Every Christmas my husband puts up three trees from our woods on our deck with white lights. We have bird feeders on our slider door so the birds fly to the trees and feed from the feeders. We watch them all winter and keep the trees up until spring. Our grandchildren love watching them too. I get so much joy from watching nature, how unique and special it is. It grounds me, makes me get my mind off myself, and appreciate God’s creation.
So resonant, Michelle! I connect with the artist within. It reminds me how during my medical training, when immersed in a left brain world, artistic expression became even more important for balance
I completely agree—nurturing artistic expression can be such a meaningful way to stay grounded amidst the demands of medicine. Out of curiosity, was this something you turned to during training or early in your career, or did it come later for you?
Beautiful writing, Michelle! I really enjoy reading your reflections when they pop up in my email.
Reconnection, to me, means finding the magic, not in a new year, but in each hour, minute, moment and with each person I meet in my day.
“Talking with strangers” keeps reappearing as my mission for this year. I am wondering if once one is reconnected oneself (or is that a lifelong process of maintenance and evolution, eh?) does it opens more doors for connection with others, and if so, will those connections somehow be different? That’s my exploration for this year, this hour, minute, moment.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Danielle! I love your perspective on reconnection and the magic of being present in each moment. ‘Talking with strangers’ as a mission is such a beautiful way to nurture connection and curiosity—it reminds me of how those unexpected conversations can often be the most meaningful while at home or with travel. I agree that reconnection with oneself feels like an ongoing process, and perhaps it deepens our ability to connect authentically with others. I’m so inspired by your exploration and can’t wait to hear what unfolds for you this year. P.S. I love your sunrise photos—they brighten my day!
Every Christmas my husband puts up three trees from our woods on our deck with white lights. We have bird feeders on our slider door so the birds fly to the trees and feed from the feeders. We watch them all winter and keep the trees up until spring. Our grandchildren love watching them too. I get so much joy from watching nature, how unique and special it is. It grounds me, makes me get my mind off myself, and appreciate God’s creation.
I love this so much, Aunt Crissy! I never knew about this tradition. It’s so beautiful!
Love your statement about not trying to be someone else this new year, but embracing who we are!
Thank you! It’s a reminder I’m holding close this year. So freeing and powerful!
Love your vision board Shelly. Great visual that brings joy!
Thank you so much! Beth and I had so much fun making ours together ❤️
Just requested the book from my library.
That’s wonderful! I’m so glad you’ll be joining in. I can’t wait to hear about your thoughts and which recipes catch your eye!
Your vision board is wonderful and inspiring!
Thank you so much for your kind words! Creating it was such a meaningful process, and I’m so glad it resonated with you. Do you enjoy vision boarding?
So resonant, Michelle! I connect with the artist within. It reminds me how during my medical training, when immersed in a left brain world, artistic expression became even more important for balance
I completely agree—nurturing artistic expression can be such a meaningful way to stay grounded amidst the demands of medicine. Out of curiosity, was this something you turned to during training or early in your career, or did it come later for you?
a little of both...
Beautiful writing, Michelle! I really enjoy reading your reflections when they pop up in my email.
Reconnection, to me, means finding the magic, not in a new year, but in each hour, minute, moment and with each person I meet in my day.
“Talking with strangers” keeps reappearing as my mission for this year. I am wondering if once one is reconnected oneself (or is that a lifelong process of maintenance and evolution, eh?) does it opens more doors for connection with others, and if so, will those connections somehow be different? That’s my exploration for this year, this hour, minute, moment.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Danielle! I love your perspective on reconnection and the magic of being present in each moment. ‘Talking with strangers’ as a mission is such a beautiful way to nurture connection and curiosity—it reminds me of how those unexpected conversations can often be the most meaningful while at home or with travel. I agree that reconnection with oneself feels like an ongoing process, and perhaps it deepens our ability to connect authentically with others. I’m so inspired by your exploration and can’t wait to hear what unfolds for you this year. P.S. I love your sunrise photos—they brighten my day!