On the spur of the moment, I booked a flight to San Francisco and spent 12 days with very good friends. It was an amazing trip, where everything fell into place. Sometimes logistics can be a nightmare, but I've learned that if you go with flow, things usually work out for the best, for all concerned. This is by working with not against the flow of energy. For example, my friends were already planning a break to Oregon, the beautiful state above California with magnificent beaches and stunning countryside. Instead of thinking this was a problem, I changed my flight and tagged along with them on their camping trip - taking in a stop at spiritual town Mount Shasta and a overnight stay in trendy Portland. It was obviously 'meant to be' as we also met up with another couple from Brighton, now living in Vancouver: celebrating a milestone birthday by a open fire on a Pacific beach can't get much better.

In the past 6 months, I have tried to stay positive and open to opportunities, despite being affected by the recession: not as many people coming for treatments and workshops and not as much freelance project management work. As it's been quieter, I have spent the time seeing more of my close friends and family, going on courses for self-improvement and to improve my professional skills. I have been fitting in some volunteer work and getting back into networking for business. But I still felt as if I was scrimping: not spending money sometimes creates a stagnant energy and a feeling of resentment. So the trip to the US felt like an opportunity I had to grasp with both hands.

The lovely couple I stayed with, represent the two aspects of my life: the digital/creative world and the complementary/spiritual life. Sometimes it's not a course or a book that can be inspiring but the good friends that are around you. I felt so nurtured by the good healthy home-cooked food, I loved watching how they work as a team, and we also debated new digital developments. I gave them both Reiki treatments and also completed their Reiki training.

I came back with my head, heart and suitcase crammed full of gifts and ideas. There were so many great places I visited, but among the most memorable was the vegan raw food Café Gratitude. 'What are you grateful for?' we were asked by the waitress. I am so grateful to my good friends and I appreciated every moment of my trip.

Highlights:
De Young Museum
Nightlife at California Academy of Sciences
Mount Shasta
Ace Hotel
Powells book store
Cannon Beach
Bandon Beach
Alloro Restaurant
The Redwood Groves
City Lights book store
Chinatown
Spectrum Festival
SF Pride
SF Museum of Modern Art
Café Gratitude