2021: A Year In Pictures
Did 2021 feel paradoxical to you in perplexing ways? Vaccines protected us. Life, in some ways, returned to a new normal. Yet this month we jumped from “D” to “O” in the Covid calamity. At least in Florida, we name hurricanes both alphabetically and chronologically. Days dragged, months meandered (not possible but y’all know by now how much I love alliteration!), and we are about to embark on a new year.
I rarely send two emails in one week and appreciate you welcoming another message from me into your inbox! A picture, or multiple, is truly worth a thousand words. I find photography both inspirational and meditative. And hope you enjoy some snapshots of this wacky, wild, and wonderful year.
Most of all, thank you for joining my journey. For showing up here in this space, online, and in conversation. I appreciate you more than words can effectively and efficiently express. As we set our intentions and reflect on 2021, please scroll through this entire email for a “Year in Pictures.”
With inner commitment, I finished my manuscript this year. An invigorating labor of persistence and passion. I dove deep into edits and revisions. But also gave myself permission to pause, which is tough for me! The words began to flow, and I met my goal. My book baby will be born soon. And I can’t wait to share it with you.
I am beyond grateful for the amazing people that joined me in conversation this year – LIVE! I appreciate our candid and soulful discussions on Every Soul Has A Story.
Thank you to all of these gracious guests–Jenn Bouchard, Julie Chan, Melissa Face, Robin Farmer, Jennifer Nayak Feldman, Jackie Friedland, Leslie Hooton, Zameer Kassam, Ronit Plank, Leslie Rasmussen, Brett Rose, Grace Sammon, Eric Trope, and Ali Wenzke.
Rocky’s soul traveled over the rainbow bridge this year. We will love him forever and know that he shines his unconditional love on us every day. And now we continue to love our two other dogs, Izzy and Auggie, with snuggles, hugs, and belly rubs.
Many moments spent with family this year. A few staycations in the tranquil Keys, kayaking and spotting manatees. We drove to and from our home in South Florida. We adventured together to Bar Harbor, Maine. The four of us basked in the ocean breeze and gazed at light houses. We surprised our daughter with a weekend in the Music City. I walked down memory lane at my alma mater, Indiana University. And we visited our home away from home in Vermont. I am grateful for health, travel, and the gift of time.
Soul Story (noun / sohl sto•ry) A feeling or thought that inspires me.
Are you ever captivated by a stunning scene, simple pleasure, or breathtaking realization?
I am thankful for these unexpected moments. I shared realizations and inspirations throughout the year via this brief video platform! And hope these short, spontaneous clips have resonated with you in some small way.
Click here for my most recent soul story–and last of the year!
Women from across the country gathered online for the first “Soul Gathering Space.” Empathy, honesty, and compassion connected us. I provided a weekly, thematic prompt from which we dove deep—together. I had high hopes for our meetings, but honestly had no idea the immense impact we’d collectively feel.You showed up for yourselves and for each other. Your vulnerability, trust, and open sharing inspired me. Carving an hour in the evening is no easy feat. I honor your commitment and kind hearts. Many of you have reached out requesting we reconvene–I have another theme percolating for February. Stay tuned for our next series in 2022!Strangers can and do become friends.
Grateful for each of you.
I am humbled by and grateful for communication in all its forms. As the featured speaker in May on the Bookish Road Trip, I spoke with author Julie Valerie about Essence, Truth, and Authenticity in storytelling (and life). I love this inclusive, connective group. Check it out if you haven’t already!
My essay, “I Needed to Get Back to Caring for Myself, But First I Needed to Get Out of My Pajamas” was published on Moms Don’t Have Time to Write. You can read it here. And my final article on Medium was published earlier this week.
It’s titled “This Time Last Year.” If you missed it, kindly click here.
And then there was the day that social media broke. We celebrated and recalibrated in the pause. It was a defining moment for some. A shift in perspective for others. A much-needed break for all of us.
How will you choose to live in 2022?
Thanks for joining me on this wild ride called life. Wishing you a healthy, happy, and hopeful New Year. Let’s continue to connect in 2022!