Despite all that moves in the other direction, even amidst a world with a fast pace to a certain, yet unknown destination, I feel compelled to slow down and pay attention.  I find myself noticing things for the very first time, whether it is the refreshing scent of my fingers after peeling an orange, or something deep within myself that I never saw before. In each new environment, each new moment, what I always come back to is a new understanding of myself. It's as if all that is around me, the people, places, events, and opportunities, are all mirrors showing me different pieces of myself. How I respond to these outer experiences reflects where I am with myself.  Do I react quickly out of a place of anger? Or do I stay present and aware, breathing and coming back to love? Do I make assumptions, or do I ask questions to seek understanding? Do I criticize and/or judge myself, or do feel trust and confidence in myself?  Asking questions like these has helped me to understand myself in a way that is deep, vast and enlivening.

As a new year begins to unfold around us, I embrace this opportunity to check in with myself'; look at the different parts of my life and notice what's there.  Letting go of the reflex to judge or criticize, and just embrace all that I am.  With a deep and grounded relationship with myself, I choose new commitments that I feel will support my growth, and I re-evaluate old patterns that may be stifling me.

Remembering I can always come back to breath, connect in with what I feel my Source is and know it is all good. Life is not something to move through with fear, anger or misery.  Life is to be loved, and we are meant to love.

Like I tree, I yearn to for strong roots, connecting me to my Source.  With a sturdy trunk, helping me to stand tall. With branches that reach up, up, up, stretching towards the light without a question or doubt as to where or how. If an acorn ever knew the job that lay ahead, do you think it would believe it would grow into an Oak tree?

In gratitude to all of you for moving along your journeys, spreading you love and light.  Shine on.