Mini magic for when everything is crap

It’s been a rough few weeks. I’ve had a couple of anxiety attacks. Nervous system on fire. My therapist had warned me this would happen.

She told me that when my kids turned eight, it would be triggering for me because that was the age that my biggest trauma happened. The event that would cause my reality to cave in, innocence of childhood stolen, and life would never be the same again. (I talk about it in this podcast episode)

The anxiety attacks happened in 2020, when my older son was eight. Then I’d forgotten about it. But the body doesn’t forget. I’m reminded again this year when my younger son is eight. He makes eight feel so young and vulnerable. It is. This makes it even more perplexing to understand my parents’ choices.

When I’m super anxious like this, it makes everything feel so much harder. Everyday tasks and planning can feel like an ordeal. So I need to pull out allthe stops. Use all the tools and practices I have at hand.

We’re in the final stretch before the Lunar New Year. The last mile of the marathon. A time when old things resurface to be released before the new cycle begins. You might also be feeling stressed, tired and disoriented?

I wanted to share with you some mini magic you can use when everything is crap.

Emphasis on the “mini” because ain’t nobody got energy to spare.

Emphasis on the “magic” because it’s what we need during times like this. A sense of wonder and whimsy to shake us out of the dregs of routine and constant worry.

💫 Mei Ling’s Mini Magic 💫


Clear it out with salt.
You know how you always feel better after a shower? It’s not just because you’ve cleaned off physical grime, but you’ve also cleared energetic grime from the day. You can fortify your shower routine by making it an intentional ritual. My favorite soap is Dr. Teal’s liquid soap because it contains salt. (You can find other soaps that contain sea salt or epsom salt) Salt has traditionally been known, across different cultures, as a purifier. It helps remove “spiritual dirt.” At the end of a long, stressful day, visualize yourself washing and clearing away any negative interactions, lingering thoughts and annoyances. Down the drain they go!


Burn that sh*t up.
This is another clearing ritual. Using fire instead of water, and for a slightly different purpose. I love this one specifically for when I have persistent fear or anger (you know all those things you wish you’d said to someone?).Take a piece of paper and scribble it all down. Get everything off your chest. Every fear and/or grievance, no matter how irrational. I live in an apartment, so I will burn the paper in a big wok under the range hood, but you might have a fireplace where you can safely burn a piece of paper. As you watch it burn, affirm to yourself: all my fears and anger are burning away.


Let the Universe nudge you.
The Universe is always trying to communicate with you, but you have to let it by being open. Not letting the rational mind wave things off. Signs are all around us. This past week, on a day when I was really ruminating and being hard on myself, I was driving home from school drop off. I’m glad I was driving slowly, because someone’s dog was crossing the road. Then I looked closer, nope - it wasn’t a dog. It was a... coyote?! It looked me in the eye. Ok, I was paying attention now. I consulted my Power Animals book when I got home. The message of Coyote is to embrace humor and not take yourself or life so seriously. To be adaptable and know there is still joy and growth in chaos. Ok then, messaged received!
But the Universe decided to double down in what I can only describe as a truly magical moment:
Again, in the car, and I have a podcast on. Driving to school pick up. Just as I am pondering this whole Coyote thing, and wondering if I got the message right, at that exact moment, the podcast host says,
“He doesn’t take himself so seriously. Don’t take it so seriously.”

I burst out laughing. A wonderful reminder that we’re not alone and part of something bigger. Magic gives us a good shake when we get too mired in all the details and mental noise. Lose yourself to a moment of awe.


Find the hidden grace.
When I’m pushed to the very limits of my growth edges, it can be hard for me to see the silver lining. It used to be easy when I was in my 20s, when I was filled with optimism and possibilities. Now in my mid 40s, and having experienced a bunch of knocks and disappointments, it just feels different. BUT. BUT. Grace still flows between the cracks. You just have to find it. I encourage you to journal. You will find grace hidden between the lines. The trick is to let yourself write freely, without restraint. No composing, just letting the words tumble out of you. After you let yourself fully express your frustration/anger/disappointment/worry, you’ll find a gem of grace beneath. It may be hard to believe right now, but in years to come, you’ll look back on this dark time with some reverence.


You gotta move it move it.
When you feel really stuck in a situation, or blocked, or can’t seem to get out of a negative mood spiral, you need to move the energy around. Symbolically and with intention, move physically and energetically. If the weather is nice, I love taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood. (The sunshine is a bonus mood lifter). If it’s raining, or I need to stay in the house for some reason, I’ll pop on a 20 - 30min exercise video (I love growingannanas’ videos.) You create your own energy shift by moving your body around. Even if all you do is 10 jumping jacks. I always find it amusing how I can go from despairing and feeling like the sky is falling down to feeling like “I got this” after I move my body around. It’s amazing what happens when stagnant energy is broken up!


“Art is hope.” - Amie McNee
To create is to believe in life. To value yourself. To dance with the Universe. To express your soul.
Drawing and journaling saved my life many, many times as a young child and teen without much (barely any) control over my life. Late nights in my room, writing and drawing on the blank page what I could never express openly helped to keep me connected to myself and helped keep my dreams and that shred of light alive in my heart. I love Kate Tremills‘ book Joyful Creating. It’s an absolute delight to read. It feels like having your own creative companion, and she really ignites that creative spark in you.

Write. draw. crochet. scrapbook. dance. The most important thing to remember is that you don’t need to do it well. You just need to do it for it to work its magic on you.

I hope that this can help you in some way, if you’re also going through some crap times. Would love to hear from you if you give any of these a try!

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For more mini magic and guidance, I have a Mini-Reading Bundle available in my Etsy shop. If you want some comprehensive insight into your most burning question, or if you feel stuck - this is for you!

You’ll receive a detailed 15 – 20 minute intuitive audio reading channeled from your Spirit Guides and the Universe. Includes a spirit-animal message, a chakra scan, and one personal question for your Guides. Discover which spirit animal is guiding you, which chakras need balance, and receive direct guidance on the question that’s been weighing on your heart.