Reflecting on Your Year

"Live in each season as it passes; breathe in the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit." ~ Henry David Thoreau

December is upon us, and if you're like me, you're wondering, where has this year gone? And what even happened? 

I'm pretty sure we can all agree the past twenty months have brought unforeseen change and added stress as we continue to navigate uncharted waters. 

I want to take this time to thank you for reading my letters. My hope and goal are to grow a community that supports, educates and uplifts. As women, we live in a time when we need each other more than ever before. Yes, you gentlemen too!

It's easy to forget how meaningful and powerful the practice of cultivating gratitude is in our lives, particularly during times of stress. Yet, this is when we need it the most. Perhaps, gratitude is most transforming in the midst of discomfort and chaos.

I've observed this in myself. It's easy to be grateful when all is well and going my way. But for gratitude to transform our lives, we must embrace it in times of hardship. 

So, when you're feeling down about all the things that are not going right or how you'd wish them to be, remember the power in noticing all the little things that are going right; we just have to remember to look for it. It is always there. There really is so much beauty and joy to be seen and felt in our daily lives, but we must be present to these gifts.

Gratitude has the power to fill the void of uncertainty and transform chaos into peace. 

When I feel even the smallest amount of gratefulness, my inner smile returns, I take a deep breath and believe in a brighter tomorrow. 

Reflections for December:

• Remember to look for the magic in the every day.
• Surround yourself with children at play – their innocent joy is contagious.
• Slow down, spend time in nature.
• Attend a musical, play or production – the creative arts stir the imagination and uplift us from the mundane.
• Delight in your favorite warm drink with a friend (mine is Quintessa's latte)! It's better than therapy to have a friend that listens and truly cares.
• Before we can welcome the new year, we will need to leave the old year's unfinished business behind – mistakes, shortcomings and disappointments must be left behind. Write down on small slips of paper whatever you'd like to forget, then place them in a small box. Maybe even gift wrap it in black and gold. Next, bid the box farewell and throw it in the fire. The act of burning is cathartic in itself. For us to continue growing into our most authentic selves, we must let go of that which no longer serves our highest good and the good of those around us. 
• Last but never least, acknowledge yourself for how far you've come. 

​My wish for you is that your December be wrapped in peace, love and joy, and your path lit by divine light!