"Where there is great love there are always miracles." ~ Willa Cather
It's February, and we are shining the spotlight on LOVE. When you prioritize nurturing self-love, you open yourself to the love within and a life that feels fulfilling and supported. Let's make this the perfect occasion for going within and glancing back with affection on your journey so far. Take some precious time with me to pause long enough and pull out some of your baby pictures, or better yet, spend some time with a toddler. Watch them moving about one foot in front of the next, bubbling with wonder and curiosity, running, falling and getting back up, reaching and squeezing all there is from each moment. That was you, my friend, and each one of those baby steps brought you to where you are today! When was the last time you looked at yourself in awe? Like the awe you see for that young child? Without judgment, comparison, or criticism – simply pure unconditional love and appreciation. You are born from love, and your spirit is always calling you to remember that love is your true nature. So, gather your journal and pen, and let's return to our true nature as we explore a few journal prompts:
The benefits of self-love and gratitude enrich every aspect of our lives. The better we care for ourselves, the better we feel, and the more we are able to care for others. When we love and accept ourselves unconditionally, we are able to offer the same to others. This February, let's shine the light on love and watch it ripple out across the world! The four of us took turns as we circled the table to choose our word for the year ahead. This ritual began on a brilliant New Year's Day with the sparkling sea before us. The words from our circle were SPACE, CREATIVITY, LAUGHTER and SPONTANEITY.
Although it is done with the lightest of hearts, we take our words quite seriously – like an anchor that reminds us where we are and keeps us steady when there is no horizon in sight. Our words bring us back to our clearest intention. For me, it feels so liberating to choose what I'd like to feel more of and invite it into my everyday life. Without any further adieu, I present to you my word for 2024: CREATE. This word came to me after a really challenging year. One filled with more challenges and setbacks than I could count on both hands. Conflict pushes us out of our comfort zone and can be our greatest teacher. Though we may not understand it at the time, I believe that life is always supporting our journey. This past year was a huge reminder that I can meet the challenges that come my way, even when it feels like I can't. But most importantly, how can I make it better? How can I create a scenario of less suffering and adapt to the changes with more ease? In what ways can I take better care of myself both emotionally and physically? Yet again, I realized that it's our perspective on things that matter most. I can make things harder on myself, or I can create a different picture. One in which I am okay with the way things are and that no matter what, I'm always moving in the direction of my dreams. The life I am creating won't be without struggles, but I can rest in the knowing that there is calm beneath the waves, sunshine on the other side of the clouds and an anchor that connects me to my purpose. Have you chosen your word for 2024? If you haven't yet, there's still time – making it the perfect opportunity to align with your heart! What is it you'd like to invite more of into your daily life? I'd love to hear! "The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams." ~ Oprah WinfreyThe start of a new year brings many gifts: a new beginning, a fresh start, looking back and letting go, new goals or maybe a new vision. What does the start of this new year mean for you? As I began to think about "envisioning a new year," what kept coming up was "to dream." We were so good at dreaming when we were kids. When we felt free to explore, wonder and be all that we could be. When you are a child, the dreamer is very strong within you. The imagination is limitless, and nearly anything is possible. Do you remember thinking you might fly? Maybe you dreamed of being a singer in a rock band, or maybe it was a dancer, an actor or an astronaut. Then, at some point, life became serious. There was work to be done, and there was less time and a little less desire to imagine what was possible. As adults, we tend to layer on responsibility, work, family, personal and perceived obligations, leaving little or no time to DREAM. Yet, at the beginning of everything we do lives a dream, and we would not be given a dream if we were not given the wherewithal to make it come true. Dreams are like guide posts softly whispering your innermost desires. They are the spark that ignites the soul and leads you toward your goal where you find yourself exactly where you are meant to be, doing exactly what you love to be doing. Is it time to awaken the dreamer within? I invite you to carve out a quiet space in your home. I find the ritual of lighting a candle to be calming, steadying and helps to turn the awareness inward. Sitting on a comfy chair or pillow, let your dreamer know she has no boundaries. Your dreamer is free to imagine, believe, investigate and be curious. The dreamer doesn't waste time worrying about the outcome. There are new questions to ask and new answers to be lived through the simple acts of daily living. Ask your dreamer:
The dreamer is the part of you that knows no boundaries. The dreamer is the coming together of all that you are – your physical self, your mind and emotions, your spirit – everything that you are! Together, let's celebrate the innermost light of our hopes and dreams and know that, as Paulo Coelho shared, "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it." Real cooking is more about following your heart than following recipes!
December brings us the holy season of light for those who celebrate Christmas or Hanukah. It is a time of giving, celebrations and often a growing to-do list as we go about creating a special holiday for our loved ones. The winter season for me has always inspired a turning inward and a settling in, a time of reflection for true meaning beyond the glitter, ribbon and wrapping. A time many of us come together to give thanks, praise and remember the holiness that is our life. As I begin the process of decorating, organizing and shopping, I am moved to open a well-worn book with its faded cover that belonged to my late mother-in-law. Sifting through her favorite recipes as I trace their faded edges, it is as if I am beside her at the kitchen island, gold-rimmed glasses resting just above her nose, her hands moving in rhythm as she strokes, samples and stirs. Copper pots and pans simmer with the glow of fresh vegetables, garlic sizzling and butter gently sautéing. My mouth waters as the mushrooms pop and the meat marinades, each bite more delicious than the first. A conversation about the littlest of things makes for tender moments and a day I would live all over again. In this kitchen, recipes and love brought family and devoted friends together year after year. There are countless memories of Christmas past and special gatherings. Like a story being retold, memories come alive within its well-worn pages dotted with cooking oil, faded coffee ring stains, her handwritten notes in the margins, the recipes she doubled, the dinners prepared for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning; food has the unique ability to capture moments in time. It is in remembering these tender moments that I feel the passage of time as it wraps around me like a collection of years. Each recipe is more than a memory but rather ingredients for a sweet, simple, yet rich and satisfying life. As we enter this special season, may you hold in your heart that which is most dear and everlasting! Decembers Gifts
After all, it is what we share that lives on! Dear friends, 2023 will soon be in the rearview mirror. It has been a year filled with growth and discomfort. There have been so many beautiful moments and so many challenging ones. The closing of another year often stirs up emotions deep within and long ago. Memories of those no longer with us, thinking we need to recreate the "perfect holiday," another year ending, JOY for all the good and the many blessings that fill our daily lives or sheer relief that '23 is over!!! Nonetheless, it is a place in time when we have the chance to reflect on the year past and plan for the one ahead. What are some of the things that you remember as your favorite moments? Are there things you wish you could change? What is it you would like to bring with you into 2024? A December tradition in my home is to watch one of my favorite movies, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” If you haven’t seen it in some time, I hope you will be open to the magic of its message. George Bailey grows up in the small town of Bedford Falls, determined to make something of his life. He experiences every setback imaginable and wishes he were never born – to which his Angel steps in and gives him his wish – he is able to see life without him in it. He is terrified, deeply saddened and will do anything to have his precious life back. We often don’t see the impact we have on others and to the world around us. I hope you will take the time this sacred season to remember your goodness, remember what matters most and honor your commitment to living your “It’s a wonderful life!" The Way Forward
by Yung Pueblo You are seeing the results of your commitment and the power of your courage; the fact that your mind feels lighter shows you that you are moving in the right direction you are entering into a better life where your reactions are less intense and your mind has more flexibility and determination everything is not perfect; there are still challenges and times of struggle but you are learning not to let the down moments define you and you are more gracefully embracing change the inward journey has sparked your evolution opened your perspective to a new level of clarity and each connection you cherish now has new depth but the journey is not over as you prepare yourself for another period of growth with your highest goals in mind and the truth you feel; your inner wisdom will show you the way forward |
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