Learning to THRIVE (Not Just Survive) Mercury Retrograde

So it’s that time again, you know when Mercury goes retrograde and wreaks total havoc on our lives, but here’s the thing, even in times of chaos we have a choice, and we can choose to thrive (not just survive) Mercury Retrograde!

What's this so-called "Mercury Retrograde"?

3 or 4 times a year when you look up in the sky the planet Mercury appears as if it’s moving backwards, hence the name retrograde. The planet is not actually moving backwards, it’s just an illusion.  

What's this gotta do with me?

Absolutely nothing if you live in a cave, don’t communicate with anyone, or use any sort of electronic devices, but since I’m pretty sure that’s not you, read on. (and if it is you, how are you reading this??? #awkward!!!)

As per Astrology Zone, “When a planet retrogrades, astrologically it is in a resting or sleeping state. Therefore, while Mercury naps, the activities that it governs don't have the benefit of a well-functioning, wide-awake planet to supervise them. Expect a certain degree of pandemonium to ensue!”

The planet Mercury is the ruler of all types of communication (email, speaking, listening), formal contracts, agreements, mail & shipping, and even travel, so when Mercury goes retrograde (or takes a nap), these areas all go bazerk! During this 3 week(ish) period it’s common for there to be misunderstandings, confusions, and mis-read communications. Simple mistakes that you would never usually make will probably happen, computers will go haywire, and travel plans will be delayed.

The last Mercury Retrograde rocked my world.

My puppy went into heat (and became an f-ing terror) a week before her spay appointment, the launch of my eBook Learning to FLY was delayed, my man’s identity was stolen, our internet went down and everything I ordered online came in wrong.  

You may be thinking FML, but here's the thing, you have a choice!

Yes, the next few weeks may be frustrating and bring some unwanted chaos into your life, but we always have a choice of how we react and we can choose to  learn from this time. 

Together, let's thrive (not just survive) Mercury Retrograde.

Here are some tips on how: 

Let. It. Go. 

You may not be able to control the mayhem that Mercury Retrograde creates, but you can control how you react. I think the biggest lesson to be learned during this time is learning to let go, and once you can master this, thriving in this time will be a cinch.

Let go of timelines.

Let go of the to do list.

Let go of the need to be right.

Let go of negative emotions this time can create.

Let go of any and all control.

Let go of plans and clear the calendar.

Just let it all go and go with the flow.

Unplug.

There’s a good chance that the electronic devices in your life will go haywire, instead of becoming frustrated, use this time to unplug.  Go on a social media cleanse, spend less time facebooking-instagramming-pinteresting, watch less tv and turn off the phone.  I know that internet is an integral part of how we live our lives, but remember that you do have a choice. You can choose to become frustrated by technology glitches or you can choose to take a deep breath, and let it go.

Sweet sweet surrender. 

When we fight against something , it makes the situation worse. Mercury Retrograde is no exception. Instead of fighting against the chaos that this time can create, let’s lean into it. This 3 week period is not the time to keep pushing and doing more. But it is the time to surrender, do less, go with the flow, slow down, set loose timelines, and not hold onto anything too tightly. Accept whatever happens during this time with a light heart, be patience, very patience and practice sweet sweet surrendering.

Take a staycay.

Since travel is another area affected when Mercury goes retrograde, consider taking a staycay. Even if it’s just a weekend to clear the calendar, stay at home and unplug. Take time to rejuvenate, reconnect with yourself and unwind. You deserve it!Last, but not least, feel free to share your Mercury Retrograde stories in the comments below! I know you must have some good ones! *wink wink*

Cheers to thriving in Mercury Retrograde!

XO, em