Gratitude & Grace
I love this time of year. For me, the month of January has always been a time to slow down, refresh and reflect upon the previous year - the highs, lows and everything in between. We have endured plenty in 2020 - a devastating pandemic, social justice uprisings, and an anxiety ridden election.
It has always been my nature to find the light in times of struggle. What resonates with me the most from 2020 are the acts of compassion, inspiring stories and creative ideas put into action to enact positive change. This is how we evolve, and we are evolving. Sometimes growth is painful, yet I truly believe there is far more good in our world. This reminds me of a saying I often reflect upon:
“Compassion could not exist without suffering”
As part of my annual tradition to shift into the new year, I make it a point to find quiet time to write down all that I am grateful for from the previous year, often using my calendar to help remind me. When I do this, I am always amazed. So much happens in a year (even during a pandemic), and it’s so sweet to be reminded of my adventures and accomplishments.
When we shift into gratitude, and allow ourselves to embrace it as a feeling, we experience grace. To me, grace is the exercise of love, kindness and mercy, cultivated from within. When we awaken into grace, everyone in our sphere of influence benefits.
With this, my wish for you is to make your gratitude list. Before doing so, go through your calendar for the reminders. Then, take some quiet time, slow down, breathe, and close your eyes. Take just 2 minutes (everyone has 2 minutes!) to ask yourself the following questions:
What have I learned about myself this past year?
How am I evolving as a person?
How can I better cultivate this forward into 2021?
If you took the time to do this, then in all likelihood, you feel better. Whether or not you decide to cultivate anything into 2021 is a choice only you can make -I hope you do!
I am optimistic about 2021. Sure, there are challenges ahead, and we will get through them. For the first time, my intentions for next year are not physical. I don't want anything. Rather, they are all internal experiences - greater depths of love, connection, community, collaboration, romance, laughter, success, and fun! More will be revealed as the year unfolds. For now, see below for upcoming events.
Blessings of love, health and abundance in 2021!