Website Upgrade

Our website has been upgraded! I welcome you to the new Katie McBrien- Tarot Reader & Shaman! Please let me know if there are any issues: katie@katiemcbrien.com Thank you!


Sunday, March 04, 2018

Photo by el alce web on Unsplash

I know that I said that I was going to keep my blog here hosted on blogger. I have been really impressed though with simvoly's blog platform and I believe it's the right business move for me to move my blog over to my simvoly site.

The new web address for my blog is: www.katiemcbrien.com/blog

I do apologize.

Katie McBrien
Tarot Reader & Shaman
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Monday, February 26, 2018


I am back! I am so sorry I have been absent for the card of the week so many times this month. February has always been a busy month for our family. I am back & ready for another weekly card reading. 

This week we are using the Dreams of Gaia Tarot. 


The 8 of cups in this deck talks about finding peace and contentment with what you have! If you're not happy with what you have right now focusing on more of that will not propel you forward. Look at your life and see what things you can be grateful for! 

The figure in this card is in complete alignment with himself and his surroundings, it's through this alignment that he has found peace and happiness. How can you better align yourself? Is it time for some energy work? Some Shamanic Healing

This week is going to be a good week but only if we ourselves can focus on all the good we DO have in our lives! Not the things we believe are bad or are lacking. 

I'd love to know what you think of my new website? Pop on over and check it out!


I'd love for you to be apart of this course!
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Monday, February 12, 2018


Hello fellow sea travelers, I am so sorry I missed last weeks card of the week. I live in Philadelphia and the eagles won the Superbowl and then I got sick. I am back though for another weekly card reading. This week we are using two decks in honor of Valentines day. The Everyday Witch Tarot & The Romance Angels Oracle deck.


The world card tells us that once we set our intention our wish will easily be granted, but first we need to get clear on what it is we want. I talk about this in my Soulful Healing E-Course (it's free join here) in order to manifest what we want in life we need to get crystal clear and begin to speak the language of the universe. That can only happen after we let go of the past and set our intentions for the future. The world is about a situation coming to it's highest point, it's apex. It's a great card for the week. 

Our Romance Angels have this to say:


No matter what we are trying to manifest, be that a committed relationship, more love in an existing relationship, or something else entirely. We can achieve our results a trillion times quicker if we come from a place of self love. I admit the concept of self love has me quite baffled sometimes; but in my experience we need to listen to what our heart and soul want. If something isn't working it doesn't do anyone any good to stick around and hope that it gets better, chances are it won't- that's enabling. So here's a question for you:

If you could do anything right now that your heart truly wants, without fear of reprisal or negative side effects what would you do? 

Chances are that's what is what you're supposed to be doing. Don't worry about making waves this week; do what you need to do. Set time aside for self-care, get a massage, get a manicure, or go out and do some shopping. If you don't love yourself how do you expect anyone else to love you? 

((I guess it's important to note that doesn't mean that you have to love the fact that you've gained 40 lbs since last year; or that you're getting older, it means that you have to love who you are at your core- your soul, your essence!))
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Saturday, February 10, 2018


One of the qualities that originally drew me to Reiki energy was that I could send Reiki across the globe to a friend in another country or my family in another state. I couldn't believe that this energy was able to do this so easily, as I read about online.

Reiki Distant Healing

It is through the use of Reiki symbols that we can send reiki healing energy to those that are not with us; or we can not physically touch; such as burn victims, or someone who is incredibly sick.

Reiki two and three uses a set of symbols which I talked about here.

Using the Cho Ku Rei &  the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol we can send Reiki literally anywhere; the past, present, and the future. We can call in the essence of someone who is not with us and give them a Reiki healing session.

Reiki Distant Attunements

It's through the widely known, and accepted concept, of giving distant reiki healing sessions for someone who is not physically present that we can also do distant attunements. Remember the thing that sets reiki apart from other energy healing modalities is the idea of an attunement or energetic calibration to the Reiki healing energy. Without an attunement you can NOT be a Reiki practitioner.

There is a lot of uproar and uncertainty about the ability to give distant reiki attunements. However, it's been my experience and the experience of my students that it can be done and this is why.

If we can call in the essence of someone for a Reiki healing session we can also call in the essence of someone, with the same process, for a distant attunement.

You literally can not have one without the other.


To believe that you can just do one and not the other does not make sense and invalidates the whole idea of distant energy healing sessions, which is pretty much the cornerstone of Reiki healing!

So here is why I believe so many teachers have an aversion to distant attunements:

  • It creates a disconnect between student and teacher therefore creating a chance for less accountability for student understanding of the material being taught.  
  • It lowers the price of learning Reiki, without overhead for a venue, travel, etc. prices are lowered therefore the teacher makes less money. Just like everything else Reiki has become an industry! Learning Reiki in person can cost anywhere from $50.00-3,000.00! YIKES!
  • Teachers are not willing to let Reiki grow, sure I was taught by a couple of my teachers that Reiki can only be taught in person; but any logical person who has spent time with this energy and has a brain that understands energy will know that time and space do not exist in Energy Medicine. You can't believe in distant energy healing without believing in distant attunements.

How distant attunements work:

I am not going to give the exact steps for distant attunements as that is taught in my Reiki 3 Course. Here are the basic steps for a distant attunement:
  • Find a proxy something that will take the place of the person you are attuning. This could be a pillow, a chair, a large stuffed animal, etc. 
  • Draw the required symbols for giving a distant healing. 
  • Call in the spirit or essense of the Reiki student.
  • Do a reiki attunement now as you would if the student were present. 
  • Close the energetic connection between you and the student.
  • Reach out to the student and let them know the attunement is complete. 


    It's really a simple but powerful process and no different than giving a distant Reiki healing session. 

    I hope this article has helped demystify the process of distant energy healing and distant attunements. 

    Questions? Concerns? I'd love for you to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. 
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    Monday, January 29, 2018

    Hello fellow sea travelers, it's time for another weekly card reading. We got to enjoy some warmer weather here in Pennsylvania this past week and weekend. I'm sad that we are back to cold and snowy weather, I guess though it is January and it's supposed to snow this time of year.

    This week we are going to use the Wisdom of Avalon Oracle deck.


    The butterfly is beautiful omen of transformation. We ourselves are constantly undergoing different transformations, this can be seeing things in a new light, deciding to change for the better, changing our physical appearance, etc.

    This week you're going to see a situation around you transform for the better. This may not be an actual change in circumstances but instead how you view the situation. Perhaps you're having problems with someone and they have been making life very difficult for you; this week you may hear a story that gives some background into why they are the way they are, and it may shift your understanding of who they are and you may find yourself feeling compassionate towards them.

    Whatever you see this week, good or bad, try to find the beauty in it and you yourself, like the butterfly will begin to transform.

    What transformations are you going through right now? What tough situations can you shift your perspective on? 
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    Monday, January 22, 2018


    Hello fellow Sea Travelers, another week is upon us and that means it's time for another weekly reading. First I have some things to share; some website related and a personal share.

    -:- -:- -:- -:- -:- -:- -:- -:- 

    I am not to sure if anyone has noticed but the new site is up and running for the most part. You can visit http://theseashaman.com to check it out. My blog is still hosted on blogger; I did that because blogger is easier for me to get to blog weekly and it's something I anticipate will be around for sometime. The website hosting I have is pretty new so there is always the possibility that they will close their doors in the next couple years.

    This weekend went by way too fast, I sat at my computer and 8 hours later it was time for dinner and to relax. I spent all weekend working on my website and offerings. It was a lot of fun; i really do love building websites.

    On a personal note, this past weekend was really hard for me. I am not entirely too sure what the difference was between Saturday and Sunday, but Sunday I woke up feeling very hopeless.

    Sometimes knowing things on a soul level isn't as easy as one would think, I swear my next life I am going to ask not to be blessed with the knowledge of foresight. Usually I know things way before they happen, years sometimes, and I have a hard time facing that the reality I see isn't ready to be born yet. I get really bad anxiety attacks.

    There was one instance in high school that I remember quite clearly that I was 100% sure that someone wasn't telling me the truth about something. I pushed and pushed because I knew that I was right. It took the person 3 years to admit to me that I was right and that they just couldn't tell me I was at the time. I remember that feeling in the pit of my stomach knowing I was right and i couldn't figure out why the person just couldn't admit. I am there right now again. I promised myself I wouldn't ever allow myself to get in this position again.


    This week we are joined by the five of swords. Just the illustration gives us a good idea of what the energy week is going to be like. Here I see a woman (left) that is busy working hard but is completely oblivious to her two witch friends and their feelings. The one on the far right is crying she's pretty upset and the one in the middle is like WHAT THE HECK! 

    This week we have to be cautious of those around us; make sure your team (family/friends) are okay. It's all good to be focused on the end result the prize, so to speak, but not at the expense of others. 

    Sometimes the need for always being right comes with a cost that is not worth it. 

    On the flip side you may find yourself in one of those other witches shoes, you may be the victim here. Try not to take it personally and see it for what it is. Everyone is off in their own direction doing their own thing, sometimes we are in alignment with each other and sometimes we aren't. As long as you act with integrity it will be okay. 

    Does this reading resonate with you? I'd love to know, leave me a comment below. 
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    Tuesday, January 16, 2018



    Good day my fellow sea travelers! I hope everyone is having a fantastic Tuesday! I wanted to swim on by to write a quick blog post to say that I'm making a few changes to the Sea Shaman website

    I know, I know, I've made so many changes that i'm sure you're all pretty sick of me by now but these are going to be permanent (as long as this company stays in business!)

    What's going to change:

    We'll I am going to put it simply; I came across a fantastic amazing AWESOME deal (once in a lifetime.) 

    Lifetime hosting for a single website for just 49$. That just doesn't happen.

    I have found yearly hosting for about 90$ but that's every year.

    Not for the lifetime of the company or your business! 

    Even if this company doesn't last, and they close down, even if it's 2 years or more it's a steal and well worth my money! 

    Let me explain what's going to change:

    (Please keep in mind I do 99% of the back end website tech myself so I am pretty sure I can follow through with what's on this list). 

    • my blog's web address is going to change to blog.theseashaman.com 
    • my main address www.theseashaman.com is going to remain the same. It's going to take you to my new website. 
    • I have to remap every single blog post on this blog throughout my social media channels it's going to take a lot of work probably an entire days worth of work... Some Pinterest pin's that are already pinned are going to lead to broken pages; really there's no way around that.... 
    • I am keeping my blog (what you're reading now) on blogger. I've thought long and hard about this one. The pro's and con's of keeping my blog on blogger instead of migrating all my content to a blog hosted through the hosting company. I could definitely do this but if for some reason this company were to go under and close down I would at least have my blog's content hosted free on blogger instead of loosing everything and having to start over again. I don't see google closing it's doors anytime soon so this blog is here to stay! 
    • I am not going to re-brand. My awesome logo is going to remain the same. My colors are going to be teal and light blue to match my crab in my logo. 
    • My Shop is going to move on the new website- you'll still be able to checkout through paypal or stripe to have that extra buyers protection, but this website allows me to host a store on it. So Digital Downloads, E-Books, Tarot Readings, and my coaching is going to move to the new website. 
    • The Inner Circle- This website hosting co. also allows you to register for my website as a member and get access to exclusive pages; check out super fast on the website for reoccurring purchases and orders. So my freebies section, the Inner circle is going to move over there. 

    I was going to pass this deal up, i swore 2018 wasn't going to be about website hosting but I mean really as a business owner how can you pass up free LIFETIME hosting after a onetime fee of $50? 

    So I spent all of Sunday playing around with a trial version of my new site; I absolutely love it! It's easy to figure out as a web designer - it's not wordpress (ugh hate wordpress!). 

    As a user it's clean, professional, and fast.

    Because I realize that some of my fellow sea travlers may be business owners themselves let me pop the deal up for you here keep in mind it's time sensitive.

    I'm not an affiliate so I make NO money from sharing this link. 

    I think there's something like 1,300.00 more spots left for this deal which should go super fast! 


    As a side note if you're a business owner subscribe to AppSumo they have some amazing deals that usually cost no more than 50$ and are usually lifetime deals too! 
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    Monday, January 15, 2018


    Hello Fellow Sea Travelers, I hope everyone is keeping warm. Last week we had a mini heat wave and the temperatures went from well below freezing to 60(f) in two days and then back to freezing. Now we are gearing up for another winter storm. Brr. I write this as I am sitting at my desk with two heaters on and a winter jacket; it's cold at work!

    This week we are going to be using the Energy Oracle Cards. 


    This card came out reversed which means that this week we are about to FINALLY make up our mind on something that has been weighing us down for a while. Even though we are at this point there are still unknowns. Still questions and concerns that make us wonder if this is the right path for us. Just like this card both paths are valid and will bring awesome transformation and soul growth. 

    Sometimes, we just have to take a leap of faith and just choose one because staying stuck another day isn't an option. If you're practical make a list of pro's and con's if you're more intuitive sit with which one seems best for you at this time. 

    Regardless of what you choose, wonderful things are on the horizon! 
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    Wednesday, January 10, 2018

    About Sea Shamanism:

    So a lot of people have sent me e-mails asking

    "Katie what exactly is Sea Shamanism, and how is it different than regular shamanism?" 

    I am so glad you asked!

    What is Sea Shamanism:


    Sea Shamanism is my personal practice of Shamanism, it's mine, I developed it.

    Let me explain:

    There is great power at the ocean's edge. It's:
    • limitless
    • it's unrealized potential
    • it's cleansing
    • it's restorative
    • it's peaceful
    The ocean itself is very healing, in fact i'd go as far to say it's job is to cleanse the world.

    In my magickal practice; one of the first things I learned was how healing salt was. It's used to cleanse and clear everything, people, places, things. It's protective, it can be used to ward off negative energy and evil spirits; basically bad mojo!

    Not only is the water of the ocean cleansing but the sand that makes up the beaches have incredibly powerful medicine too.

    Scientifically sand consists of broken shells, worn down rocks and crystals, specifically quartz, mica, and feldspar.

    Metaphysical properties of quartz:

    Clear quartz is a popular stone; it is so popular because it can be programmed for any use. It can be used for healing, protecting, energizing, growing, etc. It is a stone of amplification which means that it will enhance whatever you program it with.

    Metaphysical properties of feldspar:

    Helps us to find different ways to accomplish our goals, increases intuition, helps us become more self aware & knowledgeable about ourselves. 

    Metaphysical properties of Mica:

    Helps us to find clarity and see situations for what they really are. Assists us in pealing away layers of ourselves and situations. Increases flexibility in situations. 



    As you can see these are powerful rocks that make up the sand. The salt water constantly takes the sand and cleanses it with the salt. Through the process of entrainment when we visit a beach our vibration becomes aligned with all those little rocks and crystals in the sand.

    Whatever bad energy we are holding on too goes into the crystals and becomes cleansed by the residual salt on the beaches, in the air, and in the water. Really it's a process of give and take. We give what no longer serves us, or is bad for us, and we take what we do need.

    I believe this unspoken exchange of energies is what draws so many people to the ocean; what calls us to it's animals, and to sit and listen to the crashing waves.

    How Sea Shamanism it works:

    In my personal brand of Shamanism, Sea Shamanism, I work with not only physical representations of the ocean such as: 
    • sand
    • shells
    • animal shells and remains (bones) 
    • ocean water
    I also work with these animals energetically in the Shamanic Journey. 

    A shamanic journey is when a shaman leaves his or her body and her soul travels to different "worlds" to bring back healing and information for the community. 

    I help my clients by assisting them to connect with a guide from the ocean, guiding them in how this guide will help them improve their life, doing traditional shamanic ceremonies with my guides and their guides to heal the past and assist the future. 

    Some of the shamanic services I can provide are:

       ☼   Soul retrievals 
       ☼   Power animal retrievals 
       ☼   Gratitude ceremonies 
       ☼   Psycho-pomp ceremonies 
       ☼   Curse removal ceremonies 
       ☼   House and space clearing ceremonies 
       ☼   Among others practices as needed. 

    Other Metaphysical Practices and how they relate to Sea Shamanism:

    Tarot

    In my Sea Shamanic practice I bring in my Tarot Life Coaching skills in as well. I work close with the tarot for almost everything. In fact there isn't a major life choice (moves, relationships, work, etc) that I don't consult the tarot on first. 

    The Tarot is a trusted friend, a way for my guides to speak with me outside of journey. The tarot is more than just a predictive tool to tell the future of clients. 

    The tarot is a map of the human experience, there isn't a situation that we could go through that isn't expressed in the 78 (sometimes more) cards in a tarot deck. 

    During my shamanic work I use tarot to help uncover what may be hidden from not only myself but my clients to help them really have breakthrough moments and find deep soul healing on re-occurring patterns and issues. 

    Reiki

    Reiki is a really really powerful energy healing modality. 

    If you are not familiar with Reiki highly suggest you check out this blog post about my journey with Reiki

    When I work with my clients I will incorporate Reiki as well. I have channeled a Sea Reiki symbol in journey that I use to help bring about deep cleansing and protection in addition to traditional symbols taught in Reiki. 

    Reiki pairs well with all practices, shamanism is included. 

    In my Shamanic work I have used Reiki with clients, some are already Reiki practitioners but forget to use Reiki on themselves, some wish to learn and I have created a mentorship program for them, e-mail me for more information.

    Crystals

    Crystals are another love of mine. I use crystals everyday. I wear crystals in my jewelry, I have them on my altar, and in my pockets.

    Crystals effect our energy through the process of entrainment.

    Entrainment is when our energy aligns with the higher energy of something else. 

    I write in detail about the different properties of crystals here and what they mean.

    Crystals combine well with other healing modalities because they can be used for anything and everything we can think of & because most crystals do not bring metals and toxins into our system there is no chance for an overdose or adverse reaction.



    These are just a few of the modalities that I utilize in my own shamanic practice that makes up Sea Shamanism.

    I'd love to connect with you and work with you to help bring healing and transformation into your life. 


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    Tuesday, January 09, 2018


    Good Morning Fellow Sea Travelers, sorry for the late post this week; yesterday I did an awesome workshop to make 2018 the best year yet!

    If you're interested in it you can:


    This week we are using the Dreams of Gaia Tarot.


    The Six of Fire (Six of Swords) tells us that things maybe a bit off kilter this week. We may need to step into situations to keep the peace or have someone step in and keep the peace for us. If you find yourself in a situation where there is high tension don't be arrogant, know that there are always three sides to a story:

       1. Their Side
       2. Your Side
       3. The Truth

    When I look at this card I am focused on the main character in the middle; which only reiterates to me the need for an unbiased party to come forth and settle any disagreements or misunderstandings. Balance is key this week don't let yourself be swayed by raw emotions and your own personal agenda. 

    Does this resonate with you? I'd love to know in the comments below.  
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    Sunday, January 07, 2018


    Hello Fellow Sea Travelers, this is a personal post today. I want to share with you a bit about my personal story with Reiki.

    How I Started

    I started with Reiki about 7 years ago. I was reading a book by Christopher Penzak "The Magick of Reiki." I had picked it up at borders (RIP borders i miss you!)

    I couldn't figure out what this mystical energy healing technique was that could also be used for magick & manifestation.

    I went to google, as I usually do when I am confused by something, and spent a better part of three months reading everything I could.

    Within that time frame an opportunity presented itself for me to learn Reiki as a continuing education class at my local community college. I enrolled.

    My Reiki One Journey

    I have to admit I was a bit nervous about this course; I had been a practicing witch at that point for about 10 years, but this was the first time I was taking a course with real people to learn something mystical.

    I went to this course, I remember it being freezing, there was still snow on the ground. The course started with a basic overview of Reiki and it's history, then came the first of 4 attunements.

    An attunement is an energetic opening or initiation. 

    I totally felt something during that first attunement!

    I felt:
       ♦    Warmer
       ♦    Tingling in my hands
       ♦    At Peace

    These are just some of the reported effects of a Reiki attunement.

    We learned how to do self Reiki and give a Reiki healing session to others, getting to practice on our classmates that was fun because we had a massage therapist and he brought in his massage table so we didn't have to get on the hard tables colleges use.

    When we had I had my group session my teacher told me she saw bees. Which is pretty cool because they are one of my totems.

    I was a Reiki 1 practitioner for about four months before I got my Reiki 2 attunements.

    My Reiki Two Journey

    I did not take my Reiki 2 with the same teacher I took my Reiki 1 and in some ways I am really happy I did that. I was able to do a refresher on Reiki 1 material and learn some new things.

    I took Reiki 2 at a local church (this was like a universalist life church completely OK with my inner and outer witch)

    I was also lucky because this course had not one, but three teachers! The main teacher was stepping down to retire and another teacher was taking her place! The third teacher was auditing the course because she was working towards her Reiki Master Teacher certification.

    We learned extensively how to draw the Reiki symbols and what they could be used for. We practiced sending Reiki to someone not present and to future situations and past situations. It was really powerful.

    My Reiki Three Journey


    My Reiki Three journey was a bit different than my other Reiki Courses. I learned Reiki Three Master Teacher from three teachers in three different courses!

    My first introduction of Reiki 3 came from a book "The Essence of Reiki 3 - Usui Reiki Level 3 Master Teacher Manual: A step by step guide to the teachings and disciplines associated with Third Degree Usui Reiki" by Adele Malone & Garry Malone.

    I was so into Reiki at that point I wanted to learn everything I could. I went on a Kindle Reiki Book buying spree!!! All in all I probably spent close to $75 dollars on E-Books and read them all cover to cover.

    Then I found a teacher and purchased her on-line course, I didn't like it!

    So I found another on-line course & the teacher flaked out at the end.

    Then through a bunch of bitching sessions to my best friend at the time she offered to teach me! I was like amazing! So I learned Reiki Three from three teachers including, a dear friend.

    Since then I have attuned several people to the Reiki healing system and I am working on developing my own comprehensive online course. If you're interested in this course e-mail me.

    Are you a Reiki practitioner? Is this something you're interested in? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.
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    Tuesday, January 02, 2018


    Happy New Year! I wish for each one of you a wonderful 2018; full of love, laughter, and happiness. 

    Sorry this week card of the week is a bit late. The full moon had me quite tuckered out and I went home yesterday after work and took a nice long nap. This week we are again using the Everyday Witch Tarot! I love this deck; I often use the app on my iPhone for quick guidance when I am out and about.



    This week we are joined by the Sun! What a wonderful start to a new year! There is so much to celebrate; new beginnings brought on by a new year. Which means anything is possible.

    One of the women is pregnant which is a positive sign for new ventures and new beginning the seeds we planted in 2017 are beginning to germinate and show results. Don't let FEAR stop you now. Keep going.

    I'll quote one of my favorite songs by the band Kewella "Marching on"

    Fear is the end of love
    Don't tell me that you're giving up
    Fear is the end of love
    Don't tell me that you're giving up
    Fight like the underdog
    Don't tell me that you've had enough
    Left, right, left, we're marching on
    We're marching on
    We're marching on


    No matter what you're doing there's love and passion behind it; but fear has this funny way of stopping us from going towards what we are most passionate about. The sun reminds us that anything is possible and a positive and successful outcome is in our future. Just keep marching on

    When I start a new year I like to think about what goals I have and what I am bringing into my life for the current year.

    Me I am bringing in:

    • more authenticity- I'll be sharing a lot more about my struggles, journey, and practices that sustain me. 
    • more fun- I don't often allow my self the chance to have fun and laugh; but 2018 I am going to make that my top priority. There's a few people that really bring out this side in me; so i'll be spending time with them. 
    • more abundance- I think that if you work a full time job you shouldn't be struggling so bad financially; especially if you're also an entrepreneur. If you are it's time to work towards more financial abundance. 
    • more love- now I am not really referring to romantic love; everyone can use more love though especially with the current state of the world. I'd love to start something where we become less fearful of sharing when someone positively impacts our life. There's shouldn't be anything wrong with going up to someone and saying "you've made a positive impact on me; i love you for that."
    I think that's about it for my list; i'd love to know:

    What are you bringing to life in 2018

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