How To Capitalize On The Gifts of Mercury Retrograde
by Theresa Maguire | Published on April 23, 2024
SHAKING THINGS UP DURING MERCURY RETROGRADE
Its Mercury Retrograde after all, so it makes sense I would be revisiting the past.
I’ve been feeling a bit of nostalgia remembering the days when I was in college. The days when coaching gymnastics and studying for a new career was my life.
This Mercury Retrograde has been far more intense bringing up sooooo much sadness.
Words like fun, adventure, excitement, freedom, creative expression, friendship, and good times are how I remember my college days.
So, I was surprised by the overwhelming amount of sadness for this part of my life I left behind more than 30 years ago. And … I was curious.
Tapping Into the Magic of Mercury Retrograde
The magic of Mercury Retrograde is that it brings us wisdom when we look at the past from a new place of understanding.
My rational mind was struggling with how I could be feeling such sadness for a time that brought me so much joy. But, when I tuned into my inner knowing I uncovered some pearls of wisdom.
Mercury Retrograde first pearl of wisdom
Not everything needs to stay in the past; but MOST things DO
The sadness was triggered when I listened to some of my favorite songs from back then.
These songs connected me to my top 10 list of memories. They took me back to performing at the World’s Fair in Australia, organizing parties for the marketing club on campus, and going to dinner with my friends.
I know there were a lot of tough times too – dealing with a demanding schedule, pulling all-nighters, juggling school and work, dealing with mono, and navigating all kinds of “drama.” Things that are better left in the past.
Everything I experienced back then, the good and the bad influenced the person I am today. As for the tough times, I learned those lessons and moved on.
However, when I tapped into my fondest memories, it was then that the sadness spoke to me. It was as if something important had been lost.
Digging Deeper
I needed to dig deeper and uncover the part of my past that was trying to get my attention. The part of me that was asking to be reunited with me in the present.
When it was time for me to leave college and my gymnastics days behind, I was excited for what the future would bring. I see now that I traded in my creative side for the practicality of life.
Responsibilities took center stage. I married, had a child and my priorities shifted to my job and family. Time for creative pursuits was scarce so they got put on the shelf.
As I pondered the sadness, I could feel my heart beckoning me to welcome the creative energy back into my daily life.
The sadness was asking me to remember what brings me joy and make space for it in my life, always. Not just when I have time to spare. But, to make creativity a priority.
Because dance, music and writing make my heart sing. These creative pursuits are not a luxury, but a necessity for my soul to thrive.
Mercury Retrograde reminded me that to have joy in my life I need to do things that bring me joy.
What about you?
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What is a necessity for your soul to thrive?
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What did you leave in the past that your heart is nudging you to invite back into your life now?
Mercury Retrograde Second Pearl of Wisdom
No-one knows my value better than I do
We live in a society that rewards those who are first. A society that creates competition for the sake of entertainment. This breeds comparison and imposter syndrome and feeling not good enough.
As I contemplated the sadness, I realized my soul was asking me to really see ME. During that time in my life I accomplished a lot, but I never acknowledged myself for any of it.
So I mentally recognized myself for the degree, the awards and the work-related milestones.
But the sadness asked me to go deeper.
I discovered that during this time I learned a lot about who I was and what I valued.
It was when I learned I was capable of taking an idea and seeing it through to completion.
As I ventured outside of my comfort zone, I learned networking wasn’t as terrifying as I thought it would be. And, strangers could become friends.
I learned what the words “resilience” and “determination” really meant as I challenged my limits and accomplished more than I thought was possible.
This deep inquiry allowed me to see how much permission I gave myself to explore and find out what it really meant to be me.
Beginning to see the value of the past
I hadn’t recognized or acknowledged how much these skills have supported me in my personal and professional relationships throughout the years.
My sadness was asking me to acknowledge the value of being me. To understand that validation from others isn’t necessary when I appreciate my own abilities.
When I recognize what makes me special, there is no one I need to compare myself to, then or now.
Because my soul thrives when I fully see the value of my unique qualities.
Mercury Retrograde reminded me to see how much of an impact I’ve made in my life and to let that influence my value of who I am.
What about you?
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What accomplishments from your past can you recognize in you that makes you uniquely who you are?
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What value do they bring to your life now?
Mercury Retrograde Third Pearl of Wisdom
There’s only one way “fitting in” works for me
Ponder this … if God wanted us to all be the SAME, then why does every human have a unique fingerprint?
Why is every snowflake unlike any other? Why does Human Design say no two charts are the same?
Which makes me wonder … why do we try so hard to live up to the expectations of others?
Right after I graduated from college, I ventured out on my own following the path society laid out for me – get a degree, a job, an apartment, be self-sufficient. Check!
Oh yes, all the boxes were checked except the “happy” box
I had traded in a new life to “fit-in” to what society told me was the “right” path.
Diving deeper into the sadness, my soul was inviting me to redefine my definition of fitting-in.
Checking the right boxes for me
I remembered how unhappy I was when I had given up a piece of me to be what everyone else wanted me to be.
I recalled every time I had stood strong and didn’t compromise my needs to make others happy.
As for the new adventure, the happy box got checked when I allowed myself to fit in to what worked for me. I was able to step into my new life AND still work one day a week teaching gymnastics.
My sadness was asking me to remember that I don’t need to follow the pack to fit-in. To remember that when I give myself permission to do what makes me happy, I “fit in” perfectly in the best way possible.
Because my soul thrives when I “fit in” with what makes me uniquely me.
Mercury Retrograde reminded me that my definition of “fitting in” is to be true to myself.
What about you?
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Where have you been compromising who you are in order to “fit in” with who others want you to be?
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How can you redefine your definition of “fitting-in” to honor what makes you uniquely you?
Mercury Retrograde Fourth Pearl of Wisdom
The lies I believe influence the future I create
Delving deeper into the sadness, I tapped into a belief I held back then – “you can’t make money doing what you love.”
Over the years, I learned this isn’t true. That without passion for what I was doing, the money was only sustainable for the short term. Every time I pursued a path that didn’t bring me joy, I got burned-out and ended up walking away.
In my experience, doing what I love is the only way I have both money and happiness in a sustainable way.
Looking at the past, can definitely bring up regrets until we see the gift in the path we took.
Gaining insights of clarity
As I tapped into the sadness, I remembered all the times that I had let fear lead the way; when I made choices based on the lies I believed. And, the forks in the road where I played it safe instead of following my true passions.
I believe it isn’t hindsight that is 20/20, but it’s the insight we gain from understanding the choices we made that gives us clearer vision.
My sadness was asking me to let go of the regrets of the past and to release the beliefs that keep me settling for less than what I truly desire to have.
The truth is when I settle for less than, I feel less than in everything I do and life becomes a struggle. When I don’t settle for doing anything less than what makes me happy, I can experience truly being me.
Because my soul thrives when it experiences ease, flow and expansion; it isn’t designed to be less than.
Mercury Retrograde reminded me to stay connected to my passions and be passionate about how I spend my energy each and every day.
What about you?
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Where are you settling for less than you desire?
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What beliefs do you need to release so you can take the next step towards what you truly deserve to have?
Appreciating the gift of Mercury Retrograde
It’s true Mercury Retrograde often gets a bad rap for being the disrupter it is. While it can be scary to dive deep into how we feel about the past, it also provides us with insight for enriching our current human experience.
Deep down, I’ve always known who I am, but I haven’t always been able to show up as who I am.
This trip down memory lane reminded me that my path is unique and I alone am sitting in the driver seat. It is I who has the power to navigate the route that is best for me.
The road has been winding and the detours many, but there have also been plenty of noteworthy “highlights” along the way.
What the sadness showed me
The sadness showed me all the places along the journey when I took a detour and made a choice that wasn’t aligned with my truth.
The sadness reminded me to stop trying to be something I’m not and to have the courage to fully express who I am in everything I do.
The sadness was asking me to let go of the past and live more fully in the present by reconnecting to the energy of joy that I felt so many years ago.
And as I leave the past behind, again … I wrap my arms around the sadness and envelop it with a loving hug and thank it for showing me what I needed to see.
Because my soul is here to thrive!
Big Hugs,
Theresa
My dear friend I believe that when we are aligned with our soul calling we will thrive in every aspect of our human experience. I help women reconnect with their authenticity, know their truth, master a loving mindset, and make themselves a priority in their lives. Because when you let go of how you've been defined you'll uncover who you truly are.
