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I am a self-described New Year's junkie. I love this holiday perhaps more than any other day of the year. Goals thrill me. Resolutions make me giddy. The idea of change is, well, usually intoxicating.
And, yet, this year I decided to back off the New Year/New Me train completely. Instead of creating a long list of accomplishments to chase in the next 365 days, I set an intention instead: be more present in my life.
The reality is that my life is measured more accurately in school years than calendar years anyway. And this one has been a doozy. Many days I can't distinguish between the noise drowning us in the outside world (news of impeachment, worldwide tragedies, and shocking revelations) and the noise happening right in front of me (60+ kids with completely individual strengths, needs, and challenges). It just all feels hard some days, like a Rubik's Cube I'll never figure out.
It's a tricky moment and change is happening whether I like it or not. I feel the slow, sticky, stretching of time and I know we're standing squarely in the heart of a great transformation. With so much going on, ambitious resolutions have become cumbersome, voluntary shackles (you've seen those people who run with weights tied to their ankles, right? As if running isn't hard enough on its own!) And the only meaningful resolution I can make this year is to offer myself grace and ease as change descends. All chapters end. New ones begin. (If we allow them.)
All of that is to say, if you're feeling the unsettling winds of change, you're not alone. Remember, we don't have to be better in the new year. We don't have to be more accomplished.
We simply have to be better aligned with what matters in the end and what brings us joy in the right now.
Yoga & Writing Retreat at Bliss Farm (October 9-12th, 2020)
Sometimes, if you're lucky, a dream you've been chasing starts chasing you back, so while I can't predict the rest of this wild year, I'm delighted to share something lovely on the horizon. In October 2020, my dearest friend (and yoga teacher) Carri Uranga and I will be leading a yoga & writing retreat at the magnificent Bliss Farm in Asheville, NC.
Pricing and info are available on Carri's site, and we anticipate spots will go quickly. This will be a weekend of yoga, creative inspiration and farm-to-table living, complete with glamping (if you choose!)
Most exciting to me, however, is that we are offering a special scholarship opportunity for one deserving caregiver to join us. To nominate yourself or someone else, please complete the short application. We'll notify the lucky recipient on or before April 1st.
Take this opportunity to jumpstart creativity, continue a project, rekindle a passion or simply relish in the peaceful surroundings. Whatever your objective; whether you’re an existing writer, desire to become one or just want to escape for the weekend, there will be something for everyone!
Venmo and Paypal are accepted for deposit. $300 deposit holds your space. Final payment is due Sept 1, 2020. Please email with any questions.
My 2020 Bookshelf
Stop Missing Your Life by Cory Muscara
I've been waiting for months for this book to arrive and now that it's here, I am so eager to dive into a dialogue of what's real, what's missing, and how to find deep and authentic presence in everyday life. Cory is a former monk who spent six months in Burma living in silence. In this book, he offers practical techniques and meditations for cultivating mindfulness.
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
Talk about a book that's completely unputdownable. Edward is a 12-year-old boy and the sole survivor of a terrible plane crash in which he loses his family. The characters here are riveting, the writing is clean and so easily digestible, and I can't stop turning the page. Even better, Ann will be at East City Books on 1/27, to talk about it!
All My Silent Years by Rosemary Rawlins
I'm so proud to know Rosemary and to have stood on the sidelines as she conducted the years of research it took to write this extraordinary book. All My Silent Years is the story of a young Cambodian girl who, during a time of upheaval and dangerous political unrest, must learn to forgive herself for the law she broke to stay alive. This story, based on true accounts, is a tale of survival you won't forget soon.
Events and More
Tuesday, January 28th, 9AM
Tune into Good Day D.C. (Fox5) at 9AM for Transformation Tuesday. TC and I will be talking about the ways tragedy has remade our marriage and taught us everything about how to live.
Saturday, February 15th, 4PM
One of my favorite authors, Jill Santopolo, and I will be in conversation at East City Books to discuss the paperback release of her beautiful novel, More Than Words. Jill is also the author of the NY Times Bestseller, The Light We Lost. Come join us for a post-Valentine's conversation about heartbreak, loss, and the choices we make for love.
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