Hello sweet friend,
Happy New Year! I see winter as a time for reflection, rest, and rejuvenation. At least that’s what most non-humans do in these cold dark days. I certainly feel drawn to those things, though it can be hard to find the time to do that. So I have made a little personal tradition that helps me.
As you may know, I choose a word every January to clarify my intentions for the year ahead. I have been doing this for many years now (“Trust” for 2012, “Alive” for 2013, “Fly” for 2014, “Space” for 2015, “Thrive” in 2016, “Awakening” for 2017, “Devoted to Intuition” for 2018, “SOAR” for 2019, “Quality” for 2020, and “Receive” for 2021, “Clarity” for 2022, and “Integrate” in 2023). I never quite know how this word will shape my year, but I do KNOW that it works. So I try to choose my words carefully (or rather, they choose me).
Last year, I did certainly integrate things - my newly limited vision, my relationships, my aspirations, and my overall perspective as a middle-aged woman. I was honored to be a part of supporting many people through big life losses and challenges this year. And through that service, I was gifted an understanding of how I have integrated all the experiences of my life. It was certainly humbling at times, but also empowering and healing.
I’ve been really inspired by these experiences of being a witness to other’s sorrow and holding space for it. I spent a lot of time in nature to grieve and compost what I couldn’t hold myself.
I also had the great joy of teaching more this year than ever. And the truth I took away from this is that kids and animals have it figured out. There is a timeless and profound connection between children, animals, and the natural world.
Children, in their unfiltered innocence and boundless curiosity, embody the untamed spirit of nature. I think it’s because they are still so close to source having just come into this world. Their unbridled enthusiasm for exploring the outdoors, playing in the mud, or marveling at the intricacies of just about anything reflects the primal connection that humans have with the Earth. As they engage with the environment, children effortlessly tap into their intuitive understanding of the natural world, reminding us of the simplicity and wonder that often elude the adult mind. In them, I have found some of my greatest teachers.
I also had the great joy of teaching more this year than ever. And the truth I took away from this is that kids and animals have it figured out. There is a timeless and profound connection between children, animals, and the natural world.
Children, in their unfiltered innocence and boundless curiosity, embody the untamed spirit of nature. I think it’s because they are still so close to source having just come into this world. Their unbridled enthusiasm for exploring the outdoors, playing in the mud, or marveling at the intricacies of just about anything reflects the primal connection that humans have with the Earth. As they engage with the environment, children effortlessly tap into their intuitive understanding of the natural world, reminding us of the simplicity and wonder that often elude the adult mind. In them, I have found some of my greatest teachers.
I have found it in connections with animals too. Whether it's the loyal companionship of a pet or the enchanting encounters with wildlife, animals have an uncanny ability to evoke a sense of awe and humility in us. Their non-judgmental presence and authentic love serve as a grounding force, urging us to shed the complexities of our adult lives and reconnect with our primal instincts. I had many sweet grounding encounters with birds, bees, deer, and more last year and I was really changed by those meetings.
Animals and kids mirror the qualities we often forget in our fast-paced lives – living in the present moment, embracing simplicity, and finding joy in the little things. I really can’t think of any better reminders for adults to tap into their own inner wild. By embracing this connection, we can rekindle our innate bond with nature, fostering a harmonious coexistence that benefits not only ourselves but the entire planet.
This is the focus of my new artwork – two new collections I have made focused on the gifts and lessons from animals and children. You can check out all of the new designs in my gallery.
I am (as always) a little leery about choosing my word for 2024. But the underlying nudge that seems to be rising up in me is really simple and maybe a little cliché. But I’m going with it. My word of the year for 2024 is….
LOVE.
Pure and simple. I think it’s what the world needs most. It seems like what I want to focus on for the new year - how I can give more love, exude a loving energy in all I do, and hopefully receive a little more love too. I am calling it in.
And because I recognize that I am NOT in control here, I’d like to respectfully request that the universe keep my friends, family and loved ones safe and healthy. Although I know hitting rock bottom is one way, none of us need to have catastrophe strike for me to find love. Thank you very much.
So what does that look like for how I will serve you?
Here are a few of the projects I am working on manifesting:
- New art -designed to remind us of what pure love looks like. – Available NOW!
- Retreats: I am planning to hold two this year as I feel like this is a real LOVE of mine. Watch for updates on dates and times!
- Summer camps for kids – Such a joy to spend a couple weeks every summer with your sweets kiddos.
- Adult classes – focused on fostering creativity and connection.
- Selling originals and doing a more shows again this year!
- Illustrating more books! I love this type of collaboration and I have more of them in the works.
- Expanding my reach through collaborations with like-minded people and organizations.
- And of course, staying open and receptive to the opportunities that present themselves through connections with people like you!
Thank you so much for following along on my creative journey. I wish you a year full of healing, inspiration, and powerful restoration! If you hold any ceremony or tradition around the new year, please share in the comments below.
PS: As often happens this time of year, I am writing this as we approach Martin Luther King Jr. day. Over the past several years, I have gained some clarity the racial injustice that is rampant in our country and my privilege, upbringing, and denial. This is the kind of clarity and integration that I am so grateful for and welcome more of in the year ahead. I want to face this with love for all living things. I am committed to gaining more clarity so that I can make choices and actions that start to correct these wrongs.