As the cold, brittle, dead of winter begins to spring forth colors and warmth and the new year is well underway, I cannot help but acknowledge the symbolism of it. 2020 was a year for us all to remember. For many, like winter, it was cold, lonely, and harsh but, like gazing on spring, we joyously greeted 2021 filled with hope, promise and the potential for new growth opportunities.
I learned a lot in 2020. I learned that people need each other more than we realize and that hugs are important. I learned the value of physical face to face encounters and gained a newfound gratitude for living life to its fullest every minute of every day. I learned that despite knowing I was smart, tenacious, and determined, I didn’t really know what I was made of until I had to rediscover new ways to get through the days, to accomplish things.
I learned even more to cherish the simple life, true friends, polite manners, gathering around a table or fire pit & find great delight in butterflies, giggling babies, a good book, a new sketch pad, or empty canvas & afternoon naps. I realize how completely fulfilled I am at the beach, in the arms of my love, enjoying a sunset or creating something new.
I find it exhilarating that the cold harshness of stress, turmoil, depression, and ugliness of winter, of life has a way of being renewed by the watering of rain, the sunshine on flowers, the bursting of colors proudly announcing new growth and beauty to itself. I am humbled that every day I wake up grateful to see the sun shine through my window, strive to learn something new, and aim to be better than I was the day before.
But change can be frightening. Many do not like the shift, the unknown, but changes are all around us. Even now, a new year is upon us. Winter has turned to spring, the White House has new residents, and the pandemic is still proving challenging, but rejoice in knowing that every day continues to close with a sunset proving that each day can end beautifully.
I encourage you to take this springtime and begin the renewal process. Make this the year, the season to conduct some spring cleaning. Start pruning the cold, dead, brittle aspects of your life. Welcome the new growth. The life you have always wanted is waiting to spring forth. Discover fresh ways to embrace the changes occurring around you. Take a deep sweep to the dust and grime not only of your physical house but your mind, body, soul, and spirit as well. Begin purging anything that does not bring you peace, joy, or a feeling of wholeness. Step out of yourself and take a deep look. Get out of your comfort zone like I am doing by being on the cover of this issue. If you know mi, you know I boost and celebrate others, not myself. But as people kept telling mi, it is time to celebrate myself, to shine my light and share my gifts.
Yes, facing change, looking deep under the carpets and crevices of ourselves and our lives can be terrifying as it requires examination of personal truths. It involves clearing the clutter not only from our closets but from our mind, our life, and our surroundings. It means tossing toxic relationships, banishing bad habits, discarding that which has outlived its purpose or no longer provides us happiness. It requires strength, courage, humility, faith and a stamina. For we are not simply changing ourselves but the world around us. Our very presence is the compass and as the coordinates change so does our life’s direction. But once we begin to clear out the mud, maggots and mess within us and around us, we not only see clearer but often find time and freedom to follow our dreams, bloom brilliantly, embrace our purpose, and shine our light in our corner of the world.
stay fabulous, stay you,
“mi”