Happy New Year & New Year Blessings to you!
I am that person who believes I can say “happy new year” the entire month of January as long as it is my first time seeing someone for the year. In this case, it has been much longer than a year. I have not kept up with my mailing list. For some reason, it was on my mind, so this shout out comes with my gratitude and my very best wishes for you for the upcoming year.
Whether you are new to the list or whether you have been around since the beginning, I am grateful for your support. I am grateful for every kind thought and deed, every word of constructive critique and encouragement, every like, every share, every book sold, every invitation, every engagement, every smile, every Every… I believe in energy and its power to propel us forward or hold us back. I am grateful to everyone and everything that helps me to move forward with my dreams and goals, my life.
(Florence, Italy - August 2024)
I've had a much busier year than I expected, but it is definitely a year to remember. I traveled extensively to Wyoming, Denver, New Orleans, Italy. I have met amazing people and artists and writers on my journeys and seen beautiful sights. I have rekindled old friendships, surrendered to mentorship, and discovered lost family members that I never thought I would find. I celebrated the 80th birthday of an elder and began recording the legacies of my ancestry. I have done all this with love and support and resources that I did not know I had.
(Denver, Colorado - October 2024)
The funny thing is that the whole year I wondered if I were doing enough. Even when I was exhausted, I wondered if I needed to take on more. There were moments when I simply felt that I was not getting enough done on my never ending list.
Before setting my sights on 2025, I decided to sit down and literally record in writing every thing that I considered to be an accomplishment or milestone for the year. I recorded any and every thing that I muster in my memory. I perused my calendars and agendas and photo files for reminders. I jotted down everything until I drew a blank. I put the pen down, took a deep breath, and read through the list silently. I was surprised. I laughed at myself when I wondered how I could possibly complete all of this in a year. I took a deep breath and reminded myself: I am enough. I am exactly where I need to be. I am doing “the thing…”
(Ucross, Wyoming - May 2024
It is so easy to get caught up in the agendas and successes or even the illusions of others and what they have accomplished. Sometimes we push ourselves to a fault or to undue stress and even illness. Before diving into a new list of “to do's” or a hefty resolution, take a moment to record your own wonders, wanders, and worth of the past year. Remind yourself that you are doing “the thing,” and there is always going to be more of “the thing” to do. Take a deep breath and let it all sink in and thank yourself for being you with whatever you have or have not done. Step into 2025 with this as your launch pad.
(Congo Square, New Orleans, Louisiana - December 2024)
Thank you again for all the support seen and unseen. I am wishing you your very best year yet.
As always,
Be Joyful,
Be Inspired,
Be Creative,
Tamara