It’s Going To Be Okay 2024 Day-to-day Calendar by Kate Allan

Finding the Positive for December 29 – 31

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Card of the Day Tarot Reading with the Christmas Tales Tarot, Christmas Cheer Tarot, and Yuletide Tarot

December 29 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🎄    •    ◈    •    •    •

Today’s card is the Five of Cups combined with the affirmation “You are not failing. Depression lies. Keep going.”

There is a specific reason that these card of the day exercises are always focused on the positive. It’s a part of the mental health exercise that my therapist encouraged me to start a few years ago.

The problem is that when your brain resides constantly in a state of negative inner narratives and pessimistic views, it begins to hold sway your emotions and outlook on life, and can thus negatively influence your mental health. That is where my therapist comes into the picture, because I am absolutely one of those people whose brain lives in that negative space when left to its own devices.

This card of the day exercise is for self-care, and focuses on helping in seeing a more positive, optimistic perspective. When I started a few years ago, I really didn’t think it would help. In fact, I scoffed at the idea and was not at all enthusiastic about it.

Years later, though, there’s no arguing with the results. By pulling a card each day asking for “a positive message to carry with me throughout the day and offer perspective”, and taking the time to write out what that positive message is each day?  I have managed cut down on the number of depressive episodes I experience as well as shorten their duration.

This exercise doesn’t mean that the bad stuff isn’t still there, or that I ignore it. It just provides a positive touch of perspective to my otherwise pessimistic mind. It helps.

With the holiday rush over, it’s time to get back on the wagon. Today’s cards are a welcome back, as well as a reminder about what this exercise is all about.

I hope that in my sharing these daily cards publicly, it helps you too.

DECK USED: CHRISTMAS TALE TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 30 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🎄    •    ◈    •    •    •

Today’s card is the Knight of Wands combined with the affirmation “I choose to see the magic and wonder in every moment.”

There is a reminder here about being enthusiastic in the pursuit of the things that you enjoy.  Don’t trudge through life with your enthusiasm flagging, but instead sprint forward eagerly like a kid with a sled in the snow. 

When you bring this enthusiasm into the every day, and apply it to ordinary moments, it allows you to see life through a lens filled with magic and wonder, rather than the sloop shouldered disregard that us adults often cast our gaze upon the world around us.

Don’t let fun, amusement, and moments of gaiety and laughter pass you by.  Dive in to experience and savor them instead.

DECK USED: YULETIDE TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 31 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped

•    •    •    ◈    •    🎄    •    ◈    •    •    •

Today’s card is The Hierophant combined with the affirmation “You make the world merrier with your festive cheer.”

Okay, so… to be fair?  I’m not really the cheery type. This isn’t really a surprise to those that know me. I do, however, really love the holidays.  I love seeing everyone’s enthusiasm for decorating and making things look beautiful and festive.  I like seeing the traditions that take place, and how they differ from person to person and from family to family.  I find a great deal of joy in these things.

In the week following Christmas? I’ve actually been able to enjoy some of them too.  I’ve taken drives to look at the decorations that people still have out on display, and visited stores where I’ve taken pleasure in seeing the holiday frosted cupcakes, the decorations on last-minute sale, and enjoyed the more relaxed atmosphere of everyone -not- rushing around like spastic chickens with their heads cut off.

In doing these things, I’ve seen those around me also finding enjoyment in them… in getting to share them with me.

Today’s cards are a reminder that when traditions are shared? They take on meaning. Importance.  And an atmosphere of joy and enjoyment that touches everyone involved.  Traditions are important. They’re special, and they’re meant to be savored and enjoyed.

Happy New Year everyone!

DECK USED: CHRISTMAS CHEER TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

Finding the Positive for December 4 – 5

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

The Storybook Christmas Tarot, The Christmas Tarot, and Christmas Affirmation Cards

December 4 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🎄    •    ◈    •    •    •

The @GlitterbyInk #DecembersChild24 Challenge
Healing the Inner Child Prompt for December 4th : Wonder

Today’s card is the Lovers card combined with the affirmation “You make Christmas feel like a warm and cozy hug.”

This affirmation card triggers a specific memory for me.  Last year (I think it was last year?) Gideon gifted my sister with a weighted axolotl plushy, which she absolutely loves.  Because the ends of it’s long arms are weighted, she says when she snuggles with it she can wrap its arms around her, and it feels like a real hug. I also have a weighted plushy from him (a fox) that I snuggle with often, because it’s size and weight makes it feel somehow… more substantial than a pillow or regular stuffie. Mutually, when we snuggle with these plushies, we feel a miraculous kind of release and easing in our chests and solar plexus.

Which brings us to the message in today’s cards and the wonder prompt for today.  For when we find things that make us feel good and soothe us on the inside, it feels like a kind of magic. Something wonderful to wallow in for a moment, and return to again and again.

In life, there are times when we need that connection. Not so much to a person, but to that feeling of peace and soothing. Today’s cards are a reminder to return to what helps us in connecting with that feeling.  It’s important to untie the knots inside now and then, especially when stress in life is high.  Doing so is a healthy choice, and a kindness.  An act of self love that we all need from time to time.

DECK USED: THE STORYBOOK CHRISTMAS TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 5 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🎄    •    ◈    •    •    •

The @GlitterbyInk #DecembersChild24 Challenge
Healing the Inner Child Prompt for December 5th : Healing

Today’s card is the Four of Wands combined with the affirmation “Tis the season to be jolly. Fuck jolly.”

A few days ago, I had a COTD that encouraged seeking out the magic in the holiday season, even when it’s not your favorite part of the year.  Today’s card is a reminder that sometimes it’s okay to retreat when you need to… even when others hold expectations over you to not do so.

Healing takes time, and isn’t always convenient. Whether you find refuge in being home alone, or refuge in the embrace of family or friends… the cards for today are encouraging us that it’s okay to give yourself what we need. If that means celebrating?  Then celebrate.  If that means retreating and being a Grumpus over the holiday season?  That’s perfectly okay too.  The key is that whatever you choose, it is a healing process, and not just letting old wounds fester.

DECK USED: THE CHRISTMAS TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS
Note: This particular affirmation card was made from a Christmas Card gifted to me. I don’t know the artist’s name as it wasn’t on the card.

Finding the Positive for December 1 – 3

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Winter Magic Tarot, Snowland Tarot, Winter Waite Tarot, and Self-Made Christmas Affirmation Cards

December 1 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🎄    •    ◈    •    •    •

The @GlitterbyInk #DecembersChild24 Challenge
Healing the Inner Child Prompt for December 1st : Nostalgia

Today’s card is the Devil card combined with the affirmation “Have an ice day and stay frosty!”

A lot of the cards in the affirmation deck I’m using this month hold a great deal of nostalgia for me. Not because the characters are familiar, but because I remember these corny little cards (like valentine cards kids exchange at school) that we used to have for different holidays.

It reminds me of feelings and fun and childhood moments of hope.  It reminds me of bushing hotly as I made little cards to give out because my parents wouldn’t buy the store-bought ones for me, and how fascinated I was with each of the little sayings on the store bought ones given to me on the day.

There’s danger in nostalgia, though.  The same danger that lies hidden in pretty much anything pleasurable. For  if you dip too far into it, you lose sight of reality.  You forget about the bad parts, just as if you lean too far into thinking about the bad parts of your past that you lose sight of the good parts.

Today’s cards, for me, are a reminder that too much of a good thing is no longer a good thing. Balance is important.  Take the bad with the good and vice versa in order to keep the scales balanced in your life and your memories based more solidly in reality.

DECK USED: WINTER MAGIC TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 2 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🎄    •    ◈    •    •    •

The @GlitterbyInk #DecembersChild24 Challenge
Healing the Inner Child Prompt for December 2nd : Magic

Today’s card is the Page of Swords combined with the affirmation “Have an elf-cellent holiday season!”

There is a lot of really amazing things happening this time of year.  Charity ramps up and kindness with it. There’s community events like parades and holiday bazaars. Gift giving and generosity rise.

It can be hard to enjoy, though, if you spend too much time in your head.  Doing so can separate you from the warmth of the season and the bits of fun that it has to offer.

I hear a lot of people that bitch about the music or the crowds, etc.  Fair.  We all have things we don’t like about the holiday season.  But what do you *like* about it?  And more important yet, what do you feel ambivalent about that you might actually like if you gave it a chance?

Today’s card (combined with the Healing the Inner Child prompt) reminds us to stay open to the joy and the fun that this time of year has to offer.  Don’t get caught up in the negative aspects, but reach for the positive ones to make these busy weeks ahead feel happier and warmer, lighter and more magical than they otherwise might.

DECK USED: SNOWLAND TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 3 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🎄    •    ◈    •    •    •

The @GlitterbyInk #DecembersChild24 Challenge
Healing the Inner Child Prompt for December 3rd : Curiosity

Today’s card is the Queen of Swords (landed on the table reversed) combined with the affirmation “There’s no need to be so hard on yourself, you’re managing as best you can.”

I have met a few people in my life that have a woe that I personally have a hard time understanding. I’ve been thinking about them a lot the last little bit, because I ran into another one just the other day.  These are people who have come to the belief that they have no true talent or skill. That they are a waste of space and time because they have nothing that they are good at, no hobbies or interests, nothing at which they shine.

And then… today’s cards brought to light an understanding of this mindset that I hadn’t considered before.

What drives inspiration? Curiosity does.  It’s the spark of fire that gets inspiration started and us moving to explore whatever has caught our attention.  And what kills curiosity? Internally directed negativity.  It is the voice within us that tells us we can’t do something, that we’ll suck at it, that it’s a waste of time. That inner voice may have been created by someone else, but by the time we get to the point where we believe we are talent-less and without merit?  It’s playing on repeat in our own heads.

The key to breaking this pattern comes in turning to that negative voice and saying “fuck you, I’m doing it anyway”.  Not worrying about if you’re good or not and just sating that curiosity anyway. Letting yourself have fun with it, play with it, and mess things up.

Even when you -know- you might fail, it’s in doing it anyway in order to gain experience and just -see- what happens.  Because if you don’t do that?  You can’t learn.  And if you don’t learn?  You never find those things you enjoy and are good at.  And yes… sometimes that negative voice in your head is going to whisper away in the background those things you don’t want to hear, but the idea is to not listen.  To have some fun.  To let your curiosity flourish.  Experiment and explore.

Then… our of nowhere?  You might just some day you just might surprise yourself by ending up being good at something you once were bad at… or good at something you didn’t ever even consider you might be good at.   That’s how you find where personal talents lie and those things that you enjoy.  Dive in, and have fun… and don’t worry so much about if you’re good at it or not.

DECK USED: THE WINTER WAITE TAROT REVISED EDITION (2019) AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

Finding the Positive for November 18 and 19

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

The Storyteller's Tarot, Dark Reflections Tarot, and It's Going to Be Okay 2024 Day-to-Day Calendar by Kate

November 18 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🍂    •    ◈    •    •    •

Today’s card is the Ten of Coins combined with the affirmation “These overwhelming difficulties will pass with time. There will be life after this.”

The affirmation for today is a reminder that hard times are temporary. When combined with the Ten of Coins, the reminder takes on new meaning as it promises that there is good ahead, if you’re only willing to wait through it and keep moving forward. Sometimes it can feel like the bad stuff is never ending, and there’s a reminder here, too, that even in those times we need to try and acknowledge the good.  Even if it’s the fact that something tastes good, smells good, or feels good like a good food, hugging a stuffie, or a moment alone in the shower.

It’s hard to acknowledge these things when everything feels like it’s falling to shit. It’s hard to -see- them at all when you’re feeling at your worst, let alone see that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. That’s what these reminders are about.  They are a reminder that even when you can’t see the light up there ahead in the dark?  It’s there.  It really is there; you just have to keep going to find it.  And those tiny pleasures along the way?  They’re there to help you take the next step… and then the next.

DECK USED: THE STORYTELLER’S TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

November 19 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🍂    •    ◈    •    •    •

@GlitterbyInk #November24Challenge
One Word Book Title Prompt for November 19th : Mindset

Today’s card is The Hermit card combined with the affirmation “It is better to handle life alone rather than stay with others who mistreat you.”

It can be hard to let go. Even when we know it’s what’s best for us. This is true not just for when it’s things that we partake in that are unhealthy, but especially true when it has to do with people in our lives.  Most especially when it has to do with people in our lives we feel obligated to or dependent upon.

Its that obligation and/or dependence that holds a lot of us back from taking steps to make our own lives better, along with a healthy dose of fear of the unknown (and for some, fear of being alone).

Truth be told, though? Being alone isn’t really that bad. Especially when the alternative is unhappy togetherness, unhealthy connections, or abuse.  It’s all in how you look at it.  If you look at yourself as incomplete without another there to complete you, then sure, being alone is horrible.  But, if instead, you turn your perspective to one of love and acceptance of yourself and self confidence in yourself and who you are?  Alone is not so bad. It lets you spoil yourself as you like, enjoy the things you enjoy, and experience the things you want to explore.

This is true whether you are in a relationship or not. It’s true whether you are simply spending a day on your own, or living alone long term.  It’s all in how you look at things, and how you approach that time alone, on whether it’s something healthy and happy… or a fear that holds you back and traps you in an  unhealthy situation.

DECK USED: DARK REFLECTIONS TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

Finding the Positive for November 15 and 16

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Dark Crystal Tarot, Runescript Tarot, and It's Going to Be Okay 2024 Day-to-Day Calendar by Kate

November 15 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🍂    •    ◈    •    •    •

@GlitterbyInk #November24Challenge
One Word Book Title Prompt for November 15th : Grace

Today’s card is the Four of Cups combined with the affirmation “I will do my best to value myself today.

It’s important to remember that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, it just looks that way from a distance, but up close? It’s just as messed up as your own lawn. Sometimes having (and valuing) what you already have is enough.

I feel that grace is a misunderstood concept.  Something “old fashioned” that no one really thinks about anymore.  It is a blend of poise, simple elegance, refinement, courtesy, and goodwill.

I see this theme a great deal in the Four of Cups, for in this card there is always an offer made, and a rejection of it. Yet, this rejection is not harsh or unpleasant.  In this card, too, the offer is in the cups that surround the center figure, and yet the focus of that figure is on what is already in their possession.

The reminder in these cards is we need to appreciate what we have. To value ourselves. Who we are and what we have going for us.  Don’t take these things for granted, always looking for something better or the next improvement.  You are whole now… right now in this moment. Make sure to appreciate that… appreciate you.  Your mind. Your personality. Your body.  Your strengths.  These things are yours and hold value far beyond the “what if” scenarios of the future and the daydreams of what “could be”.

DECK USED: RUNESCRIPT TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

November 16 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🍂    •    ◈    •    •    •

@GlitterbyInk #November24Challenge
One Word Book Title Prompt for November 15th : Shadow

Today’s card is the Seven of Cups combined with the affirmation “Just because you are struggling now doesn’t mean that you always will.”

Sometimes our struggles are chosen for us by others or happenstance.  It happens, and it sucks.  But more often than that, our struggles are our own. We have made the choices that lead to them, even if we didn’t know that is what the result would be when those choices were made.   We are also who chooses whether to bear them out or leave them behind, to learn from them or repeat them when we don’t learn from them, and how we react to these struggles in the moment.  Do we make things easier on ourselves? Or do we pile on the hardship through self abuse and recriminations?

Today’s cards are a reminder that we don’t have to let the dark urges within us take the lead. We can take struggles and hardships with grace and make the best out of things, or we can do the opposite and throw a pity party while we cast blame.  The latter gets us nowhere, and leaves us with the need to once again try to learn the lessons that this hardship and struggle is trying to teach us.  Better to instead choose to look for the boon, seek out the lesson, and do your best to stay positive as you deal with what needs dealt with so that you can move on.

DECK USED: DARK CRYSTAL TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

Rest Is a Need, Not a Want

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🍂    •    ◈    •    •    •

@GlitterbyInk #Novelember24 Challenge
One Word Book Title Prompt for November 9th : Remember

Aurora Tarot Blue Edition's The Devil Card and It's Going to Be Okay 2024 Day-to-Day Calendar by KateToday’s draw is the Devil card combined with the affirmation “You deserve full, entire rest days.”

As one of yesterday’s readings mentioned, it’s very easy to lose sight of how important it is to fulfill your needs when things become busy and chaotic.   Your natural inclination is to close out your own needs in order to pour more energy and time into what needs to get done.

This doesn’t work, though, as it forces you to eventually block off time to deal with those needs… and there’s no choice on when that block of time will come.   Better to take care of yourself from the start and make it to the end of the trials ahead rather than pushing too hard and having to step out of the race entirely when you hurt yourself in the process.

In other words?  DO give yourself times of rest. Even when it feels like you don’t have the time for it.  A few hours now is better than sacrificing a handful of days later on.

DECKS USED:  AURORA TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

@Lionharts #TheNovemberTarot Queen of Swords Challenge
Question for November 9th : What aspect of myself am I ready to reclaim, igniting my rise with renewed strength?

The Shaman's Way OracleReading Summary: Beauty comes through imperfections, rather than through perfection (Wabi Sabi). In accepting this truth you draw to the surface those parts of yourself (Soul Retrieval) damaged by the harshness of perfectionism and give them a chance to be pieced back together and healed (Health).

Take Away: You have spent a massive amount of your life pushing yourself towards perfection again and again in everything that you do.  Instead of making you happy, it has made you miserable, self-conscious, and anxiety filled.

It is time to take the Japanese wabi sabi mentality to heart.  Nothing ever lasts forever. Nothing is ever completely finished. Nothing is ever perfect. Accepting transience and imperfection is the path to your strength and reclaiming confidence lost through a life striving for perfection.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Lichen for Perseverance
Foraged Cedar Tips for Protection Against Negative Influences
Gneiss Wishing Stone for Patience in Unpleasant Situations
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE SHAMAN’S WAY ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsNov2024 Challenge
Question for November 9th : Advice you need to hear at this time concerning your ambitions.

Aurora Tarot Blue Edition - The Hanged Man, The Devil, Queen of SwordsReading Summary: When you foster a focus on your own perspectives (The Devil and Queen of Swords), you miss out on obtaining a true understanding the perspectives of others (The  Hanged Man Rx)

Take Away: If you want to understand the perspectives of others, and in turn have a better understanding of the world around you as well, you need to step back on being so willful concerning your own opinions.

Yes, you have good advice to give and the ability to help others see things in your perspective, but if your mouth is talking?  Chances are that your ears are not paying as close attention as they should be.

Be quiet, and listen.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: AURORA TAROT

@empressofthenightslight #SweetnessWithTheEmpress #SweetnessofLife Challenge
Question for November 9th : What piece of my magic can I more deeply embrace now?

The Sylvankind OracleReading Summary: Let go of your insecurities of what the future may bring (Insecurity), and instead allow those around you (Guidance) to help keep you focused on your goal (Focus).

Take Away: It’s time to more deeply embrace the magic of what others can do for you. Not just how they help you with your work, but also how they help to keep you focused and inspired along the way so that you don’t lose track of your goals.

Allow others to guide you into a more positive headspace and keep you focused on what’s important.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Pin Oak Leaf for Strength and Endurance
Clear Quartz for Energy Amplification
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE SYLVANKIND ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

This post is a catch-up post, and I’m not entirely sure what my self kindness was for the day.