Happy New Year!

“Just a reminder that you don’t have to make resolutions. Or huge decisions. Or big proclamations. You can just set some sweet intentions and take each day as it comes.” 
 
I was surprised by the relief I felt reading the above Facebook post written by Barbara Bos in Women Writers, Women [’s] Books on January 1. I hadn’t realized how worked up I’d become approaching the new year. My inbox was flooded with “self-improvement” invitations and opportunities. 

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The day before seeing Barbara’s post I’d read an article written by an eminent psychologist who explained that our brains are receptive to change this time of year. The same clean slate phenomenon applies to Monday mornings and the first day of each month. But since a new year only comes along once every 365 days, it felt extra important to act!
 
My mind fired with possibilities, exploring numerous ways I’d like to serve my clients and students in the new year, along with making time for my own writing and personal healing goals. 
 
This was fine until my inner taskmaster snuck in, pressed the pedal to the metal, ramped up the speed, and drove me bonkers for a couple days.
 
By the time I slowed down and figured out what happened, I realized how common it is for the desire for change to stem from lack, fear, or both. Our minds have a way of hijacking us with a brutal, unconscious agenda to always do and be more! I got sucked into this lie—again. The self-help industry has made billions capitalizing on these vulnerable emotions.
 
But what if we’re okay the way we are? What if love and joy motivated our choices, our creative process, and our transformations? What might that look like? What does it feel like to navigate writing and life from the inside out?
 
These questions are the heart of my work. I’m fascinated by how to connect with, navigate, and express from the place within that is spacious and wise. 

I’m offering two free live Zoom events this month:

WRITE WHERE YOU ARE OPEN CIRCLE
Thursday, January 20, 2022, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. PST
This event is free but please R.S.V.P.
 
This is a free sample class that will give you a taste of what it’s like to work with me. Whether you’re a published author, an aspiring author, a journal writer, or you’re writing for healing, transformation, and growth—or all three—or if you don’t even think of yourself as a writer, but feel called to write, my circles are safe, intimate, creative containers where miracles happen. The best way to understand what goes on here is to experience it! If you’re curious, join us. And please let me know a.s.a.p. so I can add your name to the list. This group is limited to the first eight people who R.S.V.P.

ONLINE LITERARY SALON
Come hear my students read their work!
Saturday, January 22, 2022, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. PST
Free and open to the public, but please R.S.V.P.
 

Year-End Reflections
 
In 2021, I enjoyed Sunday afternoon drives with my husband; hanging out on the front porch with my daughter after work; daily spiritual practices; neighborhood walks; visits to local gardens and private swimming pools (thanks to the “Swimply” app); late weekend lunches at sparsely populated restaurants (outdoors); quiet evenings reading by the fire; and late nights watching Netflix. 
 
There was also Covid stress, the relatively sudden loss of Jim’s brother to brain cancer, grief, and fear—guests who show up unannounced and uninvited but have things to teach me. I also did pelvic floor physical therapy and finally moved beyond the chronic bladder infections that came on two weeks after the pandemic started and stuck around for over a year. I’m grateful to be feeling better.
 
Professionally, launching my new book, Where Do You Hang Your Hammock: Finding Peace of Mind While You Write, Publish, and Promote Your Book, was a highlight. I appeared on almost twenty podcasts; I wrote and published a couple dozen articles and blog posts; and my teaching and coaching practices expanded. I gave talks to four different writers’ organizations about finding peace of mind while navigating the writing life. 
 
My students and coaching clients were, as always, remarkable blessings. I’m thankful that I get to work with smart, sensitive, and insightful people. I learn from and am inspired by them every day. I’ll be starting three new classes at the end of January. Enrollment is limited to 8 participants in each class. These seats fill quickly. Claim your spot today!  
 
My most recently released podcast interview is with author Mag Dimond on the Bowing to Elephants podcast. Mag is a world traveler, a spiritual warrior, and a wise matriarch. In this episode we discuss:

• The difference between “knowing in the mind” and “knowing in the body”
• How to finally write that manuscript (that’s stuck in your head)
• Struggling with anxiety and persevering
• Great influencers like Pablo Neruda, John Kabat-Zinn, and others

Listen here. 

Yesterday, I bought myself a greeting card at CVS that says “Faith, Hope, and Love . . .  The greatest of these is love.” I’ve always liked this quote from 1 Corinthians, and my prayer today is that we connect with the faith, hope, and love that reside within, and allow ourselves to feel and share these blessings as much as possible in 2022. 
 
I’m wishing you and your family a healthy, happy new year filled with light and love.
 
Thanks for being part of my journey.