Thursday, September 1, 2016

Signs From The Afterlife
I'm often asked, "Do you still witness signs from Chip?", or, "Is your connection with him as strong as it was after he died?"

The answer is always the same-- Yes, yes, and yes. We never lose our connection with loved ones because honestly, the love we each carry is the one thing that bonds us forever. It is the only thing-- love-- that will last long after this lifetime.

Chip isn't the only one I witness signs from, though. I have several family members on the other side, yes, but I also have beloved pets, too. When I receive a sign from one of my pets, it truly excites and thrills me. Much like this one I received the other day from my first love, Charlie, (my Chihuahua who passed in 2007).

I was watching "Cesar 911", ("Cesar To The Rescue")— he was helping an aggressive dog named, Simon, observing his behavior to determine if he was a red zone case. It seemed as though Simon was reacting well to Cesar's techniques. So much so, he took Simon across the street to greet a neighbor pet; a chocolate Labrador.

It only took a minute before Simon's true colors came out— he attacked the lab. Cesar instantly pulled him away and quickly went to work, making Simon submit. As he requested the pet owner to bring his lab closer, Cesar said to the dog, "Sorry, Charlie." At that very second, the television shut off. I sat there, stunned. It took a second to absorb the magnitude of what happened. (Lights flickering, toys running, and televisions turning on or off are BIG signs from our beloveds on the other side.)

I smiled and soon after cried out, "Thank you, my little man. Mommy loves you!"

Yes, I knew it was an amazing sign from my sweet, Charlie, but it was even bigger than that. What no one knows is how my sweet boy received his name. Back in 1994, my then husband and I were visiting a pet store at the mall in Orange Park, Florida. There were two tiny chihuahua's in the front window and I couldn't help but pick one of them up. He was an Applehead, weighed all of two pounds, and was the cutest little booger I'd ever seen.

Sadly, the price tag attached to him was $800 and I was told we couldn't afford that. As I placed him back in the window, my exact words were, "Sorry, Charlie." Long story short, a few hours later he became my little boy and in the years to come, Charlie would be the only male figure in my life who would always be by my side. I loved him dearly and still to this day, miss him madly.

For those who aren't aware, Chip, (the love of my life), is the shining knight in our book, Wake Me Up! How Chip's Afterlife Saved Me From Myself, where he taught me how to communicate with him in the afterlife. He shared so much and proved he was alive time and time again, but one message he shared is one I found great comfort in. I hope you do as well...

Death is not the end of who we are. Our love will never die. We have made our transitions here on this side, but we never leave our loved ones behind, ever. We are always close, and we do know what’s going on with our dear ones. 

Friday, July 29, 2016

MEMORIES OF LOVED ONES PASSED

Even though eight years have passed since Chip's murder, moments of desperate grief still rush through me. I can go days now, sometimes weeks, and never think of that horrible, dark, and dreary morning. That morning where not only the life I had come to love was so rapidly ripped away, but that morning where Chip's was as well. His sacrifice however, runs much deeper than mine-- he died.

One would think after all of this time, those hours of horror would feel less alive and not so present-day. That's not how it works though. That thing called "Time", it doesn't erase the missing of those we have loved and lost. Time simply places those memories gently behind the lives we lead, lurking and waiting for that perfect moment to leap in to knock the wind right out of you. 

The one thing that these last eight years has taught me is to lean into the grief when it sneaks up from behind. I now understand it's okay to cry. It's okay to be sad. It's okay to crawl into bed and rest. It's okay to take out the time needed to release the sorrow. 

Sweet and beautiful memories are wonderful to think about. They actually do help us heal. When those not-so-favorable ones creep in though-- take your time to work through them. Trust yourself and allow your heart to feel what it needs to experience. That too, helps us heal.  ~Much love, Lyn...  


Saturday, July 23, 2016

SHADING THE COLORS OF GRIEF AND HEALING

ANNOUNCING A NEW COLORING BOOK TO HELP HEAL FROM THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE
Grief is a difficult and very lonely journey. "Shading The Colors of Grief and Healing" is the first coloring book of its kind and was designed solely for adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Studies have shown that meditation helps the spirit to heal. One very popular technique to quiet the mind is through artistic speech. While visiting each of the thirty-two intricate illustrations provided in this unique coloring book, and in a quiet and reflective activity, a path toward healing can begin. 

Every journey that winds through grief is different. No two paths are the same. Your thoughts and your feelings are very unique to you. It is so important to take the time to "breathe", and coloring can give you that space to be still with your deepest inner thoughts. To begin to survive your loss, and your grief, is to acknowledge the pain that resides within you.

Take the time to mourn the loss of your loved one and remember the sweet memories while shading the colors of your Grief and your Healing. Available online at most retail outlets. Click on a link below to purchase your copy:

Barnes & Noble
Book A Million

Monday, June 13, 2016

GRIEF SUCKS

TIME... one of the many words I disliked upon Chip's death eight years ago. It's easy to understand why...
— Time is defined as the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future, regarded as a whole. —
It has absolutely nothing to do with grief, yet, it has EVERYTHING to do with it. I was recently reminded how horribly sad grief is. My sweetheart has been gone for awhile now, yet sometimes it seems like only yesterday when I sat beside his body waiting for help. It's true, time does seem to soften the blow in that indescribable everyday pain.
Today, there are thousands of individuals experiencing their first time being thrown into the arena of a loved one's passing. Unexpectedly, I received an email from a young woman whose fiance' was murdered ... by a co-worker ... and he too was reaching out from the other side. My heart instantly went out to her not just because of our similar circumstances, but because of the pain I am certain she is feeling.
I used to say, "The word Grief doesn't come close to describing the devastation to my very being. There are no words to portray that kind of pain."
... GRIEF SUCKS!

SPECIAL DATES

When those monumental dates get closer and closer, my mind tends to focus on them more and more. I find myself daydreaming about what would have been, what could have been, and what might have been. 

I find myself losing time inside the bliss of reliving our beautiful memories, wishing so badly we could have shared so much more. 

Grateful am I, to have been loved by an amazing man. Grateful am I, to continue to be loved by his spirit. There are no words to describe this magical love, this magical way of being. I live in awe...  ~Lyn Ragan

TEN MOST COMMON SIGNS FROM LOVED ONES

I'm Always Looking For Your Sign

Ten Most Common "Signs of Spirit" From Your Loved One(s)
After our Loved One crosses over, it is my belief they are quite anxious to let us know they're okay and are aware of what's happening in our lives. If we aren't able to feel them around us, they'll often share a "sign" that we can't ignore. For the one who has been given a "gift", this person often knows the message is coming from the Other Side. Even if you dismiss it, that little voice inside will make you wonder about it.
Top Ten "SIGNS OF SPIRIT"
In no specific order:
1) They love to play with Electricity...
By shutting electricity on or off. They like to flicker lights, turn the television or radio on and off, or make appliances beep for no apparent reason. Playing with electricity seems to be one of the most common "signs of spirit" and is an easier form of communicating to grab our attention. Our Loved One's have the ability to interfere with light and electricity because they're now pure energy. They can manipulate appliances, TV, microwaves, etc. Most of the time they want to make us aware that they're with us. If your television turns off or on for no apparent reason, start investigating the reason behind it...what show or channel is on? Is it a favorite show of your loved one? Is the radio playing their favorite song? When the lights flickered, what were you thinking about? Were you thinking about your loved one? What were your thinking about? Sometimes that thought can be an acknowledgment or even confirmation.
2) They give off Fragrances...
We can often tell our deceased Loved Ones are around us when we smell their perfume, flowers, cigar or cigarette smoke, or any other familiar smell they had. There is usually no logical explanation of why the smell is there. This "sign" can sometimes seem confusing. We as humans, keep memories about how our Loved One used to smell, perhaps a distinctive cologne or perfume they enjoyed, or even a scent of a specific activity they performed. If your Loved One used to work with cars and out of the blue you smell oil—try not to be scared and instead, say "hi"!
3) They come through as the Energy of an insect or animal...
Our Loved One is able to use their energy to go inside of an insect or animal, such as a butterfly, ladybug, bird, dragonfly, etc. — for a brief period of time. The animal will do something it usually wouldn't do, such as land on us, peck at our window, look at us, scream at us, etc. Unfortunately, this is a sign some pay less attention to. Our Loved Ones will try to communicate with us in every unimaginable manner and by using these symbols, they're sending us a message without scaring us. They're letting us know..."I'm with you. You're not alone!"
4) They place common objects such as feathers, coins, or rocks, in our path...
Our Loved Ones like to place objects over and over again in our path that are significant to just them. Coins, feathers, keys, rocks, are some of the most common objects our Loved Ones leave for us. If you find a coin in your path, look at its year and see if that year is important between you and your Loved One. Or maybe you find a rock lying in the middle of your bed, or you find your Loved One's shirt in an odd place (that's not where you placed it before); all "signs" from the Other Side. Try not to be scared and instead, say "hi"!
5) They show us the same numbers over and over...
Our Loved Ones love to give us numbers that are relevant to them or to you. It could be a birthday, an anniversary, the date of their passing, the time of their passing, or even repeating numbers such as 111, 222, 333, etc. These numbers may appear on clocks, billboards, or any other familiar place. They can also come from family, friends, or even strangers. When driving, pay attention to license plates in front of you, to billboards you pass by. Some of the best signs of numbers can come from bumper stickers sitting right in front of you.
6) They come to us in our Dreams...
One of the easiest ways for our Loved One to come through to us is in our dreams. This is perhaps the universal media through which Spirits send us messages. A dream that is a true visitation will be very vivid, very peaceful, and very detailed. We will remember this type of dream many years later. There are a few characteristics you can analyze after having a Spiritual Dream.
  • It will be very vivid
  • It will be in color. Sometimes it can be in black & white with color being in the form of your Loved Ones clothing, or something they may be holding for you to see
  • It will be logical and will have some sort of message either with words, physical objects, or even telepathy
  • You may feel confused upon waking up; you will feel happy, peaceful, or even fearful of what you experienced. (Fearful maybe from never experiencing such a dream before.)
All we need to do is to ask them to come, and they will. You may also want to ask them to wake you after they visit and to help you remember as well.
7) They place thoughts in our minds...
Our Loved Ones don't have an audible voice because they are in spirit form. Therefore, they give us messages telepathically. Pay attention to thoughts that just “pop” into your head. If something your loved one would say just pops in your head for no apparent reason, it's probably him or her speaking directly to you! This form of communication is a true blessing! And sometimes it doesn't have to be a particular thought, it can in the form of hearing a lyric to a song "pop" into your thoughts. Songs, music, are also a universal method of communication. Listen for the thoughts or the songs...you'll know when they're not yours.
8 ) The Feeling of being Watched...
Many of us have felt this one! All of us have the ability to pick up spiritual energy, especially when we're relaxed. But also when we're going through the beginning stages of our grief, we have the ability unbeknownst to us, to "feel" our Loved One around us. And there's good reason for this. It is the human who has been brainwashed to believe that death is final when in fact, that isn't true. We may continue to feel our Loved One's presence after their passing because they are still very much around us. Even in the deepest of grief, they will try to find a way to let us know they're with us. Hence, feeling like we're being watched. Instead though, we're being protected, we're being watched over, and above all else, we're still being LOVED. We're never alone!
9) They make Songs come on at a Perfect Time...
We know our Loved One is around when their favorite songs come on at the right time with the exact words we need to hear. Often the same song is played in many different places. Train yourself to listen to the music overhead in department stores, grocery stores, or even when you're walking into a restaurant. When you're driving and turn on the radio, what song is playing? When you're watching TV, what song comes on at the beginning or ending of a movie you're watching? When you're cleaning, turn on the music and see if a message is being delivered. Our Loved Ones love music...it too is one of the easiest forms of communication.
10) They make Buzzing noises in our ears...
Because our loved ones speak to us on a different, higher frequency, we may hear ringing in our ears when they're trying to get our attention. This is a sign telling us to listen to what they're saying. Look at your surroundings—is there something there for you to see? A sign on the side of the road? A bird flying by? A particular cloud in the sky? Or are you reading a book, newspaper, or searching on the internet for something? Did you get the ringing in your ear(s) as you read a particular sentence? Re-read that sentence and grab your message. Maybe the ringing in your ear is after a particular thought—this could be a sign of validation for you.
The list can certainly go on and on, but these tend to be the more common ways our Loved Ones let us know they're around us. If you haven't received any of these signs, you can ask your Loved One to come to you to let you know they're okay. Ask them to come to you in a dream. Ask them to come to you in the form of butterfly, maybe a yellow butterfly, or a blue butterfly. Ask them to come to you in the form of an animal; maybe a hawk, a deer, a goose, or a bear. And then be aware of the message when it's given to you. Remember though, whatever way you ask your loved one to appear, it can come via many different ways; books, newspaper, internet site, traveling, etc., and sometimes...exactly by way of the real thing.
The more we're aware of the messages and acknowledge them when they arrive, the more our Loved Ones will continue to communicate with us. Be patient and persistent and I promise, "Ask and ye shall Receive" will come true. Our Loved Ones are okay and as much as we want to communicate with them, they too, want to communicate with us!
Blessings of Peace & Love!
Lyn Ragan

TRAVEL THROUGH GRIEF AT YOUR OWN SPEED

Travel At Your Own Speed
It amazes me sometimes when I look back at the past few years. I wonder how I've made it this far, how I've been able to stand on my own two feet.  I've wondered about the big move I made two years ago and left the home where Chip & I shared our most precious moments,  I wonder why I've done some of the things I've done since his death.
And then I remind myself about the oath I pledged only months after he left. When I vowed to follow the "signs" no matter where they took me. When I vowed to never question their (Spirit) direction, or when I promised to listen as closely as possible. Did I make a promise I couldn't keep?
No, I don't think so. I'm still listening, I'm still following, I still desire to travel the path Spirit directs me in. Do I question it? Oh yeah, that's the one fault (or not) I've grown back into these past years. But I've grown so much since the beginning, too. Call it spirit communication, dream interpretation, afterlife interference, thought manipulation— it all derives from Love and it all comes from within.
It is and always will be, my very own and very special... Inner Voice.