What Cheers You On? Do you have a healthy Cheering Section?
In my book, The Girl Who Dances With Delight, I wrote about the idea of books, inspirational card decks, poets, artists, words, and even songs as cheerleaders in my life, especially since my biggest cheerleader, my mom, died in 2010. I’ve learned how important it is to love and cheer ourselves on. Yet, there are times when we might have an inner critic stealing the show in our head or just feel exhausted or down. At times like that, I’ve found it to be so helpful to have other encouraging voices to turn to. These are some of the ones I have found to be valuable over the past few years.
Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss ~ I used to read this one a lot when my kids were younger and it always brightened my mood, too. I remember someone visiting and reading it to my kids once. She said she wished she had that book as a child. I don’t think it’s ever too late to enjoy it!
On A Path Of Joy series by Janette Stuart ~ I have 2 of the books in this series (volumes 3 and 4). My favorite is volume 3 about personal power. They are short, yet super sweet with daily encouragement. Each book can be used like a daily devotional for a month. I prefer to simply open a book at random when I need a little pick me up or loving kindness. I use them similarly to drawing inspiration cards. The author is an angel practitioner and also has a deck of cards available.
Life Loves You by Louise Hay and Robert Holden ~ I’ve listened to the audio book. I admit that it’s been challenging for me to believe that life loves me at times. Yet, I will gladly let life love me as much as I can!
Playing Big by Tara Mohr ~ I’ve just started reading this one, but the introduction already has me smiling and feeling encouraged.
Prayers of Honoring Voice by Pixie Lighthorse ~ I would have loved to have this one when I was writing my book! I just purchased it for myself for my birthday this year. Within the first few pages, I was holding it close to my heart.
I Heard God Laughing Renderings of Hafiz by Daniel Ladinsky ~ These poems always lift my spirits and remind me to be playful in my relationship with the Divine Mystery. Of course, I love the invitations to dance!
Rise Sister Rise by Rebecca Campbell ~ I have the audible version of this book. I love the way she repeats Rise, Sister, Rise throughout the audio like an invitation, a mantra, and a cheer!
Wild Kuan Yin oracle deck and guidebook by Alana Fairchild ~ While nothing will ever be able to take the place of my birth mother’s love, the guidebook with these cards helps to fill that void when all I want is my Mom! There is a beautiful motherly kind of energy in these.
Sacred Rebels oracle deck and guidebook by Alana Fairchild ~ These really helped me keep working through the process of writing my book and trusting my voice. These are my go to decks when I need encouragement and lifting up. It totally feels like the guidebook by Alana is meant to be cheering us on.
The Girl Who Dances With Delight by Julia Ostara ~ Yes, I am adding my own book to the list for a few reasons. First, the D.A.N.C.E. ritual shared within has been my way of becoming my own biggest cheerleader in recent years. Secondly, after finishing the rough draft, I went back through it with the specific intention of cheering the reader on and made changes or additions to do that.
Honorable Mention:
Brave Healing by Laura Di Franco ~ This is one bold book. Weaving together over two decades of healing experience and therapeutic writing skills, the author gives us tools that redefine healing. Her poetry is also awesome!
From Anxiety to Love by Corinne Zupko ~ This book was written by one of my friends from high school. We didn’t know at the time how much self doubt and struggles the other one was going through. I’m so glad to have reconnected with Corinne from a healthier place a few decades later. She shares some great ways to lean in to love and heal the core wounds that need tending so we can thrive.
Heart of Life & Souls Songs Double Decker by Julia Ostara ~ Yes, again, I have been becoming my own biggest cheerleader in so many ways, including the art and energy in these cards. I turn to them often, especially if I start to feel down. Both the creative process and the resulting art have amazing healing power! One of the most common questions I’ve been getting is how I made them. If that interests you, I’m working on a Create Your Own Cheering Section online offering to turn your art into a deck like I did. If you haven’t already taken a deep dive into the creative process and the magic and medicine to be found in art, I’d love to have you join me for one of the creative courses I host.
You may notice that I’m not really talking about the “rah rah” kind of cheerleading that I did as a teenager. I’m referring to a deep, healing, brave kind of support and encouragement.
I share many other great books from various genres at ThriveTrue.com/bookshelf.
Do you have any go to cheerleaders in a book or card deck that you’d like to share in the comments?
I also love inspiring art and fill our home with it. I have prints from Alena Hennessy, Kelly Rae Roberts and others on my
encouragement board. Alena’s new oracle deck, Mysteries of Love, is on my wishlist. I imagine it will be a great addition to any cheering section.
One of my friends has what she calls her “Happy Wall” in her home. I hope you have ways of cheering yourself on and have others who encourage you, even if that’s through a book or the art on your walls!
Art Prints Available in the Shop
You can receive a free gift peek inside my book with excerpts and the basic D.A.N.C.E. steps at ThriveTrue.com/DanceGift. (The word D.A.N.C.E. is an acronym reminder.) The free gift is like an invitation to a pre-party. I share the original activities that led to the writing of the book and supported me through the writing process. The book itself is now available on Amazon (with free shipping) and in bookstores now. Signed copies are available here on my website.
I hope you know that your presence is a gift!
“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
― Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
March Forth!
Love,
Jules
Julia Ostara
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