THE FRUIT OF LOVE BEGINS WITH THE SEED OF HOPE!
Before the month begins, you see the signs of it.. the burgeoning hearts, the splashes of red in everything, the lush, the lust, the fullness of the upcoming Valentine's rush. A cynic would laugh at the profiteering of it all. After all, love is meant to be enduring and the shenanigans leading up to "the day" need often to be simply endured. Yet, in many ways, I find this focus on the expression of love, heartwarming. Although it is simply a day to celebrate, the lead up is filled with thoughts and feelings about the 'other' - anticipation, excitement, nervousness ... in short HOPE.
Read MoreEvery day we make decisions and choices, sometimes, with thoughtful consideration and often, simply as a reaction. This year, I plan to make more deliberate choices that are inline with the ideas of self. The secret to making good decision is to not mix values and facts. Yet, in real life, the line between value and perception (therefore relative fact) can easily become blurred. To maintain a sense of clarity, I suggest finding the answers to two questions. The answers to these may not be simple, and, may change with time and experience. Yet, they do provide an insightful and grounded base to start the journey from.
What can you ANCHOR INTO?
What can you LET GO?
Read MoreWhat are you looking forward to this season?
Every year, I feel a desire to spend this time in slowing down, going within rather than out, resting - a desire to ground, cherish and root. So, this year, I decided, I just would do that. I am going to listen to what I and my family need and want and flow with that. That means, I may be baking scones with my kids because she wants to, not because I feel I need to bake something to post. Or, decorating the house over several days mindfully and/or not putting up many decorations at all. It means not spending money to create experiences but rejoicing in what we already have and holding together what matters most, intentionally. It doesn't mean I don't plan special projects; it means having the ability to let go of a plan when it doesn't feel right, and, to simply stay present and alive.
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