The Hit List - Hard Times - The Tarot Lady

By now, any confetti that may have fallen on New Year’s eve is probably swept away, never to be seen again. I’d like to think that this is an analogy for how we all feel about the past year. It’s been some hard times, ya’ll.

But rather than sweeping it all away like yesterday’s disco glitter, I’m reflecting on a few highlights and lessons. Here are some of my takeaways from the heavy (sometimes metal) 2020:

:: Adapting is a useful survival skill. Like a lot of people, I like my comfort zones very much. This past year? Those were blown out of the water. That meant I needed to learn to swim if I didn’t want to sink. So I did. Sometimes you gotta go take those text messages from the Universe and roll.

:: Life is precious. Covid brought this lesson home hard. Behind the scenes, one of my loved ones was diagnosed with a chronic condition that changed the game in a not-so-pleasant way. Lesson: savor every moment together.

:: It’s never too late to change your direction. I’ve been reading tarot for the masses for thirty years. In 2020, I felt called to put my energy into writing and teaching. It’s scary to make a hard right turn at my age, but dammit, there is no time like the present to pivot. If not now, when?

:: Growing up poor can prepare you for the hard stuff. When the chips fell down to the ground, I was fine. I stayed busy, got creative, and hunkered down. These are things I’ve had to do before – so it wasn’t a big deal. Getting stuck at home? My introverted side was more than happy to live like a recluse.

:: Family is everything. Sure, I wasn’t able to hug my kids or see my beloved aunt. But I do appreciate them more than ever.

:: Real friends will always have your back. I discovered who my trusted peeps are after an incident with a hater. Boy, does it feel good to know you’ve got solid folks in your circle.

:: Losing a pet is hard work. When my dear cat TaoZen passed away, I was crushed. It was a cruel blow in a too-cruel year. I’m still grieving him, but he visits me every so often in my dreams. Frankly, I don’t know if I will ever “get over” the loss. Maybe I don’t have to. Grief isn’t some messy thing to clean up – it’s just another facet of a life well-lived (and a cat well-loved).

:: When life gets tough, love is always the answer. Focusing on hate? Getting bitter? Not an option. Instead, love, gratitude, and plenty o’ self-care makes the world turn in the best way.

So those are some of my takeaways from these hard times. What about you? What did you learn? And what are you expecting in 2021?

Theresa

This beautiful crystal heart and trinket dish was my favorite gift.

Other stuff:

I’m in InStyle laying out my tarot predictions for 2021 alongside other readers, astrologers, and mystical folks! Yay!

The ideas, dilemmas, and questions that the new year will bring.

Start off your New Year right with the latest Astrology Bytes podcast. I’m talking with James Divine about astrology in your hands!

This BeeGees documentary was one of my favorite things I watched this holiday season.

Chani Nicholas has something to say about 2021: Astrologer Chani Nicholas Says 2021 Will Still Be Tough, but There’s Hope.

Great post on the “rise and fall of productivity.”

Rachel Rodgers talks about what really went down in 2020 (and how dead-on accurate my reading was!).

Zzzzz….15 Best Sleep Apps to Make Sure You’re Refreshed for 2021.

I noticed this too and wondered why: the mystery behind the great Bucatini shortage.

From Teen Vogue: TikTok Tarot Readings Are Predicting My Future.

I love everything Liz Worth writes: Are You Resisting Spiritual Growth? and Do tarot readings still ‘work’ over the phone or online?

Living With Karens. A white woman calls the police on her Black neighbors. Six months later, they still share a property line.

Check out this new goodness from Jeanna Kadlec: Astrology for Writers: How to Make Your Writing Work for You.

Good read: Waves of Loss and Revolution.

YUM: A January Menu That Comforts and Restores.

Here’s a great post on Mind Body Green: The Complete Zodiac Guide To 2021: What’s In The Stars For You?

Big eye stuff: 10 Easiest Tricks for Wide-Awake Eyes (from a Top Makeup Artist).

From Well+ Good: Astrologer Susan Miller Forecasts Which Zodiac Sign’s Career Will Bloom in 2021.

Ooooh, I want this Radiate Portable Campfire!

Defo plan on checking this out: Business Made Simple: 60 Days to Master Leadership, Sales, Marketing, Execution, and More.

I love journaling: Find Your Joy: A Powerful Self-Care Journal to Help You Thrive.

Tara Branch never disappoints: Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN.

WANT Magickal Mediumship: Partnering with the Ancestors for Healing and Spiritual Development.

Confused about tarot? Start here and unravel the mystery: Tarot: No Questions Asked: Mastering the Art of Intuitive Reading.

The Uncommon Tarot: A Contemporary Reimagining of an Ancient Oracle is modern, global, and drop-dead gorgeous. A must-have for Tarot lovers!

Need a little calm after the holidays? Check out The Tarot Coloring Book and get ready to chill the heck out!

Tarot For Troubled Times has helped lots of tarot folks navigate a rough 2020. If you’re struggling with any issue, this book might help you out.

Astrology for Real Life: A Workbook for Beginners (A No B.S. Guide for the Astro-Curious) is FUN. Because learning astrology doesn’t need to be a bore or a chore!

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