emotional pain

Honoring the Nudge and the Leopard Speaks

Posted by Barbara Techel

I can’t even tell you how long I’ve been feeling the nudge to do some art journaling. But I kept ignoring it, thinking other things were more important.

But on Easter Sunday, which felt odd in one way, but also comforting in another, I finally sat down in my writing cottage and got my art supplies out.

I really didn’t know what I was going to do, but just began gathering images and colors to work with. Staring at the blank page of my sketchbook it reminded me of how sometimes as a writer I just sit and stare at the blank screen not knowing what to write, but knowing that I need to write something because I can feel that something needs to be expressed even though it may be hidden from me at the time.

And the photo above this is what came from my art journaling session. Sharing it with a friend, she was curious the meaning behind it. I told her that I didn’t yet know. But while brushing my teeth this morning it came to me.

Using the ‘I Am One Who’ prompt used in the SoulCollage® process and speaking from the image this is the insight that came to me:

I am one who will no longer be held in the shadows. I am strong and confident as I continue to walk through this new portal of empowerment.

You know who you are that tried to keep me small. But you were actually the catalyst to help me step into the light of my strength and say, “No more.” I know you see me and I believe in my heart you are cheering me on. You are my mirror and I am yours.

In many ways you gave me the wings to fly because it was the determination steeped deep within me from what caused me pain and suffering that finally gave me the courage to step forward and claim my power.

It just flowed right out of me. Thank you Leopard for this powerful message.

xo,

Barbara

P.S. Thank you to the photographers for the beautiful images.

Forget Me Not. Never.

Posted by Barbara Techel
Forget-me-nots peeking through…

I sometimes find it intriguing how at times it seems I ‘miss’ things. But then perhaps, and what I really believe, is that I was meant to see something just at the time I did.

This morning is when such an occurrence happened. As I waited for the time to arrive to record my first interview with host, Lori Smashnuk Leduc of The Wiener Dog Lover’s podcast, to talk about my new book, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am, I was putt-sing around the house and doing some household chores. I then decided to clean out the birdbath and fill it with fresh water.

As I took the birdbath off the deck railing I glanced down and under the hydrangea tree I noticed the green leaves of the forget-me-not’s peeking their way out of hibernation.

I planted them last May in honor and memory of Gidget. She rests just a few feet away from them. At first, I wondered why I’d first noticed them today. Surely they were there before this, but I’d just not noticed.

But then I smiled. Of course, I noticed today. It was a nudge from Gidget cheering me on as I get ready to do the interview today. And how did I know? Because I felt a wave of emotion run through my entire body.

While there is always a tinge of sadness mixed in because I miss her sweet self, I also felt joy for the connection her and I still share. And so I welcome it all.

Thank you sweet, girl. I can’t wait to talk about you today with Lori and share it with others soon!

xo,

Barbara

My New Book, “I’m Fine Just the Way I Am” is Now Available to Order with Bonus Gifts (limited time)

Posted by Barbara Techel

I’m so excited to share with you that my new memoir, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am – Healing Emotional Pain through the Wisdom of Animals and Oracles is now available to order! 
 
The official launch date is April 22, 2020, but I’m offering this limited window of opportunity between now and then for you to order a copy of my book which includes bonus gifts (ordering and details below).
 
The thought to write another book happened one morning two years ago driving down a country road. It flashed quite quickly across my mind but then as quickly I tucked it away.
 
At the time, I was deep in the muck of going through a dark time and finding it difficult to cope with taking care of my special needs dog, Gidget.
 
I had no idea at that point how things were going to unfold, but somewhere in the deepest part of my heart, I thought maybe, just maybe, my story could help other women.
 
A few weeks later during an animal reading with friend and animal communicator, Dawn Brunke, I’d learn that Gidget was fine just as she was despite her health issues even though I was feeling challenged by it all. Her invitation to me was to see subtle perspectives I wasn’t considering and to see life sideways.
 
She also encouraged me to understand inner focus and details and how she really wanted me to get this. She said it was her final teaching to me.
 
While I didn’t at first fully grasp what she meant by seeing life sideways, I was open to exploring what insight this could bring me.
 
During that reading, Dawn also mentioned that perhaps I’d write a book about this someday even though she hadn’t known I’d just had that thought two weeks before.
 
She said that maybe a great title would be I’m Fine Just the Way I Am.
 
I still recall how my hand immediately flew to rest upon my heart. It struck a chord deep within me. Though, I wouldn’t know the full extent of its meaning until I embarked on the deep inner work that I was being called to do.

Little did I know I’d be taken on a journey to explore a significant and painful recurring vision that has plagued me for over two decades.
 
I wanted more than anything to be the best I could be for Gidget and also for myself. I was so very tired of suffering and the endless inward berating I’d done to myself for years.
 
After that reading with Gidget, I’d embark on an inward journey and employ a myriad of tools — each serving as a building block to self-knowledge and healing. 

  • I learned to trust my intuition and trust in the process.
  • I learned to dance with the wisdom of not only my dog, Gidget, but with a snake, a wolf and a horse. Each had a poignant message to help me heal different parts of myself.
  • I gained insight I’d not have considered by incorporating oracle cards and identified patterns that no longer served me. I also discovered ways in which I could course-correct when I fell into old patterning and repeated my never-ending story.
  • I paid attention to my dreams and worked with a dream analyst to understand how my dreams were guiding me to believe in the wounded little girl within me.
  • I incorporated the power of forgiveness and ceremonial work.
  • I accepted help from others who were beacons of light guiding me to listen to those parts of myself that felt shame and guilt.
  • I took part in life-enhancing breath work that took me to feeling the core of my wounding and healed me on a level of understanding that I was never alone, always loved, and most importantly, that I was worthy.

I’d come to understand that the turmoil in my life wasn’t happening to me, but rather for me.
 
All of this was integral in helping me transform my pain and accept it both as a gift and the path I was meant to walk in order to finally understand that I’m worthy just as I am. 
 
Bonus gifts included with pre-orders (until 4/21/20): 

  • Animals as Oracles – Oracle cards and messages from four of the animals I write about in the book that helped guide me in profound and powerful ways. This is a PDF that you can print and cut out the photo of each animal and use them as oracle cards if you wish. Plus pages to journal your thoughts on what each animal is personally offering to you to help guide you.
  • An inspirational 5 x 7 graphic to encourage you to embrace your worthiness and know that you too, are fine just the way you are. This is a PDF you can print, cut out, and put in a favorite frame. Place it where you will see it every day to remind you that you are worthy just as you are…and that you matter.
  • Coupon with a special discount toward one oracle reading and guidance session with me.
  • Special drawing: Your name will be entered in for a chance to win one of five oracle reading and guidance sessions I’ll be giving away.

**After you’ve placed your book order send an email to Imfinebookgifts@gmail.com with your name and order # for your bonus gifts.

Please note that bonus gifts will be emailed on or around April 22, 2020, along with notification of winners of the five oracle reading giveaways.

In closing… to my Gidge girl, I can never thank you enough for being you and walking so lovingly beside me. I miss you. But I’m so honored to carry you in my heart and the beautiful teaching you instilled within me.

xo,

Barbara

P.S. The e-book version will be available sometime in May.