MIND MAGIC Issue 10 
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        This is a special issue of MIND MAGIC 
is dedicated to you. 
        You have taken the time to subscribe to 
this newsletter.  You have taken the time to read 
my words.  You might have shared my words with 
others.  You may have sent e-mail to me. 
        You have been my teacher. 
        You have taught me about caring. 
        I thought I was alone.  I have no family, no close 
friends, no partner.  It's common for me to go days without talking to anyone. 
        But my world is slowly changing. 
        Your interest in MIND MAGIC has shown me that I am not alone. 
        I've extended my heart to you, and in return you have given me so much in return. 
        If the act of caring can transform my life, it can work to bring you happiness too. 

CARING 
        You may not live the life of a saint, but I genuinely believe you  have every intention of possessing the warmth, compassion, and love that saints are known for. You may even underestimate how genuine 
you really are. 
        When hopelessness seemingly jumps out at you from everywhere, it begins to feel as though your core, your true essence, is wearing away. 
        Don't be influenced by the gloom that makes you question who you are. Don't let it stop you from moving forward anymore. You know you. You know the truth.  Don't be afraid of the truth. 

 Know this: 
        When you do ANYTHING that creates GOOD, JOY, 
ACCEPTANCE, or UNDERSTANDING you have done something vital. You have done something to be proud of. 
        The clothes, the cars, the real estate, and the bank account do not make your life worthwhile.  It's the way you choose to bring goodness to the world that will give your life the special meaning you need to feel complete. 
 
        Your feelings do not reveal who you are. 
        It's not the things you say you do that reveal who you are. 
        It's what you choose to do with your life which reveal who and what you truly are. 
 
        When you choose to care, the pain, the struggle, and the darkness will vanish. 
        You're sitting on a hard wooden chair in a cold empty room.  You are paralyzed by uncertainty.  A loud, angry voice booms all around you. 
"Who do you think you are?" it taunts.  "You're never good enough," it criticizes. 
        The voice will get louder as you lose yourself in the depths of self-loathing. 
        Take back your power.  Protect it without apology. 
        Get up from the chair. Walk out of the room.  Go for some ice cream. 
 
        STOP PUNISHING YOURSELF 
 
        Start to care for yourself.  Bring back the spirit of who you are. 

CARING II 
 
        What is missing from your life? 
        What is keeping you from getting what you are missing? Chances are it's the fear of change.  Care for yourself by first being as welcoming of new things as you are comfortable with the old things in your life. 
        Your heart knows your passions.  Trust your heart.  Also, trust your mind. Your mind will guide you through the uncertainty.  Your heart will let you know 
what is right for you. 
 
        You have the courage to make it through. 
 
        Listen to your heart, your mind, and your body. 
        Where is the pain coming from? 
        Begin to make plans to eliminate the things that bring about bad feelings. 
        It's time to set realistic goals that will slowly, but surely, stop your inner battle. Be firm, but be gentle. 
        -Pick three habits you would like to change 
        -Write them down 
        -Create a plan of action for each one 
        -Keep your goals in sight 
        -Reward yourself when you witness a change 
        -and... 
        IF YOU NEED HELP...ASK FOR IT 
 
        Caring for people in your life is equally as important as caring for yourself. One focus is not more important than the other.  The trick is to balance the two. 
        Take ten minutes to sit and reflect quietly. 
        Think of someone who is important to you.  Ask yourself what you could do to show that person that you care for them.  You have a million things to offer. 
Be creative with the possibilities.  Be funny, be unique, be practical, be mushy...give yourself as you are. 
        NO GESTURE IS TOO SMALL 
 
        There are more than six billion people on this planet.  Even though you may not the chance to perform acts of caring for everyone, there is still one simple, yet so 
desperately needed, thing you can do whenever you get the chance... 

        ...YOU CAN LISTEN!!!! 
        When someone speaks to you: 
        -clear your mind 
        -focus on what is being said 
        -do not interrupt 
        -withhold judgements until it is your turn to speak 
        -look for meanings and feelings within the words 
        -be fair 

FINAL THOUGHT 
        No matter what... 
        ALWAYS BE YOURSELF 
        (And if the words "but I can't" or "I don't know who that is" or "it's so hard" come to mind, e-mail me and we'll work things out together.) 

 Thank you. 

Until next time...be well 

Forever always, 
Wendy