Have you noticed how much easier it can be to figure things out for others than for ourselves? Easier to nurture others, than to take good care of our own physical needs. When someone else is under the weather, I’m right there with the vitamins, tea, soup and hot packs, but when I’m run down, I don’t always remember to do what would be in my best interest.

I’ve noticed it can be the same way with integrity. Is integrity just for how we deal with others? Being fair-minded and honest in our dealings with those around is just one aspect. What about being true to ourselves? What if we have a perfectly good job that pays well, when many folks are out of work, and yet our soul calls out for some different purpose to our life? We may feel selfish pursuing a dream, especially if it defies society’s logic. Yet, living in integrity does mean walking the talk, even if it means finally listening to the inner voice daring us to go after something we can feel in our bones is right for us. Doing the right thing may not align with what our loved ones want, yet over time, we find that when we do what is right for us, it ends up being right for everyone.

It seems like when I was younger, I could make long, detailed plans about what I wanted to do and map out how I wanted to get there, and it pretty much worked out that way. Maybe it was luck, or maybe I was doing things that already had support systems in place, like going to college, figuring out a major and getting a job in my chosen field.

These days, I can visualize where I want my path to lead, yet I can’t seem to map out all the steps to getting there. If I hadn’t had the earlier success of working it this way, I might not feel so blocked about taking action until I have all the parts worked out. Yet, feeling my way, one step at a time, seems the only way forward, having hope – and a certain amount of faith – that everything will work out beautifully.

So, each day, I resolve to simply take the next step, working with whatever presents itself in the moment. It’s a relief not to have to figure it all out now, and I won’t have to worry about forgetting what I decided!

In moon class this week, Aunty Beatrex reminds us that gratitude is the foundation for abundance, and that this time of the Taurus Full Moon is a time for letting go of things that are no longer holding the energy that we want to align with. This year I find myself going much deeper than clearing out clothes that don’t fit or feel good. What else has completed its purpose or energy for me, and is ready to move on and out? Beatrex points out we should specifically look at what rituals are no longer working for us, and making way for new ones.

Here’s an interesting observation: one ritual JW and I share, is to gather up the free Pine tree clippings at the local Home Depot, this first weekend after Thanksgiving, when the Christmas Trees go out on the lot. We bring home a bucketful of branches, spreading boughs throughout our home, making and giving wreaths, putting a few sprigs in the car. I love the fresh pine scent!! This year, a few hours after bringing the boughs into the house, JW gets an allergy attack, and the branches must be put outside. I feel heartbroken to lose the fresh scent, yet understand that things change, and what worked one time, may not always work again. It’s an opportunity to look at things with fresh eyes, finding new possibilities.

As our garden is ripe with luscious lavender, sunny calendula, refreshing mint, savory sage, and many more beneficial herbs, we’re enjoying the longer evening hours, harvesting in small bunches and delicately drying them for use later, in a variety of ways. While browsing online for a few new medicinal recipes, I came across this terrific idea: “Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game”

It’s a board game that teaches about 25 edible and medicinal plants and their uses in mostly first aid situations. It also teaches team work, for you will rely on each other’s knowledge of plants and good fortune to make it to the Huckleberry Patch and safely back to Grandma’s. Look’s like a winning gift for my nieces and nephews.