Grounding in the Chaos: How One Word Can Transform Your Family Gatherings

Family gatherings are a cocktail of emotions—love, joy, nostalgia, and, let’s be honest, a sprinkle of chaos. There’s the cousin who always has a hot take, the aunt who won’t stop asking about your love life, and the sibling who somehow still knows how to push your buttons. It’s a lot to hold all at once.

This year, I’m trying something new. I’ve written one word—just one—on my hand. It’s my secret weapon, my anchor, my tiny lifeline in a sea of big emotions.

The Power of One Word

There’s magic in simplicity. A single word can hold an intention, a memory, or a promise to yourself. For me, it’s like a little nudge from my higher self. When I glance down at my hand and see that word, I’m reminded of how I want to show up. Not how others expect me to show up but how I choose to.

Your word could be anything:

• Breathe – When the conversation gets heated.
• Compassion – When someone says something hurtful, and you want to rise above it.
• Joy – To focus on the good moments, no matter how small.
• Boundaries – A quiet reminder that it’s okay to say no.

The act of writing it on your skin is intentional. It’s not just about seeing the word; it’s about the ritual of choosing it, writing it, and carrying it with you.

Visual Reminders and Spiritual Anchors

If you’re like me, you know that little tools can make a big difference. Visual cues like a handwritten word or a crystal in your pocket aren’t just objects—they’re anchors. They pull you back to center when the energy around you gets wild.

I often pair my word with something tactile. A grounding crystal like black tourmaline or smoky quartz lives in my pocket, and its weight is another reminder to stay steady. Some of my friends prefer wearing a bracelet or a necklace charged with intention. The point isn’t what you use—it’s how you use it.

Turning Gatherings into Intentional Spaces

Family gatherings can feel overwhelming, but they can also be opportunities for growth and connection. What if, instead of dreading the tricky moments, you saw them as a chance to practice staying true to yourself?

• Start with an intention: Before the gathering, take a moment to ground yourself. Pull a card, meditate, or simply set a goal like, “I will stay calm and centered no matter what happens.”
• Keep it simple: Your handwritten word is a tool, not a chore. Let it be a gentle reminder, not another item on your to-do list.
• Reflect afterward: When the event is over, take a moment to reflect. How did your word guide you? Did it help you stay grounded?

What’s Your Word?

As we step into this season of connection, I invite you to try it. Choose a word, write it on your hand, and see how it shifts your experience. It’s such a simple act, but its effects can ripple through the entire day.

What word will you choose? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below—or share your story with me on Instagram. Let’s create a season of gatherings that feel intentional, grounded, and full of clarity.

For those who aren’t familiar, Human Design is a system that blends astrology, the I Ching, Kabbalah, and the Chakra system to offer deep insights into how we interact with the world. The conference offered workshops on aligning your energy and discovering your true purpose, and while the sessions were deeply enlightening, the setting itself added another layer of mystery to the journey.

The Haunted Antlers Hotel

The Antlers Hotel is not your average venue—it’s home to a few ghostly residents. Built in 1883, the hotel has been the site of numerous paranormal occurrences over the years. Legend has it that at least three spirits linger within its halls: a man who haunts the bar, a lady dressed in a long gown wandering the back stairwell, and a little girl whose laughter has been heard in some of the rooms. It’s easy to imagine that the energy of the past still echoes here, especially given the tragic events that unfolded on this site, including a prom night suicide and a maid’s mysterious death.

As I walked through the hotel’s corridors, there were moments when I couldn’t help but feel a chill—not the kind you get from air conditioning, but the kind that makes you wonder if something unseen is sharing the space with you. The energy in the hotel certainly felt alive, even in the quietest corners.

Connection to the Spirit World

During my time at the conference, the Antlers’ haunted history seemed to mingle with the themes of self-awareness and energy alignment. It’s fascinating how places like this, rich with history and a bit of mystery, can amplify our spiritual experiences. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying the power that such an environment brings to spiritual growth.

Leaving the conference, I’m filled with new insights and a deeper connection to both the seen and the unseen. Human Design offers a path to clarity, and this experience reminded me that sometimes, the energy around us—both past and present—can guide us in unexpected ways.

Until next time, stay open to the messages the universe (and maybe a few friendly spirits) has for you.

You see, tattoos, for me, are like chapters in a book, each one telling a story of a particular time, emotion, or belief. And trust me, it’s always a good idea to ink something that resonates with your soul. Take it from someone who got a ring tattooed in 2015 and ended up divorced by 2016. Yep, that happened. #LessonLearned

This is my latest piece. If you look closely, you’ll notice it’s a part of the Clarity and Crystal logo. Fun fact: Curtis, my rock, crafted this design just for me. At its core, this emblem represents a philosophy I hold dear, something I like to call the “both-and” principle.

In a world that often feels black and white, “both-and” is my rebellious streak of grey. It’s the belief that life isn’t just about either-or; it’s about embracing the chaos of both. This concept was first introduced to me during my days with Jim Fortin’s TCP. 

To put it simply, “both-and” is the belief that you don’t have to limit yourself. Why choose between being a dedicated partner and an independent soul? Embrace both! Fancy running a business while lounging on a beach? Why the hell not? The wanderlust of a nomad and the comfort of a home? Embrace the contradiction.

Imagine this: Someone offers you ice cream (yum!). You’re all in until they limit you to Chocolate or Vanilla. But what if your heart sings for Mint Chocolate Chip? That’s the “both-and” spirit. It’s about having your ice cream and savoring the exact flavor you love, not just settling for the options presented.

On my left wrist, the word “Believe” is etched, a constant reminder of faith and hope. And now, on my right, stands the symbol of “Both-And”, a testament to limitless possibilities. So here’s to choices, to believing, and to living a life without boundaries. Cheers!

When she announced she had written a book, Heal the Witch Wound, I quickly pre ordered it and then waited not so patiently for it to arrive. I intended to finish reading it before I left for Scotland, but the book is so rich in information and rituals that I slowed down to immerse myself in words.

The first part of the book goes into detail about the history of the witch trials or the burning times. While it is not easy to read about the horrible things that happened during this time, it is important to know and acknowledge the horrific acts done to women and men accused of witchcraft.
The second part of Healing the Witch Wound dives deep into the witch wound itself and how to recognize it in your own body. Celeste does an excellent job walking a person through all the feelings and emotions that will arise as you look at your own life. The book’s final part contains rituals to heal the witch wound.

I am so honored to have met Celeste in person and have to chance to learn from her during our rituals and medications on our trip. She is kind, caring, and willing to share her gifts with others. I am grateful to have this book in my collection and be able to use the rituals in my practices.

Choice and consequences, again good or bad / big or little, it doesn’t really matter… it boils down to reactions and habits, asking yourself right before the moment of choice… is this worth it or not… am I willing to sacrifice everything because of this choice?

LIfe is full of choices, we make them every day from the moment our eyes open and we choose to get out of bed or not.. What choice will you be making today…. to be a better person than yesterday? Or to just stay in the comfort zone?

When she started her podcast and Facebook group, I quickly joined! One of the first things I learned from Jen was about working with guides and ancestors in her Crown Yourself Workshop. I also signed up for coaching so I could work one to one with her. You can actually see one of our coaching sessions below. Jen is very connected to her guides and is a medium. When you work with her, you know you are tapping into something deeper! She will call out blind spots, open your mind to things you might not be seeing, plus she will get you dancing and moving the energy all around you. My husband heard me on one of her calls and said, ‘I thought you were on a money call?!’ We were, and yes, we were dancing!

Jen does offer connection calls, and I highly recommend joining her Facebook group! You won’t regret it!

When you release all attachments and expectations then disappointments become non existent. But that is easier to say or write than to do. However, if we live our lives without expectations or attachments, we come free. Free from this world; free from that which holds us down… and then we can fly!

Find out what works for you in that season or even that moment, and work with it. Follow your guides; follow your intuition. You know deep down what’s best for you. Trust yourself. Ask your subconscious to show you your path. Be open. Be open to change.

Don’t be stuck on a set of preconceived ideas written by man intended to rule and oppress others. You are your own best guide and teacher; however, you have to listen and be willing to trust yourself.

The you that is ready to emerge
The you that is tired of hiding 
The you that is ready to be acknowledged 

Stop pushing her down
By saying or thinking you need to know more, be more, or learn more

You are enough 
You are ready 
You are you
When are you going to step up and be you

Step in to authenticity 
Step in to alignment 
Step in to being you

The world is ready
You are ready 

Just be you – the real you