A Note from Portugal
I’m in love with the sea. My little Cancerian crabby heart thrives by the ocean. So, I’ve fulfilled a long-held dream of spending a few months living on Portugal’s Algarvian coast with Marc.
It’s a mystical place, brimming with history and magic. I remember feeling unsure about the location at first, but two different locational astrologers suggested it would be a good place for us—especially for Marc. For me, the Pluto line indicated some shadow work might be necessary, but I’m no stranger to that. So, we made plans.
When we visited in the summer, it felt chaotic. We arrived in the middle of a heatwave—114°F (44°C)—and so many things just didn’t work out. I thought we’d made a huge mistake. But at the same time, I knew something was meant to unfold here if I let go. I asked the cards to show me an aligned path while also being open to walking away.
The three cards I pulled told me a story: Higher Power, The Fates, and No Place Like Home. I knew what they were saying—let go and let God. Trust that what is truly meant for me will not pass me by. And “Home” was a reminder that it’s an inside experience. I didn’t need to keep banging on doors that wouldn’t open.
Working with the cards in this way became a form of self-coaching—action-oriented and focused. It helped me work through confusion and fear, especially the kind that comes from being out of alignment and too attached to an outcome. So often we say, “But what am I supposed to DO?” I said to Marc, “Let’s just go home and see.”
As soon as we got back, I saw a photo of a house overlooking the ocean. It was exactly what I had visualized. I said, “This!” I called the property management company and within 20 minutes, it was all “yes, yes, and yes.” We rented a furnished place—effortlessly—within our exact budget.
Was it perfect? No. It rained almost every day that first month. One night brought hurricane-force winds that scared the crap out of me. But life here is slow, and I’ve learned to savor it. I start my mornings by drawing and meditating, watching the Iberian magpies play, and listening to the cooing of mourning doves reminding me of connection. I save my computer for later in the day.
Marc and I have a new routine now. Instead of emails and the news, we walk six miles and reward ourselves with coffee at our favorite café. We’ve met kind, friendly people from all over the world, and we’ve had surprisingly respectful conversations about the state of things, what might be possible, and how much we need faith, wisdom, and trust. In one hour, we chatted with Israelis, Germans, Dutch, British, Brazilians, a woman from Zimbabwe, and an American family.
We try our best to speak Portuguese—even though we first learned Brazilian Portuguese (thanks, Duolingo, for only offering that!). We’re very aware that we’re visitors, and people really appreciate it when we make the effort to speak their language, even if we mess up and have to relearn words constantly.
We found a gym that accommodates my many knee and hip issues, and life here is simple. The world is still chaotic and in flux. And yes—empathy overload can still knock me down for a bit. But I have tools.
I sit at my desk, looking out at the ocean, and I feel truly at home. I also feel deeply plugged in here. When I do Spirit Jam for my Oracle Circle members, the veil feels so thin. I’m amazed by the detailed readings that come through from Spirit, my guides, and those who choose to visit from the “other side.”
I came here with three goals:
- Find a recording studio to begin the new audio edition of one of my books.
- Get as close as possible to finishing my first novel.
- Record all the videos for my upcoming Certified Intuitive Coach professional training for coaches.
And… I dove right into work! Hay House sent a producer, and we recorded the videos! (So excited to announce it all soon!)
But I had to wait for a day with no rain to record the book pages—since the only studio I could find within 50 miles had a tin roof. The studio was tucked away near a town called Odiaxere. The day finally came. No rain.
But I had also been dealing with allergies (thanks, spring blooms), so I had to take antihistamines. My system is super sensitive to them, and after a few days, they trigger depression. I spiraled into one of those “The world is such a shit show right now and it’s going to get worse before it gets better, so what difference does anything I do even make?”
I knew I had to coach myself out of that headspace.
So, I asked my cards for aligned direction and action. I pulled Serendipity.
Hmmm… Spirit has a plan. Let go and trust.
So I did a Synchronicity Timeline Inventory in my journal—and realized I haven’t run out of miracles. Helping even ONE person is a beautiful thing. Just show up as your authentic self. You may never know the impact you’ve made.
Then I arrived at the house with the recording studio. A man came out to greet me, and his wife followed. She’s a healer—and she’s been using my Oracle Decks (translated into German) for years. She told me how they’ve touched her life and the lives of others. I was so humbled. I hugged her, knowing she gave me a gift too.
You just never know who your work will reach—whose heart it might touch.
So, if you’re feeling confused lately… unsure of your footing in the chaos of the world… please don’t look out there to orient yourself.
Look within.
Spirit needs you.
We need you.
You matter.
You are loved.
Just stay in today. Keep it simple. Keep looking inward. Think for yourself. One step at a time.
You’ve got this!
P.S. Stay tuned for more CBR Portuguese adventures and musings!
