October Newsletter: Staying Focused on the Light 💛

with Glenda Cedarleaf MSW, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Author

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this newsletter and for your interest in my meditations and bedtime stories!

So much has transpired since our last update, particularly with the recent hurricanes that have left a profound impact on many lives.

If you or a loved one have been affected by these storms or are navigating through any other tough times, please know that my thoughts and heartfelt wishes are with you, reaching out across the miles.

Autumn’s beauty here in New Bern has been extraordinary.

We have these 7 foot tall yellow flowers (pictured above in the header) that bloom in October and this year they are especially gorgeous. The faces of the flowers gradually move in synch with the location of the sun as it moves across the sky. They look up to the sun to soak in its energy, enabling the miracle of photosynthesis to unfold.

I appreciate the way nature’s processes provide such simple yet poignant wisdom: focus on the light so that your energy can be renewed!

Light flowed in for me through the unexpected blessings of caring loved ones (including my ever supportive husband) and health providers throughout the week as I dealt with health challenges.

The light shines in the unsung heroes who are rescuing, feeding, healing, and repairing infrastructure for those effected by the hurricanes.

This powerful quote from Mister Rogers captures this month for me:

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping. “

So I offer thanks for the light filled helpers that bring hope and healing into the darkness.

Channel Update

Why did my YouTube channel disappear last week?

This newsletter was prepared and scheduled to send to you last weekend and then an unexpected glitch on YouTube resulted in the loss of my entire channel for nearly a week.

Despite the assistance of a YouTube expert, this still happened.

As I faced uncertainty regarding the potential recovery of my 67 videos;

(some dating back to 2011)

I struggled to get a perspective; to find the light during that time

The theme of impermanence and attachment was a big one!

Thankfully my channel is back, and I am so glad to be returning to creating and posting videos!

New Posting Schedule

I realized that a more sustainable path for me was to reduce my posting to twice a week, so there will be new videos each

Wednesday and Saturday.

(Once I reach 4000 watch hours for the past 365 days (I am currently at 2.5K watch hours)...then, I will finally be able to turn off the ads! Yay!)

Thanks for your understanding and support!

https://www.youtube.com/@GlendaCedarleaf11

“Accept yourself. Love yourself as you are. Your finest work, your best movements, your joy, peace, and healing comes when you love yourself.

You give a great gift to the world when you do that.

You give others permission to do the same: to love themselves.

Revel in self-love. Roll in it. Bask in it as you would sunshine.”

– Melodie Beattie

Featured October Videos

Bedtime Story: Claire's Grandmother Love

The lovely woman in the hat is my mom. I love including her face in the header with the tall yellow flowers in our garden as well as on the thumbnail for this story!

In this enchanting fantasy narrative, we delve into the profound bond shared between a grandmother and her granddaughter. Although many of us never had this kind of connection with a grandmother, it can be very healing to experience it through the power of our imagination.

As Claire embarks on a weekend retreat at her grandmother's house, she escapes the constraints of daily life, stepping into a realm brimming with magic and love. This delightful journey encompasses an array of joyous experiences—playful toys, artistic endeavors, a whimsical tea party, cherished dolls, the beauty of nature, and a precious sharing of songs, and laughter.

Such moments remind us of the transformative power of being fully present, as we foster connections that heal and inspire the vulnerable parts of ourselves that often feel overlooked. It is through the harmonious integration of our inner child and wise self that we discover profound healing. May the warmth of grandmotherly love envelop you, guiding you to embrace your own journey of presence and creativity.

As my mentor once advised me, "Remember to be the best mother and grandmother to yourself!"