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Showing posts from December, 2023

New Year's Intentions - Commit to Yourself

Reflection and intention go hand-in-hand. We can't create strong intentions for the future without first reflecting on the past. Carve out a little quiet time for yourself to sit and think back on this year and all that is to come. As we near the end of the year, there's a palpable sense of excitement in the air. It's that time when we, our community, collectively pause, take a breath, and look back at the journey we've traversed in the past 365 days. Reflecting on the past year isn't just a nostalgic exercise; it's a powerful tool that helps us move forward. Reflection is like taking a good look in the mirror, not just to see our reflection but to understand how we've grown, where we stumbled, and where we soared. It's not about dwelling on mistakes but acknowledging the lessons we've learned. Each moment of the past year holds stories, lessons, and earned wisdom that shape our lives. It's a chance to grasp the essence of our experiences and app...

The Holiday Dilemma: Finding Balance Between Nature's Call and Cultural Hustle

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Nature is cyclical. She has four distinct seasons: spring of new growth, summer of growing strong, fall of propagation, and winter of rest. I recently heard an interview with Kate Northrup Watts that really stuck with me. She ta lked about the power of marrying one's year with nature's seasons. Most of us naturally feel drawn to some seasonal cycle, especially feelings of rest and reflection as we get deeper into winter. Unfortunately, the western world and capitalism drive a year-round season of growth. This contrast between nature and culture has stuck with me the past couple of weeks as I reflect on my own tendencies. "Four Seasons" by Jo Anne Wyatt This December, I've particularly noticed a contrast between the subtle whispers of nature, urging me to be still, rest, reflect, sit and create, and the resounding culture of festivity and commerce. I think this contrast is heightened by being an artist and small business owner for the first time. Everything I...

What Are Your Core Values?

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In the bustling journey of life, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities, expectations, and daily routines. We often find ourselves in a constant state of juggling, attempting to balance our personal, professional, and social lives along with our own personal hobbies and alone time. This year I was introduced to the concept of core values, or one's non-negotiables in life, and I've come to understand that one of the most transformative steps you can take is to identify and prioritize your top 3-5 core values.  What are core values, you might wonder? They are those non-negotiables, beliefs, or principles that you hold dear, which act as guiding stars, illuminating your path and shaping your choices. They give your life meaning and are what you give back to the world when you are at your best. These core values are the fundamental building blocks upon which you construct the life you want, providing a strong foundation on which to stand, even when life...

Why You Should Know Your Core Values

Is it already December!? This year has blown by and the New Year is right around the corner. With the New Year comes New Year's resolutions. Over the next month, and whenever you're planning personal resolutions or goals, I challenge you to align them with your core values.  What are core values, you might wonder? They are those non-negotiables, beliefs, or principles that you hold dear, which act as guiding stars, illuminating your path and shaping your choices. They give your life meaning and are what you give back to the world when you are at your best. These core values are the fundamental building blocks upon which you construct the life you want, providing a strong foundation on which to stand, even when life's storms come rolling in.  It's important to know your core values so you can live with more intention, authenticity, and achieve greater fulfillment. Here we delve into the value of knowing your core values.  1. Clarity in Decision-Making: Non-negotiables ar...