Week 23 Writing Prompt: Reflection

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. – Confucius

We’ve been together for twenty-three weeks now, Charmers. We dedicated almost half a year to ourselves, to each other, and to this Egregore we’ve built together. I’d be lying if I didn’t say there’s some melancholy in having finished this.

I’m proud of you–all of you–for working so hard to make magic (both mundane and spiritual) happen in your lives. I’m thrilled that we got to take this journey together and be there for each other through the ups and the downs.

As this is the last week, please take some time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished, what you’ve learned, and where you’re going to go from here.

I’ve accomplished so much more than I ever thought I could. I have you all to thank. Without all of you, I don’t think I would have been this brave. I really feel like I can accomplish any of my goals if I try hard enough. This is a really powerful feeling. This Experiment has made me more mindful, has given me more of a personal practice, and has made me work harder than I ever have before. It’s been worth the effort. I’ve had the courage to start making Special Edition oils. I have more stock in my craft shop than ever before, and I feel better about myself overall.

The Experiment has made me realize that I want 2012 to be my year of Grown Up Accomplishments and how hard I’m willing to work to build a solid foundation for that. I’m proud that I’ve completed the Experiment, proud that I’ve stepped up my game both for crafting and blogging, proud that I’ve had three romantica stories accepted this year, proud of the journey I’ve been taking to feel comfortable in my own skin, proud that I’ve been paying down my debt and paying for wedding things in cash, and proud that Jow and I have had a lot of time together to reflect on marriage and to be focused on our impending marriage–not just the wedding.

As far as where I’m heading, besides more of the same, I would like to start attending classes at my gym once or twice a week for yoga or Zumba. I miss feeling the strength of my body and I miss dancing. I think that will be good for me (after stag and hen, though!)Now I’m focused on writing my book and the personal practice guiding it.

Thank you. All of you! You mean so much to me.

Love,
Deb

Deborah Castellano

Deborah Castellano's book Glamour Magic: The Witchcraft Revolution to Get What You Want is available for purchase through Amazon, Llewellyn and Barnes and Noble.
Her frequently updated catalogue of published work is available on Author Central.

She writes about Glamour Magic here at Charmed, I'm Sure. Her podcast appearances are available here.

Her craft shop, The Mermaid & The Crow specializes in old-world style workshop from 100% local, sustainable sources featuring tempting small batch ritual oils and hand-spun hand-dyed yarn in luxe fibers and more!

In a previous life, Deborah founded the first Neo-Victorian/Steampunk convention, SalonCon which received rave reviews from con-goers and interviews from the New York Times and MTV.

She resides in New Jersey with her husband, Jow and their cat, Max II. She has a terrible reality television habit she can't shake and likes St. Germain liquor, record players and typewriters.  

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