Turtle Turds (or how life gets messy sometimes)

by Gwinevere Rain

Its been several months since Copper Moon E-zine has been updated. The best way to explain this is that my life went on a roller coaster ride. I didn't have the mindset to give Copper Moon the attention that it deserved.

I won't go into details here because hashing up the past won't do anyone good. But I went into a deep depression. It took me months to recover from an emotional trauma that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

But what I realized from a really messy situation was that I am a lot stronger than I ever imagined. With the help of friends, family and heck, even co-workers, I picked myself up and started moving forward again.

When something like this happens, something that tests your faith in human beings, challenges your belief in a higher power and wrecks you financially - you find out what you're made of.

Guess what? I'm tough shit.

This life lesson has shaped me into a new person. Believe it or not, I'm actually not a bitter person. I'm happier. Because once you see a darkness . . . hope and light and love feel better than before. Sure, I'm more skeptical, less trusting but that doesn't really negate the fact that I'm alive, free and still have so much goodness and blessings.

I found out that "This Too Shall Pass" is a really delicate way of saying: "hold the fuck on." Nobody's life is easy. And I think that . . . one of the biggest lesson's i've learned is compassion. Mostly, i've learned it through a recent study of Buddhism. In this path the word "compassion" literally means "to suffer with." Suffering, pain, uneasy circumstances are all part of our human life. We have to learn to adapt, learn to see things in a different way; change your mind and the world around you changes too.

I'm no Buddhist master. Not at all. And I don't agree with all the tenants of this belief system but, Wicca could learn a lot from Buddhism. In my heart, there is room for both faiths. At any rate, what I'm trying to say is that I still care for this magazine and its purpose. I can't promise to get articles up weekly like in the good ol' days but . . . you may end up seeing a few pieces here and there. Lots of new books are being published as well, so you'll find the occasional review too.

Feel free to follow my roller coaster life on Facebook: Gwinevere Rain's Facebook Profile.

For comments . . . i'd love for each reader to post the answer to these questions - when life throws you a curve ball - how do you handle the aftermath? What lessons have YOU learned?

Comments

[Kitsune Moonaira]

I'm a studying Wiccan student and I was raised in a Buddhist household and one of the quotes that i hear alot is "Suffer what there is to suffer, Enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life." I have been through alot and one thing that life is taught me is that when it give's you lemons you make lemonade or when given rocks you can turn them into magnificent stones. I love reading the articles posted. Keep up the good work!!!! :)

[Charlotte]

I'm so sorry to hear you've been having a hard time. At the very worst times of life, I think one of the best things you can do is to let your friends gather around and hold you tight until it's passed. Not everyone will be up for the job even though they love you, but those who can will... and that's enough.

My toughest lesson in life has been accepting that sometimes love is not enough... and that has to be ok too.

I hope this is somehow helpful. May you be comforted and continue healing and growing!

[Aronco Islander]

I think i agree HIGHLY with the last two posts I have just read. I know that life is tough. I am still young, but I have been through my fair share of nightmares. I like the movie MEET THE ROBINSONS because it tells you to never give up. Keep looking forward. That's the best advice anyone can give through a difficult situation. We all have our ups and downs. But the truth is, no matter how bad the rollercoaster of life can seem to get, we always have the best of memories, the greatest of times. It's not about all the bad things, it's about all the little good things strung together. Life is just what it is. We should all smile and embrace the ride.

[ShadowStar]

Hi Gwinevere,
I LOVE your site and your books! I'm 36 years old and have been practicing the Craft since I was a teen. Your books are among my favorites--I deeply appreciate your warmth and practical know-how. I've read a lot of Craft books, and you have more wisdom and maturity than many authors twice your age.
As far as curveballs and life lessons, they're tough for everyone, but they're required courses. My advice for difficult times is to be extra kind to yourself: get lots of sleep, drink plenty of water, treat yourself to something lovely, whether a new pair of shoes or a day out in Nature. Journalling has gotten me through many tough times. Sometimes just getting my feelings out helps. And don't be afraid to lean on friends, family and the Goddess. I can tell from your site and books that you are a warm, caring person, and that will return to you many times over!
Like you, I've learned after being knocked down that I am stronger, tougher, and wiser than I ever dreamed possible. I learned early on that some people can be hideously cruel, and though I am now much more cautious and much less trusting, I've also been blessed with so many kind, loving, amazing people--and cats!--in my life. I appreciate the good people, animals, times, and things all the more.
I am sending you lots of Love, Light, and Healing Energy. Thank you so much for all you do-I only wish I'd found you when I was a teen!
Blessed Be, ShadowStar

[Alex Mogavero]

Dear Gwinevere, my name is Alex and I have been practicing the Craft for a few years now. Your books lead me to the Craft, and I am eternally grateful to you.
I want you to know that I feel deeply for you, because I too have had to learn the meaning of compassion. I'm sorry that you had to go through this.
Love and Light Sister, I look up to you