There She Goes: Our Common Thread
Hello & Happy December!
I hope you all enjoyed a Thanksgiving of full plates and full hearts. Did you all see the big release of the Our Common Thread Challenge and Brooke’s "Earl Grey Day” as an earring? Simply brilliant. I loved seeing the beautiful designs others came up with too! I’ve sprinkled photos of Brooke’s creation through this newsletter.
Alongside the spirit of “our common thread” I was impressed this year with the spirit of “Giving Tuesday.” One of my favorite ethical & sustainable brands, Patagonia, is committed to matching donations to organizations associated with Patagonia Action Works, a tool that allows people to find nearby grassroots groups fighting climate change. Additionally some influential people, like Tony Robbins, are individually using this time to drum up support and match donations for food banks (in his case, Feeding America). This is a wonderful reminder during the giving (and inevitably purchasing) season. As you continue to fill your cup of joy this season, find common threads with others and look around for how you might make your own special gifts to the world!
*PS did you know Thorn Alexander’s tree planting commitment? For every canvas sold, one tree will be planted by our reforestation partner, One Tree Planted, in support of various ecosystems around the globe.
Songs To Stitch To, Sing To, Get You Through The Week
Set Aside Some Time This Week For Some Self-Care
I. Remember that your thoughts have power! As the saying is, energy flows where your attention/intention goes, and that if you’re having negative thoughts or a tough day the best way to turn it around is to change your thinking. Next time you get into a tough spot, take a few breaths, refocus your attention/intentions and choose a more positive frame of mind. It really works!
II. Get cozy with candles! ‘Tis the season for twinkle lights, mood lights, and candle lighting. Take an hour (at least!) wrap up in a cozy blanket, light some candles, and give yourself sometime to rest, relax, and refresh!
III. Repeat an affirmation to yourself each morning for one week. This one is inspired by a book called Super Attractor by Gabrielle Bernstein. She talks about the power of positive affirmations in the morning, so I went ahead and created 31 quotes to choose from each day for the month of December and tape to my mirror. So far I’ve absolutely loved it and love sharing it with those I live with! The quote itself may gain new meaning each time you repeat it in a single day. Today’s quote? “I am more than enough.”
Soulful Salutations
“When your head hits the pillow tonight, remind yourself that you’ve done a good job. Be patient with yourself, and remember that big things are achieved not all at once, but one day at a time.” — Unknown
“Make sure you are responding to the present moment and not reacting to something from your past that the current situation reminds you of.” — Maryam Hasnaa
“Whatever occurs, relax right there.” — H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Uplifting Things Happening Around The World
I. Read up on this cool story! A woman traveled the United States for three years chronicling what she calls the MoreGOOD project, where she collected nationwide stories of kindness. This project was in honor of her mother and, at the end, her community gave her the warmest of welcomes back home!
II. The researcher that worked for 30 years to create a drug that would help women fight ovarian cancer donated her entire earnings from the sale of the drug to charity. Simply amazing.
III. Two men, 102 and 88, just released a music album! Never too old for new experiences or achievements, friends!
Have a great week!
Be well,
Sheila