For Anne Bruetsch, a steadfast spiritual pilgrim, it took writing this book for her to see the thread connecting the various turns her life journey has taken, each seemingly distinct from those that went before. They all were, it turns out, steps leading her to an ever-evolving awareness of the spirit beings who continuously guide her to the next right step of her life purpose and spiritual evolution.

Her years as a nun provided both the education and the desire to dedicate her life to the service of others, especially those most in need. It was during her convent years that she earned her degree with specialization in education and theology. Sixteen years later, she added a law degree to the resources she utilizes in her life of service.

This passion to serve the needs of others continued throughout her 49-year professional career—first as a teacher; then as co-founder and director of an educational organization providing educators with brain-based trainings and mentorship, and then as an administrator in Head Start organizations providing early childhood services to underprivileged children. These days, she shares her life learnings about the many challenges of aging and end-of-life issues.

A lifelong learner, Anne has delved deeply into a variety of spiritual paths, seeking the one most spiritually meaningful to her, in support of her commitment to live as a “spiritual being having a human experience.” Her studies with highly respected scholar and futurist, Dr. Jean Houston, included travel to Egypt, Israel, Greece, India, Nepal, West Africa, and Ireland. Ultimately, she discovered the shamanic teachings, rituals, and ceremonies of the Sweet Medicine SunDance path, where she finally found the spiritual home she had been seeking.

Through her experiences on this path, Anne has come to know that a benevolent divine energy is ever-present in everyone’s daily life. This presence, which some shamanic traditions call Great Spirit, is always with us. So are our spirit guides, souls who have passed to the spirit realm but remain available to guide our path. We have only to raise our awareness to a higher level of consciousness to touch into the wisdom available through them.

Anne is deeply grateful for all of her life experiences, even those most difficult. Through writing this book, she now sees that everything that has happened in her life was exactly what needed to happen to bring her to the level of peace and acceptance that she now experiences daily.