Archives for August 2013

Okay I lied. I said my anxiety story was to be continued, but I’m actually writing a book!

I want to keep the contents of the book private.

Be proud of me.

This is a guest post. Here are some suggestions of ways that you can make some extra money in the fall. 

If you’re a parent, you’ve likely had the added responsibility to entertain them during the summer holidays and while many of us have had work commitments get in the way, school holidays still mean having to fork out extra on childcare, clubs and play schemes that can cost a small fortune.

You may find, as your brood head back to school, that your rainy day slush fund is completely dilapidated and if you want to enjoy the coming months and Christmas, you will need to try and recoup a little cash.

Whether you’re looking at an October half term UK break at The Wave Hotel, Bognor Regis or you’re hoping to secure a last minute deal in the sun, making a little extra money will help you to achieve your dreams. Of course, you could always try your luck at the current Cushelle competition that has a family holiday up for grabs – you never know!

Don’t resort to more debt if you can help it – it’s surprising where you can make money if you really think about it.

De-clutter with eBay 
eBay is a marvelous online tool, especially if you have a lot of clutter. You never know what your junk is worth. From old toys and clothes to more valuable pieces like pottery and jewelry, you can sell whatever you like. Just be a little careful with listing brick-a-brack and things of poor quality – you may end up paying more in listing fees. That’s what these are for, anyway…

Car Boot Sales 
A popular jaunt for people of all ages, the humble car boot sale can help to sell your junk and make a pretty penny from it. Once you have made your pitch fee back, the rest is profit and as long as you don’t wander the stalls and spend it on more stuff, you will be able to pop it into your slush fund as soon as you get home.

Go freelance 
This may not be possible for people who haven’t got the experience, but if you have done any freelance work in the past, now might be the time to pick up the reins again. There are plenty of websites that advertise jobs that could be perfect for you, from writing and proofreading to data entry and graphic design. Use your skills to make you some extra cash!

Get crafty! 
If you have a talent, why not profit from it? From handmade wedding stationery to customizing shoes and clothing, find your niche and use it!
Give yourself a little more to play with this autumn with these handy ideas!

I was in the city today with Ari today going to pick up a check for transcription when a man stopped me.

“I’m sorry,” he said “I normally don’t do this, but I had to stop you because one of your spirit guides was calling out to me. Do you believe in spirit guides?”
“Yes, I do.” I said.

There is a part of my personality that is deeply spiritual.

“I usually don’t do this, but I do aura and energy work. Would you like a reading?” He asked.
“I’m sorry, but I have to go pick up a check.” I said. ” I can meet you back here in 20 minutes.” I said.

He agreed.

Ari and I went to get my check and returned to the spot we were in previously.

We got some pizza and waited. I wondered if the man would return. He did.
“What’s your sign?” I asked him.
“I’m a Capricorn.”
“What’s your moon sign?” I asked him.
“Oh, I never tell anyone that. Not even my boyfriend knows.”

He was from L.A., he said. He told me that he did this energy work in California, and that he only worked with five people a year. He had one opening left, the fifth one, and that was reserved for me. He was smooth and well-dressed and wore designer sunglasses.

I told him I couldn’t afford much for the reading. He said that was okay, and we settled on $25.00.
The reading was intense. He asked me to think of three questions I wanted to know the answers to. I did. He intuitively knew things about me before I could say them. He just knew.

He could tell that I was a creative person. He said that one day I would inspire a lot of people. That I would stop people from dying.

The man told me that he never stops people. That my spirit guide was tugging on his ear because she wanted to give me a message. She wanted to tell me that my life was going through a major transition. There was darkness surrounding me. It needed to be removed in order for me to succeed.

He said that I’d sought out healers in the past, but none of them had ever “really” helped me.

As the reading progressed, the dynamic between he and I began to change. He asked me for more money. He needed to burn three candles (with specific spiritual ingredients only communicated to him by my spirit guides) in order to help me. I told him that I could only give him a small amount of money, that I needed to pay my phone bill. He persisted.

I ended up giving this man $70 (which was way less than what he asked for by the way) so that he could light candles for me. $70 went from my hand to his.

He told me to make three wishes.

I did.

He asked for my phone number and I gave it to him.

I believed him.

Until he left. Then it hit me what had just happened. I called my friend Kay, and he confirmed what I already knew. I had been swindled. While I was on the phone with Kay at Target, a man on the escalator stopped me.

“Excuse me,” he said, “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. I just want to let you know that a real healer wouldn’t approach you on the street and give you spiritual advice. That’s intrusive.”
I looked at the man, from his dress I could tell he was a religious Jew.
“Okay,” I said “but you probably don’t believe in this stuff.”
“Yes I do.” He said. “I’m a healer myself. You think it’s a coincidence that you’re meeting me. You’re bringing this energy to yourself.” He said.
“What do you do?” I asked.
“I’ll tell you,” He said “But I’m in a bit of a rush since Shabbos starts soon and I’m meeting my wife. I’ve cured cancer and other major diseases.” He said.
“Would you work with me?” I asked.
“Sure, but check out my website before you commit to anything.”

He gave me his name and website.

“Can I tell you what I’m looking for help with?” I asked
“Of course.” He said.
“I have anxiety.” I said plainly.
“Your digestion is poor.” He said without thinking. “You worry and you’re not processing food properly, therefore you’re not processing emotions properly either.”
That blew my mind, because this man knew nothing about me and he was right. He went on to tell me a few more things that rang incredibly true but I can’t remember them now. I do remember that he told me that it was important to get in touch with my faith. He said that would ground me.

I’m not quite sure what to think. I know that the first “healer” was a con artist. But the second guy seemed legitimate.

I do know this, I’m not going to let any more money escape my hands to spiritual healers.