full of people who love us for you for who you really are.

A healthy, loving romantic partnership.

A job that springs you out of bed, because you're passionate about what you're doing.

A life which is in balance between work, travel, exercise, friends and family time and free time.

The beautiful, spacious, light-filled home of your dreams in the Tuscan countryside.

Okay, yes--we're talking about my life, but it's just an example of what's also possible for you. Maybe we want the same things, maybe we don't, but the point is that it's all possible. More than possible, actually, it's all attainable.

Just as we Americans say, Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was this life I have constructed for myself. I had to let a lot of things die. I had to understand how I was undermining myself, and I had to do the work of undoing a lot of conditioning. I had a lot of healing to do, too (that's an ongoing process). I had to understand how to not only tune into my intuition, but to rely on it to know when to take action, when to wait, and what was right and healthy for me.

Learning to create your own abundant life is a lot about release, and a lot about rebirth and re-connection: with ourselves, our ancestors, our neighbors, and the land we live on. In a world that is completely untethered from both, it's up to us to root ourselves so that we can be beacons of light in the storm that is this present moment.

And, so that we can have it all, too. Because having it all in an aligned way isn't greedy, selfish or unsustainable. Having it all because you are profoundly connected to the flow of life means having what you desire and need, but leaving enough for others. This kind of abundant living will ultimately lead you down your true path to the things that you were brought to this earth to do.

So where do you start? By listening to this podcast episode! Really. Because inside of it, you'll find a brief but powerful reflection exercise to help you start tuning into your intuition, which will ultimately lead you to the fulfillment of your dreams.

If you would like more support along your path, I invite you to join me on October 1st for the fall edition of the Wild Wisdom: Awakening Your Magic and Intuition course. This once-a-year course will help you strengthen your intuition, step into your magic and reconnect deeply with nature--with a supportive, inspiring community at your side. Find out more in the show notes.

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Happy 9-9! In numerology, the number 9 represents completion, but not finality--it's like the ending of one cycle and nearly the beginning of another. To me, it's like a portal... Come with me as we take advantage of this powerful moment on the cusp of leaping forward to take a magical pause.

Our hectic world shoves us from one thing into another, and it's always asking "What's next?" Instead of responding, slow down--just like nature does. Reflect upon what's ending, what's ripening, and what blessings are falling around you during this harvest season.

I invite you to make space today for a moment of reflection before whatever it is that's next for you. In the episode, you'll find resources to help you do this and a simple exercise you can do while listening to the episode (please don't do it while driving!).

One of the best ways to regularly introduce rest and pause into your life is to move with nature's cycles. You don't need elaborate tools or even tons of time to connect regularly with your inner wisdom, nature and the magic around you. In fact, you can even start with the Book of Days I have created for September. Each week, you'll find simple, fun and magical exercises that strengthen your intuition and call for objects you can find around your home.

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 @magicmedicineandmayhem 
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"The moment one gives close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself."

-Henry Miller

The human mind is a marvelous thing, in essence a little mini-computer capable of the greatest and worst ideas on earth. And thus, it holds the greatest key to making our worlds either marvelous or terrible, tragic or heroic. In other words, no matter what is going on, you have  the power to see life as a never-ending rat race or as a place of magical, wondrous and infinite possibilities. What will you choose?

Come with me as we explore the latter, learning very simple but powerful ways to introduce more magic, peace and stillness into this mad, hectic world.

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 @magicmedicineandmayhem 
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Why do I take you with me on these walks in Tuscany? Is it just because I like to walk? Yes. Is it because walking in Tuscany ain't half bad? Well, yes. But there are other, deeper and more important reasons for this that definitely involve you, your wellbeing and even the wellbeing of the whole planet. Curious? I'll explain everything in this episode. Of course, we'll also be immersed in the sights and sounds of a Tuscany perched on the cusp of spring. You'll have your five minutes or so of peace and tranquility as well--that lovely monthly opportunity to put yourself in the forest alongside me, listening to the bird chattering about the coming of spring. Are you ready to come for a walk with me? 

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One day you're partying with your friends, and the next day you're in the emergency room--and that's just the start of the wacky journey you are still on now. No, unfortunately this isn't a hypothetical situation... This is what happened to me about three weeks ago, and I'm going to explain everything to you in this episode. You'll also hear what else I have been up to (besides this epic healing journey) and why this podcast is going to go down to 2 times a week for the time being. As always, I'm also transforming my story into an opportunity to motivate you to make your life and the life of those around you better. So tune in to get caught up and to be inspired!

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