The Hit List - Voice lessons

When I was in the midst of yoga teacher training, one of my biggest concerns was meditation. Not doing it, mind you. I am pretty decent with that part. Instead, I was fretting about leading students through meditation because of one thing: my voice.

It’s not a pretty one.

As one of my dear friends once said to me when I called them on the phone “It’s Theresa with the perpetual cold.”

I have a distinctly nasally voice coupled with a Midwestern twang. It’s not melodic and I cringe when I hear recordings of myself. But nevertheless, I needed to get over it if I was going to teach meditation.

Lo and behold, my students didn’t give a rip. They found it to be oddly soothing. This allowed me to develop a bit of confidence. Enough so that I launched a few podcasts. I get lots of fan mail for those, which makes me happy. After all, my goal is to teach tarot and astrology – and these free resources are helping folks all over the world.

A while back, I was checking my reviews on iTunes. By the way, I rarely do this. I don’t have time and also I don’t want anything influencing my creativity. But for some reason, I thought it might be a good idea to see if folks were enjoying my work.

A bunch of glowing reviews made me feel pretty good and then there it was. A negative review from someone who hated my voice. In fact, they said I had “the most annoying voice in podcasts” and recommended a different one.

This gave me a moment to pause.

Just wow. What kind of person does that? Oh well. Can’t please ‘em all.

Then I went on with my business. It didn’t stop me one bit. I’ve got work to do and people to serve.

Now imagine if I allowed that not-very-helpful critique to take up rent in my cranium. It might have made me feel like somehow I’m not “good enough” or that my work wasn’t worthy of a listen. If I gave that any importance, it would taint my work or make me hesitate to do anything.

That’s no good. And it’s not gonna happen. I’m stubborn like that. Plus, at this stage in life, I really truly don’t give a damn. Imma gonna do what I want to do.

Now hear this:

There are always going to be people who don’t like what you’re doing or who dig you. They’ll try to crap all over your glitter parade with their mean-spirited opinions. It might make you feel like giving up – or not getting started in the first place.

Don’t give your power away to strangers like that. In fact, Don’t give it away to anyone.

Do the thing you’ve always wanted to do. Write that book. Start that business. Make your art. Grab the mic. Get that podcast off the ground. FIND YOUR VOICE AND SHOUT YOUR TRUTH OUT AS LOUD AS YOU WANT (even if it’s nasally).

JUST DO IT.

Because there are plenty of other people who are going to benefit from you and your good work. Now go on and get going. The world is waiting to hear your voice.

Just got this hilarious mug the other day.

Other stuff:

How to cool down in this hellish heat wave.

How to keep your pets safe in the heat wave.

Mantis Tarot shares tips for mindfully growing your Instagram page.

Birthday cake sounds about right: Which Ice Cream Flavor Should You Try, Based On Your Astrological Sign?

No surprise: here’s the most hated senator.

The ‘Euphoria’ Theory That Rue Is Dead Would Undermine The Entire Show.

I’m surprised she still has a job: Betsy DeVos Is Getting Sued Over Student Debt.

What the heck is Mercury retrograde? Here’s what you need to know.

The Authors Of Summer’s Biggest Books On Astrology, Murder, Life Crisis, And More.

Gosh, I love Missy Elliott. Oh, and she has a new album coming out.

Check out this post on Jessica Dore: The Twitter Account That Wishes You Well.

How thinking about death became the ultimate practice for living well.

Wondering what it’s like to work with a traditional publisher? Bri and I break it down in the latest Talking Shop.

Newsweek had a list of the best astrology podcasts to listen to for your horoscopes.

You know you want it: this Ruth Bader Ginsburg Justice Tarot Card Mug.

Oooh: A Yogic Path Oracle Deck and Guidebook.

I wonder if I need the Barbie David Bowie Doll?

Interesting: Tell Me Who You Are: Sharing Our Stories of Race, Culture, & Identity.

The Tarot Coloring Book is the fun way to learn how to read tarot. Color your way through the deck – and watch the meanings unfold!

IT’S HERE! Tarot For Troubled Times – a book about tarot, rituals, self-care, and social justice. If you want to transform yourself or the world, learn how tarot can be a trusted advisor.

Do you wonder what the heck astrologers mean when they talk about retrogrades and that sort o’ thing? I’ve got something for you: Astrology for Real Life: A Workbook for Beginners (A No B.S. Guide for the Astro-Curious). You can pre-order it now!

I got a lovely shoutout from Viv Kala:

Classes:

July 26th, 2019: Join me and Shaheen on Friday, July 26th for a Tarot For Troubled Times book launch party! Where: Free Spirit Crystals in Butler, Wisconsin. What time: 7 PM. Cost: Free!

July 27th, 2019: Tarot for Troubled Times with Shaheen Miro and Theresa Reed. Learn about shadow work, archetypes, tarot birth cards, and remedies for tough times. Boston Tea Room in Ferndale, Michigan. Class starts at 4:00 PM. Cost $60.00.

August 18, 2019: Tarot Cards for Shadow Work – Join me at Eye of Horus in Minneapolis from 1 PM – 3 PM for a class on exploring shadow work with the tarot. We’ll cover the Birth Cards, Tarot archetypes, and more. Cost: $30. I’ll be available for book signings at 12 PM.

October 4th, 2019: ASTROLOGY FOR REAL LIFE BOOK LAUNCH PARTY! Where: Where: Free Spirit Crystals in Butler, Wisconsin. What time: 7 PM. Cost: Free!

October 6th, 2019: Astrology for Total Beginners. Where: Eye of Horus in Minneapolis. What time: 1 PM – 3 PM. Cost: $30.00.

October 12, 2019: Crash Course in Tarot. Where: 22 Teachings, Los Angeles. What time: 12 PM – 2 PM. Cost: $40.00. All the details are here.

October 13, 2019: Crash Course in Astrology. Where: 22 Teachings in Los Angeles. What time: 12 PM – 2 PM. Cost $40.00. All the details are here.

Special deal: sign up for both Crash Course in Tarot and Crash Course in Astrology and save some bucks!

May 10-16, 2020: The Tuscany Tarot Intensive. Where: Italy! A full week of tarot immersion. The only live class I plan on teaching next year. Spots are limited. The $500 early-bird discount ends on June 30th! And: we are 50% sold out! WOOHOO!