All That Glitters Is Not Gold...

During the holiday season every year, it’s hard for some people to remember that not everything that is shiny and superficially attractive is valuable. All the consumerism, cheesy family portraits, gaudy decorations, fancy meals, fancy drinks, and fancy dresses are mostly thrown away (hopefully recycled!), scrolled past, or stashed back in the attic until next year.

For anyone who has lost someone close, this time of year is especially difficult, despite being still surrounded by wonderful (still alive) beings. I find it very hard to remain optimistic and cheerful during this season, always have, and I am constantly looking for new ways to banish the negativity every year. I’ve learned that focusing on quality time with the people I adore, and not dwelling on missing the beloved people (and creatures) that are no longer around, is hard as hell… but helps.

Having bonus “me time” for self-care, meditation, and rumination about what I choose to manifest in the months to come is also a must. As simple as it is, I have to keep reminding myself to not linger over things I regret or didn’t accomplish, or people that upset me (or others I care about) in the past, and instead concentrate on how I want to better myself and support those around me now and in the future. Although I hate defining goals based around a calendar year, and strive to create small journeys and goals year-round, there is something about seeing that 8 click to a 9 and feeling the pressure to make shit happen.

The word “resolution” has become so commercialized and has started to lose so much meaning. I wanted to wax poetic about the difference between resolutions and intentions, but in my research, I found the book definitions to be almost identical, in fact, even synonyms for each other. Since I am still at a lost for how to even define these thoughts and goals, let alone talk about them, I thought I would instead share a great article I found by a psychologist who does mental health work in a more mindful, holistic and integrated manner, which resonates so strongly with my ideal process.

>> Thrive in the New Year: How to Set Intentions Not Resolutions <<

In other words…

Chrissy and I are currently taking a much needed break for our own sanities after the craziness of a very busy and stressful holiday season but trust me… we are spending LOTS of time contemplating the things we made, the people we met, and what we learned in the last year. We are resting, resetting, and planting some creative seeds that will be coming at you soon! Keep an eye out for an Imbolc event in Salem early February, some new local retail collaborations, and then many fun spring markets!

Happy new year and we’ll see you soon!