Sometimes in Minnesota, the cold is so intense it’s hard to explain. These deep freezes don’t last long, but while they do, life slows down. I use this time to read, reflect, and catch up on things that get lost in the shuffle…and write to you.
Today’s deck
Real quick, last year I published my very first deck, The Corporate Oracle, which I’m using today. It has a longer story, but it serves to combine our inner wisdom and ubiquitous cultural themes from the workplace. There are still a limited amount of first-edition copies if collecting decks interests you.
I’m experimenting with new prompts for you to work with in case you’re coming to the cards with a blank.
Here’s today’s:
I plan to read the cards with this in mind.
Okay, onto the cards…
xo,
Natalie
PS: After today’s reading, please vote in the quick survey at the end of this letter if you have 3 seconds! Thank you!
The Cards
deck: The Corporate Oracle
Take a breath. Pause. Think about the prompt. Pick a card.
What truth have I been avoiding that’s asking to be seen more clearly?
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one
Holiday Party
What truth have I been avoiding that’s asking to be seen more clearly?
The holiday party is a symbol of camaraderie and connection and letting loose a little bit. But there’s a shadow that is commonly felt that includes awkwardness, social anxiety, and boredom, to name a few.
This is an invitation to ask yourself if your routine tends to be more isolated or if you’re saying “no” to more invitations than usual. And if you feel too busy, are the activities you’re saying “yes” to filling your cup or draining you instead?
It’s a good time to examine what kinds of social commitments bring you joy, and the kind of people you want to spend time around… are you showing up with the same energy you expect from others?
two
Casual Friday
What truth have I been avoiding that’s asking to be seen more clearly?
Casual Friday represents your ability to express yourself, break free from norms, and ideally, be authentic without worrying about what others will think.
Where in your life are you perhaps playing small or not expressing what is really in your heart? It’s important to notice when you’re unable to be yourself and perhaps feel the need to hide.
We wear different masks depending on who we’re around, and that’s normal. But it’s important to notice if you’re not able to be yourself. Is it fear of rejection? Something else? Examining this will bring you closer to your inner voice.
three
Boardroom
What truth have I been avoiding that’s asking to be seen more clearly?
The Boardroom represents the energy of collaboration, possibilities, troubleshooting, and the surfacing of new ideas.
This card invites you to examine if you’re holding back in any way. Perhaps you have a deep desire to share ideas but don’t. It also is an old story that keeps talking you out of new ideas you want to try or share.
It also might point to a place you spend time that you don’t really want to be in. Why are you there? Is it something you can mitigate or change?
You’ll know what it is. Spend some time with this block or story. Ask it what it wants for you. Journal a little and see if you can free up some energy. You have gifts to share.
But wait!
Since I appreciate every single one of you, your opinion matters.
I’d love to know if this is something you like or if you’d rather not have prompts.