What's on the cards for September
Energy healer TRUDIE MCCONNOCHIE draws oracle cards to help you have your best month
Believe in better outcomes
The rainbow on this card tells you everything you need to know. Before we can get the rainbows, we have to go through the rain and sometimes storms, too. So if you’re going through a challenging time in September, this card lets you know that things won’t always be this tough. There’s plenty on the horizon to look forward to, and the Universe is asking you to hold on to hope.
Being optimistic about the future doesn’t mean pretending that things are wonderful when they’re not. It isn’t about being positive all the time, either. What this card asks us to do is recognise the reality of where we’re at this month but still hold hope that things can – and will – change. This moment is not the rest of your life – remember that.
The Universe is also reminding us that there’s lots more going on in a situation than we can understand when we’re in it. So instead of overreacting when you’re freaking out, or maybe running far away from what scares you, try to exercise a little patience. Not everything is what it seems at first. Notice that this card uses the word “believe” not “know” – which means we’ve got to trust that better things are ahead, even though we don’t know how that will play out (yet). Hope for the best, knowing that you’ve got the skills, support and resources to deal with whatever is ahead. There are no guarantees about the future, but this card is letting us know we are loved and safe no matter what.
Keep going!
If you only take on board one message for September, make it this. The “Keep going!” card is the Universe’s way of encouraging you to continue on the path you’ve set. If you’re having doubts about whether you’ve made – or are making! – the right decision, take this as confirmation that you’re on the right track. If you’re considering making changes to your career, for example, or working towards a personal goal, keep going. Don’t give up just because it’s harder than you expected.
It’s tempting to abandon your goals and plans when they’re taking longer than you thought they would, or you’re facing criticism from other people. Things may not be going as smoothly as you’d hoped, but that doesn’t mean you’re going the wrong way. So often in life, the things that come easily to us don’t teach us what we really need to learn. Your story is not yet fully told – so don’t give up.
Physical activity is important for staying fit and healthy as we get older, but as work, family and life in general take over, many of us fall out of the exercise habit. Fortunately, it’s never too late to get moving. Dr Gordon Spence, psychologist, exercise scientist and author of Get Moving Keep Moving, shares his top tips.
CHOOSE SOMETHING YOU’LL ENJOY
What better way of motivating a physical pursuit than choosing something that interests or excites you?
While that might be the gym, it might not be! Perhaps the gym just seems most convenient and doable for you? Given we have a life to live, that’s not nothing. But is it the option that’ll help keep you moving? How much does it excite you? Is there something else that might excite you more?
Try brainstorming this with others and look around. Our communities are jam-packed with interesting physical activity options. You might discover dragon boating, or fencing, or something else you’d never ever considered before. Then you just need to be brave and give something a go.
HELP SOMEONE ELSE ‘OWN’ THEIR GOALS
It’s a truism to say that in helping others, we often help ourselves. As an educator, I’m constantly delighted by how much I learn from my students – it’s never a one-way street. So, if you know someone who’s looking to become more active, and you feel you could help, reach out!
Maybe you paddle for a dragon boat club and you think a workmate might enjoy it too. Tell them about it –but remember that your passion might not be their passion. Provide some information and encouragement, but don’t push too hard.
ATTACH WHAT YOU DO TO SOMETHING BIGGER THAN THE ACTIVITY ITSELF
People often come unstuck with physical activity goals because they quickly get bored. Let me be clear – running around the park, going to the gym, or doing laps at the pool do not have to be connected to bigger things, but it can help if they are.
And by bigger things I mean something like a running festival if you like to run, a 30km charity walk if you enjoy regular walks with your bestie, or an ocean swim if doing laps at the local pool is your thing.
Obviously, this tip is about goal-setting and sharpening your focus. Things that add a pinch of spice to what you’re doing and a dollop of social connection if you’re doing it with others.
CREATE RITUALS THAT ENHANCE INTEREST AND FUN
Being creative can really dial up the ownership factor. Take parkrun for instance. There are more than 400 parkrun events across Australia and every Saturday morning – for free – thousands of people walk, jog or run a set five-kilometre course. Some like to dress up, run with dogs or be volunteers, and many (if not most) then gather for coffee and a debrief afterwards. These are all rituals that enhance interest and fun.
KNOW WHY YOU’RE DOING IT
The other key to sustaining physical activity is knowing why you want to do it. Sure, you can lower your risk factors and improve the quality of your life, but so what? If you’re going to age in a healthier way – and I hope you do – what makes that important? How would you make the most of it? What would it allow you to do that seems important?
Also, who in your life would benefit from your healthy ageing? Our health status is never just about us, it also affects others. Being clear about that helps to build commitment, and can also help us to share our plans with others who might be willing to encourage and support us.