A gorgeous January 30th, 2013, Mt Bachelor Oregon, with views of the Three Sisters.

A gorgeous January 30, 2012, from TImberline, Oregon

A gorgeous January 30th at Timberline Lodge, skiing/celebrating on Mt Hood, Oregon. 2011

A gorgeous January 30th day, 2010, Tulum, Mexico

A gorgeous January 30th day 2009, Diamond Head, Hawaii.

January 30th, Jupiter went direct. Jupiter is about abundance, presence, joy and  “Greater Fortune.” “Jupiter guides you to high ideals, a sense of purpose and what will bring you happiness. Jupiter determines whether your life journey will be smooth or rocky, whether you’ll be stingy or generous, and your overall level of optimism.” (Molly Hall, Astrology) Fortunately this is my birthday. I felt it was quite opportune this planet of playfulness arrived so perfectly in the chart. Good news this wonderful aspect impacts everyone.

My invitation is to utilize this happy vibrant energy to make the most of the challenges in our daily routine. We all have them. Even if they are not yours directly, other’s emotional, mental and physical turbulence’s impact our lives. Finding optimism in times of high stress, discomfort and missed-fortune is not an easy task, rather it’s a skill we hone in and expand upon as the weight of life bears down upon us.

Fortunately I’ve always had a way of finding my compass, my night-star-filled-with sunshine in which to follow. I actually feel I was born this way, however I know my parents have played a significant role in my journey. Intrinsically finding optimism is a gift, however I feel it’s one that can be shared. I do know though it has to be sought out, focused upon, with clear intention of following the uplifting emotional map. It is about being mindful of those crazy negative deliberations which tend to crowd out the bright and happy musings. One has to seek out events, circumstances, people, books, movies, music, sports as methods of improving the emotional and mental clarity, and sense of hopefulness. In other words, make room daily for happy thoughts, people and information – I feel it’s vitally imperative to be informed as well as we can be on circumstances, to be able to cope, shift, adjust and make sound decisions. Surround yourself with goodness!!

We spent my birthday with my parents celebrating another year of life together as a family. Truth be told my mom was on the waiting-game on my birthday. We found out several days later she has breast cancer and will be facing a lumpectomy and radiation. Add this to my dad being nearly blind and it is rather over-whelming especially being an only child/adult. To me, what is so astonishing is this time in life, came all too quickly. I feel young, vibrant and alive. To be facing their illness, blindness and eventual death seems so remote. Not real. And yet here it is, facing me square in the face.

To be honest though, I feel very optimistic and positive about the outcome of my mom’s cancer.  My mom is healthy and has taken uber-pride in physical prowess; she’s been teaching skiing for over 35 years. With her healthy diet, daily physical activity, her informed perspective and emotional strength, she is a survivor and a warrior of the highest caliber. I have faith in this. And because I am so close to her, I didn’t ‘see’ the cancer. I didn’t want to obviously, however, I’m okay with my fallibility, ironically as I pride myself in my accuracy. We are above else, human beings dealing with the ups and downs of physical existence-with ourselves and our loved ones. The best course of action for her and for me as well, is to be realistically happy, positive, optimistic, cheerful, encouraged, and confident about the future. Like I’ve said a million times over, our thoughts impact our health and brain chemistry. Now is the perfect example of direct applicability.

This is where Jupiter’s symbol of ‘Greater Fortune‘ becomes the mantra for the late winter and early spring.  Please join me in the circle of this happy aura of goodness and great fortune – for yourself, your family and friends. For the global community and the earth herself.

Cosmic sunshine to you.