Good Morning, Sunshine!

Trust in your Inner Knowing. It can be not just a voice, but a feeling. It can be that feeling which makes you want to stay clear of a person or a situation or the very opposite...where you are feeling a person or an opportunity is put in your path for a reason. Logically, your mind says that there is no reason to feel that way & will try to talk you out of it, but don't listen. If you feel it, it is valid! 

The first business space I rented happened that way. I had just completed my first Reiki class & wasn't really even sure I wanted to make it a business. I decided to go inquire about renting in the center of town just for fun...only to have the owner say his only space was in the Historic Byers Hotel...the building I drove by everyday & had this inexplicable pull towards. I thought I at least owed it to myself to look...what harm is there in that?  I walked into the room & knew it was my space...to be clear, for a business I wasn't sure I wanted. I thought is this crazy? I made the decision to TRUST. Yes, I made the list of the pros & cons..to decide "the right way".  There was a huge list of cons & the only pro was that I know I am supposed to do this....so what choice did I have? I crumbled up the list & decided to TRUST...that moment changed my life!!! Simply Shine was created & I LOVE what I do!!! & what continues to unfold as I continue to TRUST!!!   

So what knowing are you going to TRUST today? Act on it! 

~ Christi Rafferty   

Good Morning, Sunshine!

Trust. Spirit answered when I asked what to share. Trust yourself...that Inner Voice...which leads you. The thoughts which seem to come from within you, but are not thoughts that seem to come from your own mind...the ones that just appear out of the blue. Some will say that they don't have an Inner Voice, but everyone does. Hasn't someone's name come into your awareness for no apparent reason? & if you reach out to the person, they are even surprised because they just thought of you? or were really needing a friend at that moment? This is such a good place to start opening & trusting. What is holding you back? Give it a try. 

~ Christi Rafferty

Simply DeLiGHTful ~ Candlelight

I LOVE CANDLELIGHT!!! In my claiming back of ME, I have rediscovered my candle lighting ways. There is something magical & heart warming about it...and who doesn't want that every day?!

When is it good to light a candle? Let me count some of the ways:

before I do the dishes. It makes me smile & that brings JOY to my chore. 

once my place is all cleaned up. It is the finishing touch & makes everything seem extra sparkly...well worth my effort!!! 

bathtime. There is nothing better!!! Turn off the lights, sink into the hot water, & let the mind drift...instant relaxation...ahhhh. Warning: when hair catches on fire...I mean if...go under the water to put it out...not as relaxing...so be careful...just sayin;)

when listening to music. I will turn off all the lights & lay on the floor. Watching the flickering of the candlelight all around me ...with the music...dancing shadows...so completely magical & mesmerizing!!!

when I eat dinner at the table. It is beautiful to watch the movement & the colors of the flame and my dining becomes an experience as I take the time to savor the food...much better than a drive-thru picnic (although they have their moments too;))

Of course, candles are wonderful for company & for romantic evenings too...just remember though...don't save the JOY, the magic, the beauty of candlelight for just those occasions...you can be simply deLIGHTed every day...just for you

~ Christi Rafferty


A Special Good Morning, Sunshine!

I am sharing one of my most precious memories with the hope that it will bring comfort...to those whose hearts are aching this holiday...whether it is the first one or one of many without your loved ones... I am sending you much love...& hugs too.

My Gramps passed away 2 years ago today. Although he was 95, it was a shock. He hadn't been sick or really on any medication. He had gone out that morning to his usual breakfast with the guys, came back to sit at the kitchen table with his newspaper, & passed to the Other Side.  I was by myself with I got the call not long after & all I could do was lay on the bed...sobbing. It couldn't be real... I had just talked to him the day before. As I was sobbing, I started to see what appeared like a movie in my mind. It was like the camera was going up this young man's legs...he seemed to be in his early 20's. I thought...why is someone coming in now? I'm not with a client. Can't they see I'm beside myself? I was then drawn back to the movie. I could feel his excitement & his indescribable JOY!!! I was starting to smile because I could feel it, but at the same time I was so grief-stricken. Why was this happening now?! I realized the movie was pulling me in stronger even though I wanted it to leave me alone...I could see this grin on the young man's face. It was my Gramps grin. I would know it anywhere. I was laughing & crying all mixed together as he proudly showed me his legs & pointed to his head & said,"& look...hair!!!". It kind of fell down across his eyes. He was like a kid on Christmas Morning (times infinity) as he then went running across this huge field (I was later to discover that my Gramps had run cross-country back in his day & had been really good!). The last thing he showed me was a special moment he was having with his grand-daughter(who had passed many years earlier)....& then he just looked at me with such LOVE! I felt such peace & happiness....& it has never left me.

My wish is that I can extend that to all of you now. Your loved ones are filled with JOY too and are still with you...surrounding you with their LOVE! Take a moment, shut your eyes, breathe, & welcome them....& their LOVE in. Keep your heart open...you are so loved! Happy Holidays!

~ Christi Rafferty  

    

Good Morning, Sunshine!

My Gramps lived to celebrate 72 years of marriage!!! At their 70th wedding anniversary, I remember asking him what was the secret?...how did they make it through so many years? He did not hesitate for one minute as he summed it up in one word...Luck.

"Luck, Gramps?! That's the wisdom you have for me?!" I asked as I laughed out loud. He gave me the serious tone & told me to pay attention. If you don't have your health, you have nothing. Your Gram & I have been blessed with good health. He was so very grateful for that & for all the years they had together. Today be grateful for your health...for the time with your loved ones...for the gift of being able to HUG them & say "I love you"!!!

~ Christi Rafferty     

Good Morning, Sunshine!

Just a reminder today...

You are loveable....you are loving...you are loved...you are love...you are!!!

Now look at yourself in the mirror...into your own beautiful eyes & say

"I am loveable...I am loving...I am loved...I am love...I am!!!"

Shake your head at me, chuckle if you will,...but humor me & do it!!! Feel the power, beauty, & depth of LOVE...now go share YOU with the world!!!

~ Christi Rafferty