3 Things that I wish I had learned before I healed my childhood trauma.

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Everything looks better in hindsight and there is a quote by Steve Jobs that says, ‘ You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.’

We learn as we go and sometimes we mess up, sometimes we get it right and sometimes, we have to pause and reflect. It’s all a part of the process.

When I started this blog-style magazine, I promised to be honest and with that, I have taken heat and received deep healing that I thought I would never receive. There is something so spiritually healing about being humble enough to correct wrong-doings and face our past with love and kindness.

I have focused on how others have contributed to my childhood but this article is dedicated solely to me expressing where my behavior has stemmed from and what I have learned about myself while healing from my childhood.

If I could’ve been told 3 Things about this before my healing process, they would be:

1. You have a past too.

One of my mentors says, ‘show me someone who says that they are perfect and run the opposite direction.’ She is right. In this world of life, none of us are perfect. And I humbly admit that I am not an Angel. Especially my behavior when I was a teenager.

I was a troubled teen, who was angry at the world due to (what I believe) my parent’s going through a bitter divorce and instead of healing, I received no sympathy from anyone. I went to a strict British school and it was tough to go through what I did as a kid with most adults telling me to just suck it up and do better, when they themselves were not practicing what they preached.

But, this is about me taking accountability and I was hurt. So I had moments of inflicting hurt upon others, myself and anyone who paid me attention. My anger, immature behavior and flirting with all kinds of men were all signs that I needed.

I can look back and blame or apologize and move forward with my life. I am sorry to anyone that I hurt when I was an angry, lonely and a misunderstood teenager and early adult. It was only until I was twenty-three years-old that I understood self-reflection and growth. With my apology, I offer anyone that I hurt love, healing and well wishes.

2. ‘When we know better, we do better’- Maya Angelou.

Like I previously mentioned, I was an angry teen who definitely grew up too fast. I was burdened with adult problems from a young age via my Mother who complained about my Father to us- involving us into adult situations when we were too young to understand anything.

As a result, I would hang out with older people, especially males who would pay me attention. They helped fill a void that was an illusion of feeling heard when I was just being used. From flirting with my older neighbor to dating college guys when I was in High School, my screams for help became louder and louder. And only when I went to therapy and practice did I dissect all of it and release the guilt of being a naughty child. I didn’t know better so I didn’t do better. And now that I do, I will.

3.Forgive yourself, too.

The hardest person to forgive is ourselves because we are often our biggest critic. Especially once I became sober in 2012, I had memories of when I was a teenager and acting like a drunken mess, stoner and angry child.

I have had to remind myself so many times that there is nothing any of us can do about the past. I cannot rewrite how I have previously behaved or anyone else can. Although I feel remorse of how I might’ve hurt another, myself and been inappropriate or rude, I cannot let it rule my life.

God has blessed each of us with life and it’s not to hold one another (and ourselves) up to unrealistic expectations, it is to learn unconditional love. That we are all capable of good and evil. And, that there is true redemption in forgiveness. Self-forgiveness is a real healer, it can release the tons of guilt that has kept you in the same cycle, stopped you from being at your best or that has wanted you to no longer continue.

There is a future available for all of us, no matter what we have done.

9 Things to remember while dealing with healing.

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As I continuously say, healing is a part of life and most of life consists of being on the journey of healing. There is no economic status or privilege that denounces our need to heal as a big part of the human experience is hurt and if we don’t heal, we will either hurt others or ourselves.

As I have found myself on a constant path of healing, I have had to remind myself of a few things. Here are 9 of them:

1. It is okay to make mistakes.

2. Breathe!

3. Allow others to be wrong (sometimes) for them to find themselves.

4. Allow yourself to be wrong (sometimes) for you to find yourself.

5. Surround yourself with people who support you but who also hold you accountable.

6. Growth doesn’t happen in one day, sometimes it takes lifetimes.

7. There is love inside all of us that is waiting to be let out.

8. We are all capable of being in light, no matter what we have done in the past.

9. Judgement comes from my shadow-side. It is worth healing.

3 Things that I learned from writing for a popular blog magazine.

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When I began writing for a popular wellness blog 8 years ago, I had no idea of the intense success that I would receive. It all started from me writing a piece to them and then being asked to be one of their top contributors.

Each week, I would have seventy or plus thousand views of my articles that they published and it felt great! I had always thought that I needed a bachelor’s degree to do what I was doing and was so grateful that I didn’t need to. I had become a successful writer for the biggest wellness blog website and I felt like one of my biggest dreams was coming true.

Like with everything else, there is it’s positive side and negative. And, although I was living out a dream, it was still reality. And, life is filled with duality so that we can learn and grow.

I do not regret the experience and will never take it back as I learned a lot. Here are 3 of the things that I learned:

1. Haters are a sign that you are doing something right.

When I was younger, especially in school. I was popular but only by fluke. I was very rebellious and hated school so because I vocalized that, the underdogs were naturally drawn to me. I did, unfortunately, have my days when I hurt others because I was insecure but I mostly wanted to defend others from being bullied themselves.

Because of this nature, I was popular but not liked. In fact, most teachers would ask for me not to be in their class because I would ask a lot of questions and call them out if they were being biased or unfair. Growing up, I lacked the awareness to see that I could rub people up the wrong way until one day in a debate in our English class, I defended someone who had been plastered in the newspapers as a ‘thief’ without any convictions. I asked, ‘what happened to innocent until proven guiltily’ and was met with a lot of hateful comments and as though I was dumb for asking the question. I learned then that if you believe what you believe, especially if it doesn’t go with the common narrative, you will have haters.

So, later on in my life, I would read thousands of comments and remember that I was doing something right. I was questioning a common narrative and pushing boundaries- in a respectful way, obviously. But, having a strong opinion will be met with people who think otherwise. We are all allowed to have opinions.

2. A lot of media is sensationalized.

As I began to receive the top views on the blog, I noticed that more and more of my articles were being heavily edited. I am an Editor and believe in editing and changing titles for SEOs and branding. However, they started to completely change what I had written in an attempt to draw more attention.

After this, I lost trust in most media outlets as I saw how my articles which were written with good intentions were twisted and distorted to seem otherwise.

This is what spurred my decision to start BiologiqueLife, to promote wellness; not sensationalize and dramatize it.

3. There is no such thing as bad press.

I was a writer for them for almost two years and went from feeling hurt by some comments to the point where I look at it from a business perspective. Some say don’t look at the comments; however, I find myself sometimes curious and want to know.

Knowing what someone thinks of me doesn’t mean that it’s true. An opinion is just that, an opinion. I think as a whole, we have become so weak and get upset over words as though they are facts.

To me, words will never be violence to me. I’ve been called fat, ugly, too dark, too light, too black, too white, too African, too European and many other things but none of those words mean anything to me. I am a child of God and align myself with divinity- no other opinions matter of me. If it is about my business, I will always protect that but a comment about me only carries weight and importance if I give it.

Life is too short to give other people power over me like that. My life belongs to me; not those who like me today; hate me tomorrow. Or vice versa. It’s all a facade anyway.

9 Affirmations for healing from trauma.

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Whether we like to admit it or not, a lot of life involves pain and hurt. However, it is our job to release it and move forward from it.

Like the saying goes, ‘Turn lemons into lemonade.’

There is a lot of negativity and hate in The World but I am not interested in amplifying that. I am more aligned with healing, progression and moving forward with an open heart.

As such, it is up to all of us to do so regardless of what has happened to us and to do so with a lightness to let go and surrender situations that become to heavy for us.

There are many ways to do this but one of my favorite ways is to affirm it by repetition or inner-acknowledgement.

Here are 9 affirmations for healing from trauma.

1. I release the burden of victimization.

2. I open myself up to healing.

3. I move forward with love and grace.

4. I am open to being humble.

5. I practice forgiveness.

6. I am in the flow of life, what is not meant for me is not coming with me.

7. My growth is my choice.

8. I am connected to divinity and in divine order, when it is time to let go I shall.

9. I am in a perpetual state of healing.

‘The answer lies in your gut feels’ - New Moon in Pisces by astrologer, Natasha Weber.

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NEW MOON IN PISCES

SYDNEY: 9:21 pm, March 13th

NEW YORK: 5:21 am, March 13th

LONDON: 10:21 am, March 13th

LOS ANGELES: 2:21 am, March 13th

This month’s new Moon is all about the artists, the dreamers and the underdogs of society. If this is you, know that it’s your time to rise! Step into the spotlight because your voice and vision have never been more powerful.

La Luna begins her cycle in sensitive Pisces. As I write this, The Rainbow Connection song is looping through my head… “one day we’ll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me.” During this new Moon, bold promises and big dreams take shape, but which path leads to the pot of gold at the end of your personal rainbow? You may reach this new Moon’s fork in the road and be thrown into feelings of uncertainty and self-consciousness. 

The answer lies in your gut feels - trust them implicitly. With Venus, Neptune, the Sun and the Moon all meditating in spiritual Pisces, the cosmos brings a light bulb moment that’s sparked from within. If something feels off, consider that a deal-breaker. For those of you having trouble tuning inwards, sit quietly by the ocean or in the bath (Pisces is a water sign) and ask for guidance. It really is that simple, and you’ll be blown away by the clarity a little quiet introspection brings you.

Above all, this new Moon places creative folks centre stage. So, for all you dancers, musicians, poets and painters, sparkle bright like the star you are. Artistic projects are successfully seeded now too. Nurturing a brilliant idea that fans your creative fire? Light the flame over the next four days. 

About Natasha Weber, the author:

Astrotash, Natasha Weber PMAAAC, MAFA

A self-confessed astrology nerd, Astrotash is the resident astrologer for myBody+Soul,Australia’s #1 health and wellness site. She writes horoscopes for Mamamia and has presented on radio and podcast shows, such as Sivana and Healthy-ish. Astrotash has appeared on Sunrise morning show and is also a guest speaker at the Soul Star Festival.

Motivated to build a bridge between sun-sign columns and the ancient science behind our celestial movements, Astrotash aims to bring deeper personal awareness through the lens of astrology. When she’s not reading the stars, you’ll find her in downward dog, ‘earthing’ in the Australian bush or dancing up a storm at Zumba.

Astrotash is accredited by the Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology and a member of the American Federation of Astrologers. Her articles have appeared inThought Catalogue, Out of Office New Yorkand Today’s Astrologer, in addition to international publications across the globe. She continues to research, present and publish, and is an active member of the following astrological organisations:

•          Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology

•          American Federation of Astrologers

•          Federation of Australian Astrologer

Creativity can be expressed in many different shapes, forms and various expressions. What’s your talent? For the sake of society’s mental, emotional and spiritual health, La Luna asks that you bravely take steps to share it.

Astrotash, Natasha Weber.
www.astrotash.com

9 Things that I had to release to vibrate higher and attract people who are doing the same.

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I was telling a friend of my past relationship horror stories and remembered the kind of people that I used to keep in my life. Although they were a mixed bag of people, there was a general energy amongst most of them that they could use me, verbally or emotionally abuse me and, I would be okay with it.

As I have grown, that is clearly no longer the case but it took a lot to get here. All the work was worth it because I can clearly say that I have no problem defending myself and speaking up for what I believe in with convictions. All while still trying to maintain a healthy and balanced life of joy.

I’ve learned to not to take what someone else does to me, no matter what it is, personally. Because taking it as such is the first set up to taking on baggage on drama that is not mine to own.

While I have learned a lot. Some of this journey has involved me releasing a lot and sometimes reluctantly. However, I had to and now that I have, I am grateful that I was nudged by The Divine to do so.

Here are 9 things that I had to release to vibrate higher and attract people who are doing the same:

1. The need to make excuses for myself and others.

2. The need to seek revenge on others.

3. Victimhood thinking.

4. My former hate for men.

5. My former reluctance to genuinely be happy for others.

6. The need to people-please and fit in.

7. The idea that I must say yes to a favor I am asked even if I don’t want to do it.

8. To receive male attention by seeking it in degrading ways.

9. That I must expect others to do more for me that I can do for myself.

Dear Hater/ (former) fake friend,

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Dear hater/ fake fiend:

I firstly want to start off by apologizing for any feelings of resentment that I have felt for you.

Over the past 3 years, I have watched you play two sides: the one who is friendly and the other who is malicious and involved in gossip.

I apologize for contributing into the gossip as I thought that friendships needed to have this beforehand. However, now I see that they don’t. I have developed genuine friendships over the past years and none of them are like the one that we had.

I see you for who you are, a disloyal human being who is only serving herself and will do so behind the facade of a smile with ulterior motives.
Thank you for showing me who you are because now I know for sure, it is people like you that I cannot trust.

Those who claim to be neutral but secretly scheme behind the guise of peace and love.

I am writing you to let you know that I have no hate for you. Even though you will probably tell people otherwise. But, how you behave is between you and God. It is not up to me to judge you or punish you for how you have treated your ‘friends’. That is God’s work.

Maybe your karma for being a backstabber will come back to you. Maybe it won’t. It is not my job to determine the outcome.
Thank you for one of the biggest lessons that I could’ve ever received. That sometimes the people who smile the most are those who do not genuinely mean well for you.

It is one of the best gifts that I have ever received.

3 More things that I have learned about haters.

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Last year was a very eventful year where I was called by God to learn a lot of different things. Mostly, that not everyone who is around me means well for me.

We collectively call them ‘haters’, the people who smile in your face but are glad to gossip about you or will not defend you when you need it. Those who cannot be happy for you because ultimately, they can’t be happy for themselves.

This year started off with me releasing more people like this. And, I am glad that I did. Although it was imperative for me to release them, some of these people I shouldn’t have entertained in the first place. Especially as friends. I am a very loyal friend and it can be exhausting having friends who do not reciprocate and give back.

Amongst that, I learned a few other things about haters. Here are 3 of them:

1. Sometimes they are in your family.

Last year, I learned one of the best things that I could have ever learned: just because someone is your family, doesn’t mean that they mean well for you. In fact, some of the most hurtful things that I have been done to me have been done by my own blood.

It is okay to distance ourselves from emotionally and verbally abusive people, no matter what role they have in our lives. If I have empathy and grace, the offer should be extended to me, too. If it isn’t, then I am willingly allowing abusive people in my life for no reason.

Sometimes the best way to love someone is to put up a boundary to protect yourself against their shadow side until they have healed it.

2. Sometimes they claim to be your fan.

Two years ago, I had a lady come take one of my yoga classes. She became a frequent in my class and would tell me that she wanted to be like me, word-for-word. It creeped me out so I distanced myself from her.

Come to find out, that over these couple of years, she has been plagiarizing and copying my work and style. She even named her oil products a similar name to mine. When I confronted her, she denied it and thus, I have sought legal justice against her.

When I discovered her ‘stalker’ ways, I was disappointed but then I remembered how far I have come as a person and realized that not everyone has evolved out of their insecurities. In fact, most don’t. Instead of being angry at her for being petty, immature and a copycat, I am choosing to release any animosity that I felt for her to God.

Yes, I will seek legal justice but it won’t consume me. She is who she is and it has nothing to do with me.

3. Sometimes they call themselves your friend.

I recently released a friend that I had for a few years. We met at a yoga studio that I worked at and although my intuition showed me that she was a disloyal friend, I kept her around because I wasn’t listening to my inner voice.

I would watch her gossip about friends and didn’t reprimand her because some of it, I thought I benefited from and other times, I didn’t want to judge her. I recently found out that she had betrayed me in an immense way and it upset me. I wanted to let her know how I felt.

But, as she began to disappear and not face up and own up to what she did, I realized something golden about her and other fake friends: they don’t mean well for others. I learned that someone can smile at you but be scheming against you behind your back.

After all of that, I got more than I lost. I wish her well and now I know for sure to always trust my intuition. It has saved me before and will save me again. It’s time to be led by that internal voice connected to God and The Divine.

Dear Hater (disguised as a fan)

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Dear hater (disguised as a fan),

I want to apologize for carrying any resentment or anger towards you. It is not my job to judge you, that is up to God.

I actually feel kind of sorry for you. A part of you reminds me of how I used to be: broken and empty. Sad and lonely. In denial and living a lie. You are very transparent. And, you think you can run from it but God is keeping count.

You see, I have always seen you for who you are. It is very clear that you are so lost in your insecurities that you wear them as clear as clay.

I want to thank you; however, for teaching me a lesson that I keep re-learning over and over, how people treat me has nothing to do with me. I’m sure you have behaved this way before and a part of me wishes that you get well while the other part acknowledges that there is only so much others can do for you.

You choose your path and have chosen one of lies, deception and false-hoods. Which is okay. Live your life! It’s not up to me to punish you or get revenge on you, that is for God.

All that we do comes back to us. That was a catalyst for why I became a Yogi. Yes, yoga is not just a physical practice to look good. It is a practice about truth, honesty and growth. Something I hope you will learn about one day.

How the Full Moon in Virgo might affect you. By Astrologist, Natasha Weber.

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FULL MOON IN VIRGO

SYDNEY: 7:18 pm, February 27th

NEW YORK: 3:18 am, February 27th

LONDON: 8: 18 am, February 27th

LOS ANGELES: 12:18 am February 27th 

Each new and full moon, all eyes are on La Luna's zodiacal position, energy and meaning. However, it is crucial to remember that without the sun, the moon cannot transition through its phases. The Sun and Moon work as a team as the ultimate heavenly collaboration.

March sees La Luna fully illuminated by the Sun on February 27th, in the sign of Virgo. Yet, the sun also offers pearls of wisdom during this full moon. And this month, the sun is in a mighty powerful position, alongside Venus in carefree Pisces.

While the moon highlights a need for organisation, structure and perfection, the sun asks you to let go of all that nonsense - and this month, the sun is winning! 

This full moon's message focuses on releasing the need for perfect order. Control isn't a necessary requirement for happiness and fulfilment. 

Rather than exhausting yourself trying to keep all the balls in the air, allow a few of them to drop. In doing so, you may realise that your world won’t collapse. And you'll actually be more relaxed. Maybe you'll even laugh at yourself, which turns out to feel damn good and better for your overall health.

To hell with perfection! Does it genuinely exist anyway? The sun in dreamy Pisces reminds you that it's all a facade. So, don't buy into the illusion. Over the next few days, the cosmos helps you to go with the flow as no planets are in retrograde – easy peasy! The trouble is, when you insist on pursuing your agenda, it could drive you to your own detriment. Desire is a force to be reckoned with and can be tough to resist. Still, if something has to be forced, this full moon gently suggests that perhaps it's just not meant to be. 

Natasha Weber. Visit www.astrotash.com for more articles like this.

Astrotash is accredited by the Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology and a member of the American Federation of Astrologers. Her articles have appeared inThought Catalogue, Out of Office New Yorkand Today’s Astrologer, in addition to international publications across the globe. She continues to research, present and publish, and is an active member of the following astrological organisations:

•          Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology

•          American Federation of Astrologers

•          Federation of Australian Astrologer

Why do I want to forgive her?

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Why do I want to forgive her?

Because she sent me a lesson that is bigger than our friendship.

I got sent the ultimate lesson to not take anything personally. And, just because someone behaves a certain way with you, doesn’t mean that it is about you.

I forgive her because when people show me who they are, I believe them.

I forgive her because I grew out of this situation. I was reminded that sometimes a boundary comes in the form of trusting myself more than anyone else will.

I forgive her because although she tried to break my spirit, I overcame. And, I will always overcome.

I forgive her because I would rather know who someone is than have an enemy in friend’s clothing.

I forgive her because everything is exactly how it is meant to be. Who is meant for me is for me. There is no need to force anything, especially friendships.

I forgive her and send her love. Of course I will stand up for myself but how she reacts is between her and God.

9 of the best things that never happened to me.

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I am such a firm-believer that where I am is exactly where I meant to be. I have no regrets because I see the past as opportunities for growth to move forward and learn with discernment and intention.

I have always carried the belief that if I have to force something in my life that isn’t fitting into it, there is a reason. It will be revealed to me over time when it is the right time- divine timing.

I have had some recent epiphanies about certain things not working out in the past and it has affirmed how I believe: everything that is for me will come to me at the right time.

Here are 9 best things that never happened to me:

1. Being married twice.

2. Starting a family with an ex.

3. Working in journalism.

4. Becoming a lawyer.

5. Fake friendships.

6. Moving back to South Africa or Europe.

7. Continuing my career in entertainment.

8. Any former romantic relationship.

9. Staying in New York City.

What it took to get to me- February 2021

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What it took to get to me

It took standing up for myself, to get to me.

It took me believing how people showed me to be, to get to me.

It took me trusting my intuition, to get to me.

It took me putting up boundaries, to get to me.

It took me acknowledging areas that I need to grow in, to get to me.

It took me fighting for what I believe in, to get to me.

It took me no longer being a pushover, to get to me.

How The New Moon in Aquarius might affect you.

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NEW MOON IN AQUARIUS

SYDNEY: 6:06 am, February 12th

NEW YORK: 2:06 pm, February 11th

LOS ANGELES: 11:06am, February 11th

LONDON: 7:06 pm, February 11th

As La Luna begins a brand new cycle, all things Aquarius hit home hard. For one, there are six planets (that’s including the sun and moon) in Aquarius during this new moon. That’s a lot! And, depending on where Aquarius is placed for you, in your birth chart, you’re going to feel this new moon’s message.

Freedom, independence and kindness are all Aquarian buzz words. There’s a strong sense of community building with this new moon, as people’s opinions, styles and points of views bind them in solidarity. This can bring a lovely sense of togetherness for those feeling like part of a group or cause. However, for those that think differently from the crowd, there can be a strong sense of isolation or rejection.

You’ll be pleased to hear that La Luna in Aquarius supports the underdog, the rebels and the free thinkers. And this new moon loves anything a little left of centre! So, if that’s you, stay on path. Don’t be swayed by beliefs that clash with your own.

Whether your connections are professional, personal or romantic, they should never be forged under pressure to conform to a different way of thinking or being. Sure, it’s gets lonely when you refuse to follow the pack, but at least then you get to choose your own destination. And, that’s worth a thousand false friendships.

Natasha Weber, Astrologist.

www.astrotash.com

Astrotash is accredited by the Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology and a member of the American Federation of Astrologers. Her articles have appeared inThought Catalogue, Out of Office New Yorkand Today’s Astrologer, in addition to international publications across the globe. She continues to research, present and publish, and is an active member of the following astrological organisations:

•          Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology

•          American Federation of Astrologers

•          Federation of Australian Astrologer

3 Things that I stopped attracting once I released my victimhood.

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There is nothing more attractive and inviting than someone who takes responsibility for their own actions. Until I understood this concept, I feel like I was only halfway living my life.

The truth is that no matter what we have been through, we must take responsibility for ourselves. Until we do, we will not reap the full blessings of victory. This ideal is the opposite of victimhood because instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we can own up to things from a mature place.

With that, comes growth but it also naturally releases certain things from sticking around in our lives. I may not necessarily believe that we attract who we are; however, we most certainly attract lessons that take us to our ultimate selves. When we are victims, we will be thrown circumstances and people that we need to learn from in order to mature and grow.

Here are 3 Things I have stopped attracting since I released my victimhood:

1. People with unkind intentions.
Naïvely, I used to think that everyone meant well for me as I do for others. I would love to see everyone do well and thrive as long as they are being true to themselves.

Today, I see and understand that not everyone does and they don’t have to. However, energy is contagious and I would rather surround myself with people who we can vibe well off of one another’s energies.

I am done dealing with people are not truthful, have ulterior motives or who are just plain negative. I choose to be around those who come with a kind heart and show this in their actions.

2. Relationships with abusive people.

I have been very vocal about this. So those of you who keep up with my posts know about the fact that I have had many relationships where I was emotionally, verbally and (sometimes) physically abused. I could sit here and say that it was their fault but I do take responsibility for my actions.

The root cause of my need to have these people in my life is that I was raised by someone who was abusive towards me and my subconscious tried to deny it until I had to face it, head on. When I did, healing from my childhood could take place and I stopped blaming others for healing that I had to do.

It is very liberating to know that you can overcome any obstacle and thing that might’ve been designed to stop you and continue to thrive in-spite of them. Particularly unhealthy relationships.

3. Fake friends.

It has taken me up until recently to shed myself of any fake friends. Not acquaintances but friends. Those people who only befriend you because they might need something or because they need to have attention around them.

I will admit that I was a fake friend to many, especially when I carried a sense of victimhood because I needed people around me who would condone my behavior and support my negativity.

We spoke about one another and betrayed each other. And after our interactions, I would feel empty and sometimes even worse.

Since releasing my victimhood and taking ownership for my life, I have less friends but they are the kind of friends that support me and I to them. We genuinely love each other and know that we can agree to disagree. We come from a place of truth, not falsity.

9 Things that I would rather be other than polite.

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Sometimes I am filled with a heavy heart when I see (as a whole) how we have lost honest, loving and truthful interactions with one another. But then I remember that there is always hope.

There is always a chance for redemption. Personally, I have noticed that when I speak from a place of truth, it might trigger someone but I am done walking on eggshells or amongst people who uphold falsehoods. Life is about truth, sometimes it is unfair and other times fair.

Like they say, ‘Sunlight is the best disinfectant’ and once something is acknowledged, then we can do something about it.

Therefore, here are 9 things that I would rather be other than polite:

1. Truthful.

2. Caring.

3. Kind.

4. Considerate.

5. Moral.

6. Respectful.

7. Purposeful.

8. Intentional.

9. Receptive.

9 Things to never say to someone who has been in an abusive relationship.

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I have had my fair share of abusive relationships. Whether they were in my family, friendships or life partners. Although I am not a victim, I have had to heal from these circumstances and often feel like (in some weird twisted way) I went through it to be able to understand and have compassion for others.

To me, life is a constant process of healing. However, many of us do not fully heal from our childhoods because we are supposed to be grateful for the bare minimum that most of us receive from our parents because there are fundamental upholding systems of abuse in all facets of life.

If you have experienced many abusive relationships, particularly from a parent. Please know that you are not the only one.

As we are in the Age of Aquarius, most people will find the strength to heal and do better. With that comes speaking from a place of truth and doing so with conviction. Especially with people around us.

So, if someone lets you know that they have been or are currently being abused, here are 9 things to never say to them:

1. Are you sure?

2. What did you do to ask for it?

3. Why speak out now?

4. Maybe you imagined it!

5. I don’t believe you.

6. Well, why didn’t you do anything about it when it happened?

7. What responsibility should you take about it?

8. You’re being dramatic.

9. Give it time, you’ll be able to forget about it.

Dear God,

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Dear God,

I can feel many changes occurring in my life. I just pray that you, the angels of light and spirit guides guide me along this way.

I fully and completely trust my path and I am ready to embark on new adventures with an open heart, mind and approach.

I trust you and I am ready for all that is along the way, whatever form of shape it takes. I know that with good comes bad, with character comes challenges and, with happiness comes reminders to embrace them.

I am ready.

Dear C

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Dear C,

It’s almost my birthday and I can feel you thinking of me. A part of me wonders what is different this time. The other part of me doesn’t want to know.

I have only love for you. We were a part of each other’s lives for the time that we needed to be, to learn from one another.

I’ve learned more being away from you than being around you because we became so toxic for one another, I had to leave. A part of me felt guilty about leaving you because we were supposed to be together no matter what happens. The vengeful part of me was secretly happy that I left you so that you could feel how it felt to be left, like you did to me whenever you would disappear.

We went through a lot together, more than I would like to admit and it’s better that we don’t speak anymore but I want you to know that I have love for you.

I heard you have a child now and although we both know that children cannot fulfill a part of us that we can’t ourselves, I am sure you have learned a lot about love. I am happy for you and send you so much love.

Any negativity that I have felt for you was none of your business even though a part of me wants to blame you for not showing up and giving our relationship one hundred percent. You gave me all you could and I am grateful that we got to share love in the first place.

Thank you for all the lessons, memories and blessings. You added more to my life than took from it and I now see that with clear eyes and an open heart.

Your truly,

What does The Full Moon in Leo have in store for you. By Astrologer, Natasha Weber.

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SYDNEY: 6:17am, January 29th

NEW YORK: 2:17pm, January 28th

LOS ANGELES: 11:17 am, January 28th

LONDON: 7:17pm, January 28th

A full moon in Leo never goes unnoticed because Leo can’t help but attract attention, even without intending to. Leo possesses a certain magnetic pull, and before you know it, you’re in deep. Or, caught up in drama!

Fiery Mars and electric Uranus align with this full moon, urging caution. Is there something you’re dying to jump into? Perhaps you desire someone or something so much that you’re prepared to dive in without doing your due diligence. Stop! This is one time that looking before you leap is strongly advised. Acting in haste, or speaking without prior thoughtful consideration could land you in hot water.

Over the next four days, do your best to slow down. Not just physically but mentally and emotionally too. Consider all your options carefully. Sure, you’ll feel a sense of urgency and want to do the exact opposite. But, with this astrology knowledge under your belt, hopefully, you'll think twice.

The cosmos also offers you the strength to restrain yourself. 

Protective Jupiter and Saturn flank the Sun, granting you patience and the ability to endure. That’s where success is at during this full moon. Buckle down for the long haul rather than place your bets on a quick fix.

Remember, if something is worthwhile, it’s worth waiting for. And, if the opportunity passes, perhaps it wasn’t meant to be? This full moon, a missed opportunity, may simply be a blessing in disguise. 

Where's your Leo at? 

Your Leo placement in your birth chart reveals where you need to show extra patience, tolerance and self-control. Below is a planet list to guide you. Notice that I haven't included the slow-moving planets? That's because everyone around your age will have the same placement, making the effect more generational than personal.

MOON IN LEO your emotional landscape, mothering.

SUN IN LEO how you shine your light out into the world (this could be challenged during this full moon).

ASCENDANT IN LEO how you project your personality (you could attract jealously during this full moon).

MIDHEAVEN IN LEO career, life goals and ambitions.

MERCURY IN LEO Communicating, getting an idea across.

VENUS IN LEO love, female connections, money.

MARS IN LEO health, energy, connections with men.

About Natasha Weber, the author:

Astrotash, Natasha Weber PMAAAC, MAFA

A self-confessed astrology nerd, Astrotash is the resident astrologer for myBody+Soul,Australia’s #1 health and wellness site. She writes horoscopes for Mamamia and has presented on radio and podcast shows, such as Sivana and Healthy-ish. Astrotash has appeared on Sunrise morning show and is also a guest speaker at the Soul Star Festival.

Motivated to build a bridge between sun-sign columns and the ancient science behind our celestial movements, Astrotash aims to bring deeper personal awareness through the lens of astrology. When she’s not reading the stars, you’ll find her in downward dog, ‘earthing’ in the Australian bush or dancing up a storm at Zumba.

Astrotash is accredited by the Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology and a member of the American Federation of Astrologers. Her articles have appeared inThought Catalogue, Out of Office New Yorkand Today’s Astrologer, in addition to international publications across the globe. She continues to research, present and publish, and is an active member of the following astrological organisations:

•          Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology

•          American Federation of Astrologers

•          Federation of Australian Astrologer

AstroTash, Natasha Weber.
http://www.astrotash.com/