Sacred Intentions

The winter solstice is the darkest and longest night of the year. But once that night is over, we begin to move back toward the light as the days gradually begin to lengthen once more. The winter solstice reminds us that if we can survive the darkness, the light will always return. This can also be said about the experiences in our lives, for even when things appear at their darkest, there is always a flicker of light and hope within us. Reflecting upon this inner light, we can help bring forth our hopes and visions for the future. And the best way to do this is by setting our sacred intentions. Sacred intentions are what we hope for or want to have happen in the coming year. They are sacred because they come from our hearts and souls rather than from our intellects. We feel their importance within us and know they are the very things we want to create next in our lives. The winter solstice, when we come through the darkness and into the light, is a powerful time for setting our sacred intentions.

Love with Your Heart Wide Open

Spending time with the different people in our lives can teach us many life lessons. But the one I want to focus on today is the importance of loving people wherever they are at on their lives’ journeys. During the holiday season, many of us spend more time with families, friends, co-workers, or neighbors than we usually do. And even if our time with them is limited, many of them are still on our minds. Whether we are scanning the aisles in desperate search for the perfect gift (Christmas sweater, anyone?) or pondering why Grandma’s fruitcake is still on the menu, friends and families are a part of our lives – although sometimes, spending time with them can be challenging. When things don’t go as planned, we find ourselves feeling frustrated and disappointed. But, the people in our lives are who they are. So, that’s why it is so important to show them as much acceptance and love as we can.

The Language of Love

During this busy holiday season, many of us want to show our family and friends how much we care. We may buy them expensive gifts, cook a special dinner, make a homemade craft, or plan fun holiday festivities. Whatever we choose to do, our ultimate goal is to let them know they are loved. But, perhaps before we buy those gifts or cook that dinner, we should take a look at Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages. In this book, Dr. Chapman explains that all of us express and experience love in one of five different “love languages.” The five languages are: physical touch, receiving gifts, acts of service, words of affirmation, and quality time. Usually, people give love in the same way that they want to receive it. But, that’s not always the best way for those closest to us to experience love, which is why learning the love languages of our family and friends is so important. Once we learn how our family and friends want to receive love, we can show it to them in the ways that mean the most to them. They will feel valued, appreciated, and above all, truly loved.

The Healing Power Within You

Over the last few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to give presentations about my latest book, The Refuge. I love sharing my story with audiences and listening to their feedback as well as answering their questions. It’s always a fun experience. Sometimes, even after the event is over, a particular question will continue to resonate with me. I had this happen just a few days ago. A woman had asked me if I had ever experienced a great loss similar to that of my main character, Anna Waters. In reply, I shared about a loss that was very personal to me – the loss of myself years ago – which opened up a whole new conversation about wounds and healing. The woman went on to say that she could tell my writing and my life were very closely connected. When I got home that evening, the woman’s question re-entered my mind. As I pondered it further, I was reminded of the important role writing played in my healing process. Many years ago, I decided to write a book with its sole purpose to help me heal, and it did just that. I never intended to publish the book, and I never did. But writing that book also helped me realize my deep love for writing. It even turned out to be the catalyst for my future writing endeavors – even though they wouldn’t materialize for more than ten years.

Hidden Gems

This past week, I had the privilege of connecting with many different people while presenting at the Local Author Night at Barnes and Noble as well as facilitating a local circling group. It was great seeing friends and former colleagues in attendance, but it was also fun meeting new people and listening to their stories. These experiences reminded me of the important role connections play in our lives – both our connections with others as well as our connections with ourselves.

Sacred Intentions

Love with Your Heart Wide Open

The Language of Love

The Healing Power Within You

Hidden Gems

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