New year excitement

lessons and planning

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Greetings, sending wishes for a peaceful and happy new year! 

I'm now at 260 subscribers, and when I think about the fact that this post arrived in that many inboxes, I am confident that not all of you had a great holiday. I'm sending warm and lifting energy to anyone who may have struggled throughout this season. 

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It has been an exciting start to the new year. The last two weeks of 2023 were prolonged. I actually did what I had intended. I rested; what a concept! I slept and read and watched a few of my favorite Christmas movies. I cleaned my house and pruned the garden. We ate well, did a few jigsaw puzzles and spent time at the fire pit. All in all, I listened to my body and paced myself.

In contrast, this week has been full of activity, planning four different get-togethers with friends and family and a visit from our Fresno family next weekend. Typically, that would overwhelm me, but given that I did genuinely rest over Christmas, I'm enjoying meeting up with family and friends in the aftermath.

We took our tree down a few days ago. It was time as the needles were beginning to drop, but I felt reluctant, unwilling to relinquish the holiday spirit. Apparently, I'm not alone, given that our friends and family are still up for get-togethers.

I write a great deal about feelings. They contain our inner truths and also help us navigate our paths. What might the universe's message be to us as we begin this new year, reluctant to let go of the connection and community that is ever present during the holidays?

I don't know the answer, but I like how it feels.

On a personal note, had I not given myself a few weeks of rest, I likely would not be enjoying this week of rich festivity. An age-old lesson for me, the importance of balance, repeats itself. Perhaps I'm finally ready to embrace it?

With my lessons in tow, I'm thrilled to enter my second full year on Substack. My love affair with this platform and my readers continues to grow; yes, that's you! Thank you for your continued support. As I said recently, what would the point of writing be without my readers?

I've got some exciting projects coming up. What's in store?

Next week, we'll settle back into our Monday short thought for the week. And Friday, I have a lighthearted post I've been excited to write about my older half-sister Sharon and a Christmas present I received this year, complete with a funny video. The two topics are unrelated, but I will tie them together for this post.

Friday, the 19th, I will be posting an interview I conducted with fellow Substacker

Patricia Meier

about her recent book, Forever Five: Adventures of the Ladybug Hunter. The book chronicles the passing of her five-year-old daughter, Alexandra, from a brain tumor. While the story is heartbreaking, Patricia's book and this interview are full of wisdom and light. It was a joy and privilege to interview her. I'm excited to help her spread the word about this incredible book, a must-read for anyone grieving— actually, an excellent read for everyone, even if they aren't suffering, a story about life and loss and finding the light again.

At the end of the month, I will be working with Substack's

Sarah Fay

, taking advantage of her Succeed on Substack mentorship program. For my readers who are not Substack writers, Sarah has become the go-to on Substack for writers looking to improve and grow their sites. I am excited to learn from her and continue working to make the experience something you and I are enthusiastic to return to again and again.

Circling back, my latest lesson will be instrumental during this busy month… rest and balance between all the excitement will be necessary. Have a great weekend. Be back Monday.