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Welcome to the Info Sphere, a space where all my writings, musings, and insights come together. Here, you’ll find everything from details about Samantha Jo's Balm Yard products to episodes of Healing in the Balm Yard podcast. This is also where I share glimpses into my own mind and life. It’s a space for exploration, connection, and growth—so please, be kind and enjoy. I’m excited to share this journey with you. Take care.

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  • Writer: Samantha Jo
    Samantha Jo
  • Oct 5, 2023
  • 2 min read

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Ghosting, Guilt, and Getting Back: Finding My Voice in a Disconnected World



Happy October & to all my metaphysical folks - Happy Halloween spooky szn!


First off, let me start by saying, I know. I've been a bit elusive lately. Gone rogue. Pulled some Houdini acts. Or in millennial terms, I've been ghosting. Gasp! I admit it. As someone who's deeply connected to her emotions (hello, fellow empaths!), the post-pandemmy has left me feeling out of sorts. Not just with the global situation, but right here in my community in Chicago. Let's deep dive a bit into my thoughts and feelings - and maybe, just maybe, you'll see a bit of yourself in here, too.


Feeling Out of Place

Honestly, sometimes walking around my beloved Chicago feels like I'm in a Stranger Things episode, where I'm on the upside-down side. Everything's familiar yet oddly distant. And that's a feeling that has crept into my relationships, too.



Navigating Social Anxiety: Real vs. Imagined Thoughts

The tricky part about social anxiety is that it's like this deceptive friend who whispers into your ear, making you doubt everything. Did they mean that sarcastically? Do they secretly not like me? But here's the thing: Not every thought rooted in social anxiety is the absolute truth.


Showing Up

Libra season is here, and as the least confrontational sign, we might find it challenging to voice our concerns. But instead of shying away from conversations, maybe it's time we channel the balanced Libra energy into expressing our feelings more authentically.


Post-COVID Communication

Raise your hand if talking to people nowadays feels like trying to walk after you've slept on your leg wrong. Is it just me? It's like the art of casual chitchat has become as difficult as reciting Shakespeare backward.


That Overwhelming Sense of Guilt

I live alone. While there's a certain freedom to it, the silence sometimes becomes a harsh reminder of the connections I've lost. And oh boy, the guilt of not replying to messages and calls. Can we make "Sorry, I got lost in my own thoughts" a universally accepted excuse?


Finding the Balance: My Top 3 Tips

  1. Throat Chakra Practices: By focusing on opening and balancing my throat chakra, I'm not only enhancing my communication but also speaking my truth without fear.

  2. DBT Communication Skills: Dialectical behavior therapy offers some amazing communication techniques. From validating feelings to being more assertive - it's been a game-changer.

  3. Scheduled Alone Time: Sounds contradictory, right? But scheduling alone time, where I can introspect without the pressure of replying, has made my interactions more genuine.

Lastly, here's a spiritual nugget for you. Sometimes, the universe pulls you away from social scenarios for reasons you might not immediately understand. It's like a cosmic timeout. I've been there, too engrossed in the drama to see the red flags waving wildly.

But always remember, it's okay to retreat and rejuvenate. Your true connections will understand, and if they don’t, maybe it’s the universe's way of telling you something.

Stay connected, not because it's a chore, but because our souls thrive on genuine connections. Sending love to y'all. 🌟🤍🌈




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LINKS TO SOME RESOURCES CITED IN THE PODCAST


HUMAN DESIGN <3


  • Writer: Samantha Jo
    Samantha Jo
  • Sep 26, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: Oct 5, 2023

Rediscovering Myself: The Year of 33 and the Power of Three



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Hey fam! Been a lonnnnnnng time!


Life has its ebbs and flows, and lately, it feels like I've been caught in a tide that's pulled me away from many passions that once defined my existence. But every sunrise heralds a new beginning, and here I am, embarking on a journey of rediscovering myself and reigniting the flames of my passions.


Welcome Back: Tracing My Steps

The universe has a curious way of signaling new beginnings, and for me, it has aligned with Virgo season – a time of reflection, transformation, and growth. As I pen this down, I've just celebrated my 33rd birthday. 33! A number that holds deep symbolism in spiritual texts and Eastern cultures. The number 3 signifies growth, expansion, and ascension. Now, as I embrace this age, I feel an overwhelming urge to harness this energy, dedicating this 33rd chapter of my life to metamorphosis and positive change.


The Adventures of 33: Traveling Down Memory Lane

My birthday trip was nothing short of enlightening. A planned visit to Savannah, GA, serendipitously turned into an unexpected journey to South Carolina. This detour wasn't just geographical; it was a profound dive into my roots, as I discovered more about my Geechee lineage. Understanding my heritage, my lineage, has always meant the world to me. This unexpected journey gifted me precious insights into where I come from, adding more depth to my understanding of who I am.



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The Path Ahead: Consistency and Commitment

So, what happens now? The word 'moving forward' has taken on a new meaning for me. It's not just about marching ahead, but doing so with purpose and dedication. One challenge I've grappled with is consistency, especially given my ADHD. But I've realized it's not about the battles we face but how we rise above them.

And with that spirit, I'm making a pledge – to all of you and to myself. I vow to be consistent, to share my journey, my insights, and my stories. Expect to hear from me weekly, whether it's right here or on Spotify and other podcast platforms. It's a promise to keep the communication flowing, to keep the connection alive.

To sum it up, this isn't just a 'welcome back' to my passions, but a hearty 'hello' to every one of you, as we embark on this renewed journey together. Here's to growth, rediscovery, and the magical number 3.



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  • Writer: Samantha Jo
    Samantha Jo
  • Apr 26, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: Sep 26, 2023




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This week's episode of Healing in the Balm Yard will explore the powerful and transformational energy of Pluto in Aquarius.


YA'LL! These past few weeks this month have been extremely heavy, and I know I’m not the only one experiencing the powerful shifts of energy and emotional waves. I don't remember exactly what alarmed me, but in whatever happened, my dear shadow appeared in a flash as I resorted back to old behavior. Instantly I felt shocked! Like when the extended distant family or friend pops up out of NOWHERE! You love them, but you're quickly reminded why there was a distance between you both. That's how I feel about my shadow. I LOVE her at a distance. Once I realized my shadow was present, I turned to the thought - WHO LET HER OUT?


Pluto has moved into Aquarius, a powerful moment in Astro history for many reasons. Pluto has a way of revealing things that we thought we had worked through and moved on from. It has been bringing up significant points in my life during April that I thought I had resolved, but I may have been unintentionally repressing them. It's an uncomfortable feeling but can be a necessary part of growth and development. By recognizing these issues during this shift and actively working through them, we can move forward with more clarity and understanding of ourselves.


Aquarius, the eleventh sign of the zodiac, is associated with thought, intellect, and reasoning. It is a sign that values communication and organization of information. As the last air sign, Aquarius is concerned with how we process and understand information to make sense of our world. It is also known for being stubborn and unaccepting of anything that does not fit into its idea of how things are and how they should be. This can make it difficult for Aquarians to accept change or new ideas, but it also makes them incredibly resilient in the face of adversity. The sign of Aquarius is often associated with the future, as it is always looking ahead to what could be. Aquarians are usually ahead of their time, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. They have a strong sense of justice and fairness, which drives their desire to create a better future for everyone.


Through this moment of purge, I'm learning to have compassion for my shadow - love her better, with more intention. In this episode, I explore my journey of discovering how to befriend my shadow self and make her world beautiful. Through personal reflections, I speak about the importance of embracing the parts of myself that I have been trying to hide away. By embracing my shadow self and giving her a space to exist, I can learn to create a sanctuary environment where she can feel safe and secure. Additionally, I tap into the energy of Pluto, the shift into Aquarius, Pluto Retrograde, and the tools for understanding and caring for our inner selves.





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Music has always been a source of comfort for me during difficult times. It helps to express my emotions and gives me a sense of belonging. Whether it's during planetary shifts or personal struggles, I find solace in the music I listen to. That's why I decided to create this special playlist on Spotify, full of songs that bring me peace and understanding.


Pluto X Aquarius on Spotify is the perfect playlist for anyone looking for a little extra motivation, inspiration and reflection. From upbeat songs that make you want to dance it out to slow ones that help release, relax, and manifest. This playlist has it all. It is my way of expressing gratitude for the small joys in life and staying hopeful during difficult times.


Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or need an uplifting soundtrack to get through the months until retrograde, this playlist will provide you with just that. So put on your headphones and let Pluto X Aquarius take you on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.


CLICK PHOTO BELOW

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