Who am I? According to the Myers Briggs Indicator,  I'm an ISFP. The truth is ...I really have no idea. I don't think any of us fully understand what we're capable of.  I'm 54 years old and still uncovering truths about myself. Here is a bit of my backstory.

 

I have been highly sensitive as long as I can remember.  One of the greatest challenges I've had to overcome is fear - fear of the unknown, fear of judgment, fear of not being good enough, fear of being seen or heard. This has led to a lifetime of anxiety, self-blaming, perfectionism and people pleasing.

​

In 2020 on an afternoon hike, my friend, with her walking stick in hand, turned to me and asked "Have you found your power yet?" Many thoughts went through my mind. Power is a bad word. Who am I to have it? What does she mean by yet? Will I find it in this lifetime? 

 

​I met this friend on my last day as a Home Health & Hospice nurse.  I had been certified in Reiki for about 7 months and wanted to start my own business as a healing practitioner. ​It just so happens my new friend was a Reiki Master Teacher, perfectly placed in my life to challenge me on many levels.  Reiki worked through us and in this new partnership, I confronted fears and learned to tune into my inner wisdom. I was pushed out of my comfort zone like a baby bird being kicked out of the nest. 

 

Growth isn't necessarily comfortable, nonetheless, ​my perspective was shifting out of a victim mentality as courage and confidence rose to the surface. It wasn't long before I was seeking out opportunities and community and  pushing through fear with a "bring it on" attitude! I remember participating in a local drum circle on the beach and looking up at my adult children as they stared down from the deck in disbelief. I felt alive; a newfound freedom and creativity I had not experienced since early childhood. ​

 

Reiki was helping me create healthy boundaries, release judgment and develop compassion for all living things. I felt in my heart that we are all connected yet oneness does not mean sameness.  In these moments, I knew THIS IS WHAT PERSONAL POWER LOOKS LIKE!​​

 

Looking back, I realize all the steps I've taken have prepared me for this point in my life.  I worked in laboratories for 15 years after receiving a degree in Biology and evolved from behind the scenes to direct patient care after becoming a Registered Nurse.  The pace and acuity levels of traditional hospital nursing were challenging. Home Health and Hospice felt the most natural and optimal way to empower patients and families. As an advocate for complimentary therapies, I learned Reiki to help manage symptoms in patients suffering from agitation, shortness of breath, pain and anxiety. I had no idea Reiki would lead me on such a spiritual journey.

 

It was a difficult decision to leave my patients but I longed for creative freedom, so I decided to start my own business.​ Solshine Reiki was founded in 2021 with the intention of helping others find their personal power. I like to call it solar power since it resides in the solar plexus. It is our own inner sun, the color of yellow and the element of fire.  I become giddy with excitement just thinking about it! 

 

I am grateful to my intuitive friend for helping me to find the teacher within. I know I helped her as well.  Reiki does that. It brings clarity by allowing one to get to the truth of a situation. It acts as a catalyst to clear stored trauma, grief, and old programming. It allows us to look at stories we tell ourselves through a different lens, honor their lessons and let them go. It allows us to find our unique expression of our soul essence and illuminate the light within.  

 

​In January of 2023, I was certified as a White Star Reiki Master Teacher and now offer classes to those who want to learn the art of Reiki. As part of my training, I was asked to create an I AM statement which begs the question "Who am I?"  It may change over time but for now:  I AM a wise woman, courageous and strong, sharing my gifts with the world in a way that delights and excites me!

 

We can transform difficulties into great blessings. It is our magic! I am here to help you rediscover who you are!  I welcome you with an open heart and am honored to be a part of your journey. ​

​

With gratitude,

Lou Anne