As my book Surviving Eldercare: Where Their Needs End and Yours Begin nears it’s launch as a print book, I feel an energy building in me. It’s a  strong, focused, positive energy. The completion and offering of this phase of my writing is having a trickle-down effect on all the other aspects of my work and on me generally. I’m becoming clearer about the broader picture and integrating more aspects of my training and interests into areas that speak to my passions. For in order to inspire others towards their passions, I must be living my own truth.

We’re at the height of summer now. It’s one of those summers when we actually have hot weather here in Cascadia where plenty of rain and a moderate climate are usually the norm. There are wildfires burning in the interior of British Columbia and other places, and many people have been evacuated from their homes. It’s a devastating event for families and communities, and certainly not what people hoped for this summer. But the fire crews are working hard to control the fires, and many residents have been able to return home.

When you think of heat and of fire in a more internal context, what thoughts come to mind? In the here and now of this  hot, somnolent summer you probably feel slowed down inside and this is reflected in your movements. But if you dig deeper, what do you find?

You may think of that burn of creativity and empowerment we all have deep within ourselves. Life Coach Zoey Ryan wrote an interesting article addressing the subject this week. She talks about Goddesses of fire and likens fire to our power, and asks her reader three questions to help them get in touch with their internal fire.

I also use the powerful symbols of goddesses and gods in my personal work. I have found the book Archangels and Other Ascended Masters by Doreen Virtue to be very helpful. It combines the wisdom of gods and goddesses from many traditions in one uplifting book.

Recently my friend Alma, who initially recommended the book to me, suggested that I work with the goddess Devi (sometimes spelled Devee). I was delighted to discover that she is the “Universal Mother” or “Great Mother” – very powerful, yet gentle, combining the soft and strong qualities I believe make up woman – as Judith Duerk, who I worked with in the 90′s, spoke of the Great Mother often. One of Devi’s ways of helping is through meaningfulness – finding more in life and career. She’s the perfect one for me at this time.

Who or what inspires you and helps to catalyze your empowerment? Who helps ingnite your fire?

Enjoy your summer and watch for announcements about the release of the print book, Surviving Eldercare: Where Their Needs End & Yours Begin through my blog and newsletters.