Thick Skin

Well, here we go into February 2025. My husband and I have a message board in our kitchen (picture below) that we change out each month. February being the official month of love, the message, Lead with your heart, is our intention for the 26 days ahead (and the two that have already passed).

This intention is something we desire for ourselves and those who make a difference in our lives with their leadership.

How about you? What is your intention for the month ahead?

With the Lunar New Year happening this past week, the snake was named the animal of the year. Ah the snake, the creature right there with alligators that I fear most. Though I would much rather run into a snake any day.

And to be fair to this creature, the snake, as a spirit animal it invokes prosperity and creativity while all the while being charismatic. And I couldn’t help thinking about the occasional snake skins that we find in the garden telling me that this creature was hanging around. And ours is mostly the garter snake which is harmless and more helpful than not in the garden.

One of the reasons that I love plants so much is that they help me to think differently. To know that their beauty, oxygen and overall gift of life blesses my life. This week’s video is about shifting energies with plants by having fun with them.

I named this week’s Victory Letter Thick Skin because just imagine metaphorically letting go of the elements of our thick skin that is no longer serving us. Just like the snake does. One of the main reasons that snakes slither out of their skin is because their skin becomes too tight, and they can no longer grow in the skin they are in.

Thinking of this process of losing skin as a metaphor brings me to the question, What could shift in your life if you changed the skin you are in? If you left behind ideas, beliefs or a lifestyle which is no longer serving you or those you care most about.

And in exchange, new possibilities can emerge that could not only improve your life but also the life of those you lead. Because remember we all lead someone, somehow, some way, along our life journey.

So, whether you are shifting energy by letting go of elements in your life that are no longer serving you, or you are finding your unique piece of the puzzle through a creative hobby (that’s what plants represent to me), what shifts can you make in the week ahead?

Wishing you the strength and insight to embrace the stronger energies most possible for you right now.

Onward we grow,

Cheri

Cheri Ruskus

Author, Creator and Growth Mentor