We're going to have to get naked.

Lately I've been wanting so much to press pause on The World,

because I can feel in my soul I'm ready for a level-up.

Ready to upgrade my shell, hermit-crab-style.

Gif of a hermit crab moving from a small shell to a bigger, better fitting shell.

You know about this, right?

When hermit crabs have outgrown their current shell, they switch.

Often, they do it in community ← srsly, watch this amazing video ←

It makes sense to want to do this shit together, because when we're leveling up, there's a moment of extreme vulnerability.

See that guy above: when she climbs out of the old shell and into the new one, there's quite a Naked and Afraid moment.

Same for us, when we finally let go of something that's no longer working for us.

A way of doing business / a punishing job / a stale marriage / an unhealthy friendship / an uncomfortable home / an outgrown identity.

Even if we KNOW it isn't working anymore, it's hard to say goodbye to the protections it affords us, and we're accustomed to. 

It's scary let go of the structures that have gotten us this far, even if they now feel too small, too confining, no longer good or right.

Listen, I've switched shells dozens of times - I think it's what I'm here on this planet to do - and it's never not terrifying.

But what's the alternative?

For hermit crabs and also for us, confining ourselves to structures that no longer fit generates life-draining stress.

Life. Draining. Stress.

So my friend, if this is speaking to you on any level, pleeeeease listen.

Because the longer we overstay in a wrong-fit situation, the less courage and energy we have to deploy our power to choose differently.

Believe you me.

If this is resonating, maybe you're like me, just starting to feel confined.

Or maybe you've been confined so long, you're strained and drained.

Either way, it's time.

Either way, come on over here, next to me. 

I don't know quite what our new shells are gonna look like, but I do know exactly how to find them. And also, where to get all the power we need to claim them.

love,

Natalie

PS - I lead a community of gorgeous, creative witches who are all leveling up, together. If you want plentiful, comforting, inspiring company as you're switching shells, come join us in Cauldron.