family photographs on Ancestral altar with candle

Day of the Dead Reflections

Carol WoodliffLeave a Comment on Day of the Dead Reflections

I was thinking of how often as a young girl I was told to be “nice,”  and I started to write about the messages I wish I had received instead of “nice.” This took me on a journey of ancestral awareness and healing, perfect on “All Souls Day” or “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead). What I Wish Instead of “be nice,” I wish they had coached me in how to speak the hard truth with compassion. Instead of “Don’t be so dramatic,” I wish they had said, “You feel deeply, let me help you channel those feelings, learn from them, and express them productively with others and in art.” Instead of “Don’t think being smart makes you better than anyone else.”  I wish I had been told to celebrate my gifts and find the gifts in others to celebrate. Instead of saying “We are not athletic people” […]

Love Forward Talk: Family & Ancestral Healing

Carol WoodliffLeave a Comment on Love Forward Talk: Family & Ancestral Healing

It was such a joy to be one of the speaker’s at the  Love Forward Talks in Pasadena, CA on 11/11/18.   Bridget Fonger, author of the upcoming Superhero of Love book and her team produced an amazing event. My talk is about family/ancestral healing and my mother Lucille.  I believe that any one of us who can shift our story and send love back to our ancestors can actually heal our small part of the world.  When we do that, we will never know how many ripples of love we can create.  One note:  I had a brain disconnect and misspoke.  My grandfather died before my parents were married not before the were born!  I didn’t even realize I had said that till I heard the playback!   Otherwise I am so happy with how this speech turned out.  Our goal with the event was to share stories that help all of […]