"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.
Art is knowing which ones to keep."
(Scott Adams, creator of the comic strip "Dilbert")

"I believe in rules. Sure I do.
If there weren't any rules, how could you break them?"
(Leo Durocher, baseball manager)

"Before you tell your life
what you intend to do with it,
listen for what it intends
to do with you."
(Parker Palmer, author/educator/activist)

"If I got rid of my demons, I'd lose my angels."
(Tennessee Williams, playwright)

"I think I'm more comfortable being disappointed. And I think I'm angry at you for trying to take that away." So says Kate Walker (Emma Thompson), a middle-aged woman fresh off yet another dreadful blind date, to Harvey Shine (Dustin Hoffman), the man who is now courting her in the film "Last Chance Harvey."

There's something of Kate in each of us, some part of us that is attached to staying disappointed, even when opportunity is standing right in front of us with its hand outstretched. It's as if Santa Claus has arrived on our roof...and we've bricked up the entrance to our chimney!

In an astrology chart, that part of us is represented by the planet Jupiter. Jupiter asks "Where have you been thinking too small? Where have you been underestimating yourself? Where are old beliefs keeping you from seizing new opportunities?"

Is Jupiter in a part of your chart that has to do with relationships? Then ask how you have been underestimating yourself as a partner, lover, or spouse. To make this more concrete: pick someone who is your idea of the perfect mate, then repeat the following mantra until you can say it without giggling, until you could say it and really MEAN it: "How lucky would THEY be...to have ME...choose THEM?"

Is Jupiter in the part of your chart that has to do with creativity? Instead of doubting that anyone would be interested in your work, try a mantra like "How lucky would that gallery have to be for me to choose them to show my paintings?"

I imagine Jupiter was sitting on Marianne Williamson's shoulder, smiling, when she wrote these words a few years ago: "Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our greatest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure...As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."

(Music): "The Calling" (Mary Chapin Carpenter). Chapin Carpenter's thoughtful lyrics and lyrical alto voice make this collection of songs feel like a friend who has come to visit when you most need comfort, insight, and hope. The title cut speaks to the passionate pursuit of meaningful work  ("Whatever the calling/the stumbling and falling/you follow it knowing/there's no other way"). "On And On It Goes" reminds us that even the smallest pieces of life are connected to the grander scheme of things:

   "River starts with a drop of rain
   Somewhere in this world
   Light years shape this arc of sky
   And sand a precious pearl
   And you will light a stranger's life
   By letting yours unfurl
   And on and on it goes..."

You can purchase "The Calling" and listen to sound clips from each song by visiting either iTunes or Amazon.com.

(Retreats): Washington Courage & Renewal offers a variety of day-long, weekend, and seasonal retreats aimed at "reconnecting who you are with what you do." Based on the work of author, educator, and activist Parker Palmer (A Hidden Wholeness, Let Your Life Speak, The Courage To Teach), these retreats offer you the chance to step back from the many distractions of your daily life, to reflect, and to re-engage your personal and professional life with renewed passion, commitment, and integrity. I attended four WC&R retreats back in 2006-2007, and can honestly say they were life-changing for me. To take the first step in renewing your life, call Sue Paro at Washington Courage & Renewal at 206-633-2888, or view WC&R's web site. By the way--those outside of WA State are welcome--one person who attended the retreats with me during 2006-2007...came all the way from Houston!

(Book): Crossing The Unknown Sea--Work As A Pilgrimage of Identity (David Whyte). Clients frequently seek out my services as a Counselor and/or Astrologer because they're having issues with work: finding a job, keeping a job, getting along in the workplace. As the economy has faltered over the last year or two, I've often reminded them of the old joke about the person who scratches and claws their way to the top rung of the ladder at work...only to find...it's the wrong ladder. David Whyte's Crossing The Unknown Sea, which is both inspiring and practical, holds out a different vision: "To feel that what we do is right for ourselves and good for the world at the same time is one of the great triumphs of human existence."

(Movie): "Last Chance Harvey" (see essay, above). Starring Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson. Written and directed by Joel Hopkins.

I offer professional counseling and astrology services for individuals and couples. Whether you come to me with a problem (like depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues) or simply the sense that it's time for a change, I help you look at how that starting point is calling you to grow, and how you can respond with creativity, vitality, and hope.

To learn more, visit my web site by clicking here.

This newsletter is one of the ways that I share helpful reflections and resources, and keep interested people informed about my work.

I sincerely do not want to bother you with unwanted email, so if you no longer wish to receive my e-newsletters, simply click on the "Safe Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of this email.

I never give or sell my mailing list to anyone for any reason, period. I use Constant Contact to manage my email list because they support my commitment to providing you with excellent content while keeping your contact information private.