“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” -E.E. Cummings
“Accepting oneself does not preclude an attempt to become better.” -Flannery O’Connor
Well, that’s a wrap on 2017.
We are slowly emerging from a full week of hibernation. The days between Christmas and New Year’s are my favorite. It is a precious blank space -- an open, clean, white block on our calendar. We drop off the grid as coaches, neighbors, friends and business owners. It is a sacred and restorative time for our family’s mental and emotional well-being.
This year my winter reset was especially significant. It was a time of deep healing. The past year was full of shifting and growth. I learned to let go but also to hold on. I am entering 2018 with a renewed sense of courage to try out this updated version of myself.
I am excited to get back out there.
During this time, I have also missed my people. My husband, kids and dog are the nucleus of my entire world, but there is a gaping void when I am removed from my community for too long. It is a primal need. My world is full of people who help bring out the fire in my soul. I am ready for walks, talks, workouts, projects and lots of laughs in 2018.
Below I will highlight some of my favorite discoveries from my time in hibernation--souvenirs, if you will. I am currently working on my vision board for 2018, and words such as nature, art, play, reading, writing and connecting will be visible themes. To go along with my intention to love more, we might just see a surprising addition of hugging. I got soft in 2017.
Souvenirs from Hibernation:
Books:
Mystery and Manners: Occasional Prose by Flannery O’Connor 4/5 Stars
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living A Good Life by Mark Manson 5/5 Stars
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward 5/5 Stars
The Way Forward is With a Broken Heart by Alice Walker 4/5 Stars
The Chicken Chronicles: Sitting with Angels Who Have Returned with my Memories by Alice Walker 4/5 Stars (listened to the audio tape)
Podcast:
“Ear Hustle” 6/5 Stars (I have missed this podcast every day since we finished it.)
Music:
“Waitress”(Original Broadway Cast Recording) 5/5 Stars
Films:
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri 4.5/5 Stars
The Shape of Water 5/5 Stars
Lady Bird 5/5 Stars
Documentaries:
Finding Vivian Maier ⅘ Stars
Art:
Jeffrey Stoner Photography. 5/5 Stars.
My life is better because of his work.
Golda Fried. 5/5 Stars.
My friend and co-worker has been producing some amazing work over the break. I marvel at her talent.
Favorite Hike:
Elk Knob State Park - Summit Trail 5/5 Stars
Nature
Art
Play
Love
Grow
Farewell 2017
