Won't You Be My Neighbor

                       

Community has been a desire of mine for a while now. Since I grew up in a large family, I like to be around people that I feel connected to. I prefer meaningful conversations and forming bonds with people--relationships matter to me. When I quit my job, I made a list of things that I wanted to accomplish within a year and finding a community was near the top. 

I have had the honor of traveling and meeting people all over the world, many of whom I regularly keep in touch with. However, I deeply wanted stable connections near home. With all the moving and traveling I have done in the past 8 years, I have craved a sense of home and connection.

Last night, my friends hosted a lovely dinner party where delicious food was shared and laughter had most of us in tears. This past weekend, I spent most of my time in the sun catching up with friends and once again stories and laughter filled the air. I even had a minor setback and 2 of my friends had a solution before I could even figure out how to fix my issue. They lovingly calmed me down and were there before I could even ask for help. I am bursting at the seams with gratitude.

I remember when I pulled up to where I am living now for the first time and let out a sigh saying "I finally feel like I'm home". That feeling has stayed with me and grown over the past couple years. Home has been something that has called me, even all the way in Bali when I was contemplating selling everything and just going away. The inner pull on my heart and soul was undeniable and so I returned home to start a business and also find my community. My friendships have blossomed into deeper connections that I could not maintain in the past. I am so grateful for the lovely souls that have come into my life and many who have stayed while I found my way back home. 

2014: Transitions and Gratitude

                       

This year was rapid moving, adventure filled and life changing. So many transitions, realizations and lessons happened this year and I am grateful for each one...even the most painful. In Chinese Astrology, the year of the horse began back in February, which was when everything went full force, just like a wild mustang running, mane everywhere, nostrils flared. 

For years, my spirit animal was a horse. I identified with its energy and symbolism. I raced through life, determined and galloped past anything in my way. My energy was intense, like the color orange. I didn't accept "no" for an answer, was outspoken and successful; but unfulfilled. Then, my heart and soul started to speak louder than my brain and ego and I surrendered to some pretty tough lessons that had been begging to be learned. 

The lessons removed a lot of stored up stress, resentments and pain and I began to feel lighter. I started identifying with birds more, mainly hawks. The power of surrender helped me soar over the painful path I had created and provided insight to who I really am; my authentic self. So, I began to live more intentionally and this is how the year progressed...

-finally went to Costa Rica after dreaming about it for 10 years

-took an intuitive painting class and was given the word "brave" for the year

-hiked the Grand Canyon and let nature blow my mind

-went to Sicily with work friends and sailed on the Mediterranean

-visited Spain and fell in love with Flamenco and Pinxos

-spoke more Spanish (the little I know) than I ever had

-QUIT MY JOB

-went to Bali for a month and learned a lot of lessons through much discomfort

-learned forgivenesss and mended/released relationships

-went to Australia to celebrate 21 years of friendship and meet Baby Fox

-realized that wanderlust doesn't grip my heart as strongly and decided to STAY HOME for a while

-went to school to become a Spiritual Life Coach

-visited Washington DC

-learned to love the snow

-visited the Pacific Northwest a few times

-rode the lovely Amtrack a couple times and fell in love with train travel

-met some lovely people who have made this year sparkle a little bit more

-ran hundreds of miles and changed my body...you really can be fitter in your 30s than your 20s!

-started writing my book

-loved more deeply

-opened my heart 

-accepted my imperfections

-recognized compassion

-changed my vibration

-listened to my intuition

-embraced my authentic self

I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store. I feel like this year created a great spaciousness for growth. Every year, I realize that the path is perfect even with its setbacks. Each lesson is a stepping stone and when I look back, I see a lovely mosaic of different colored stones. My heart is so full of gratitude and love for this year and its transitions.

Friends with Turkey

Friendsgiving

Coming from a large family is wonderful, but cumbersome during the holidays. I have sisters in different states and my brothers live in Northern California. Every year, I travel to one of their houses to spend the holidays, but I decided to stay put for Thanksgiving this year. My friends, Tim and Kandice, were so gracious to host Thanksgiving for those of us who have family far away. Since San Diego is full of transplants, we had a pretty good size group.

Friendsgiving, as I like to call it, was full of amazing food (2 turkeys), wine, laughter and good conversation. We went around the table and stated what we are thankful for and it was lovely to hear everyone give thanks. I am so grateful to have met a group of wonderful people where we can share gratitude and laughter.

Thankfulness

I love this time of year--everyone states what they are thankful for and gets together to eat delicious food. Taking the time to reflect on what we are thankful for creates an opportunity to really experience happiness. I appreciate the collective expressions of gratitude.

I remember the first time I felt overwhelming gratitude; I had just returned from living in Seattle and was just about to withdraw the last of my money out of the bank. My life up to that point was full of fun and adventure, but I never really stopped to appreciate most of what had transpired. After taking time off and moving back to California, I started to deeply appreciate things that I had taken for granted.

For instance, California golden poppies were so vibrant to me and the ocean even more majestic. I remember taking a trip up to the redwood forest and just standing at the base of a redwood in awe. These are things I grew up with and never took the time to ponder their beauty. Simple things like coffee with friends, yoga and music became revered. I think that selling everything and simplifying my life created the space for gratitude.

This year, I am most thankful for living in San Diego again. The years on the Central Coast were great years for reflection, solitude and growth. Even though my patience was tried, I see now that timing is everything. It had been 4 1/2 years since I moved away from San Diego and as I look back at the years in between, I realize that so much had to happen in order for me to find my way back here. I am thankful for the time away, lessons learned and deeper appreciation for the simple things in life.