The Shadow and the Star

When  you realize the value of loss and love

It changes you

It’s not something learned

It’s something that is carved into you

It makes you love without taking things for granted

You love more conscious than most people ever achieve

You experience sadness and the joy living in the now

Knowing separation is inevitable, even if temporary

The difference with me, I’m built to see and guide

To recognize in presence, depth, invitation.

I don’t broadcast, I receive and reflect back

Departure is coded in you, not a projector

The fear is real, not defining of happiness though

An open solar plexus sleeping with an emotional authority

It’s full recalibration of my energy field each time he leaves

And each time he returns

Never will I hold him back

But be completely in awe, respect and happiness

Of his success as his talents deserve

The shadow side of me

Worries he will leave

He will find someone new

He will lose interest

But I —

The proud, spiritual woman

Who loves him

Who is proud of him

Knows this to not be true

And if it is

I am smart enough to love him….

And let him go.

——Lisa McClung 4/22/26

My First Protest Ride

On January 31, 2026, David and I drove to Flagstaff, Arizona to join a protest ride for Alex Pretti, who was killed by ICE agents. According to news reports, Alex was shot while down and in the back, after his weapon had been removed and without it ever being drawn.

Regardless of politics or sides, a human life was taken when there were other ways to handle the situation. We rode to honor Alex, to grieve, and to stand against the use of excessive force—because no matter left or right, I will always stand against a person being killed when another path was possible.

“When Friendships Can’t Rise With You”

There was a time in my life when I was a little passive-aggressive, thinking it was the better way to avoid causing trouble. But that wasn’t me being real with myself, and I let go of that habit a long time ago.

Today, I got a dose of passive-aggressiveness from a friend, and it really hurt my feelings because I could see right through it. Instead of falling prey to the game, I kept responding with nothing but positivity—but I am drained.

As a Projector in Human Design, it’s hard on my nervous system to take in a constant influx of negative energy. For years, I thought I wasn’t sociable, when in reality it was my ability to feel people and sense what they were really trying to say to me. To say I am disappointed is an understatement. I expected more from someone who was supposed to be my friend, but instead I got hurtful comments hidden behind “LOL” and “it’s OK,” when it wasn’t.

What they say is true: sometimes you evolve, and some people just don’t come with you.

Awakening Moments

As I head home work and after taking care of a few personal things, I’m throwing gratitude out into the universe because what an experience these last few days have been.

On Friday, I had the chance to be in nature, grounding myself both mentally and physically. I was taken to a place in the desert where I could truly connect with my feminine energy and reflect on who I am within the greater scheme of life. I’m not saying I know exactly who I am, but I do know who I want to be and that realization stirred a deeper desire for growth.

To top it off, I got to spend time with amazing friends and people I love, surrounded by good music the perfect bonus to this journey, but it didn’t stop there; it’s been a continual unfolding of learning and awakening.

I’ve never been formally educated in the traditional sense, I’m more of a student of life. My knowledge has come through experiences, moments lived and felt. I did attend trade school and took college classes, but what I’ve always wanted most was truth. And what is truth, really? For me, it’s coming closer to understanding who I am, learning to think both logically and finding balance and hopefully creating positive ripples in life.

Yesterday, I learned more about history than I ever did in school, and it was a true “wow” moment. As I sat there listening, watching, and feeling, I realized that my mind is opening, that I’m beginning to see the world with a new kind of clarity.

What was I seeing? It depends on how you see life yourself But for me, it means no longer reading posts or watching the news without questioning, researching, and seeking truth on my own. I can’t stress enough how important it is to think for yourself and not just accept everything you see on media outlets, especially on social media.

Most of us simply want peace, kindness, and a life that feels genuine. Yet many are starting to see that we don’t always want to live the version of life being presented to us. So, what can we do? That’s the question I’ve been asking myself.

For now, as I head to work, I’ll give my all as I always do and tonight, I’ll reflect, watch, and feel.

I hope everyone had a beautiful day.

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