There She Goes: Welcome to 2020!
Hello & Happy Wednesday
Well here we are — in the 20s! Can you believe it?
I hope you are all having a lovely holiday and that 2020 is already looking bright! I had fun this week reflecting on 2019 and writing about what 2020 has in store in a blog post called 2020 vision. I don’t believe we are encouraged enough to stand in our own power and review individual accomplishments, and we should because it feels great!
So here’s to you, and all the wonderful energy you bring into each day. If you’re reading this newsletter, you’re already taking steps to infuse more positivity and self-love into your life — so kudos!
Brooke is sending lots of love from Tanzania, where she is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with 9 others + porters, in an effort to raise money for The Leo Project. Together, the group already raised $30k for educational programs for vulnerable youth in Nanyuki, Kenya though Flying Kites!
*** If you missed last week’s newsletter, here are two things to catch you up on:
— Check out the Holiday Gift Guide that was consciously curated through an effort to support female-run small businesses, transformative companies and the circular economy.
— Presenting… The Thorn Alexander Gift Card! Once you place your order, you will instantly receive an email with a link to a redeemable gift card code. AND you can still feel crafty and make it personal, because you can choose the color template for the card 😊.
Songs To Stitch To, Sing To, Get You Through The Week
Set Aside Some Time This Week For Some Self-Care
I. Make a list of your accomplishments this year. For me, it worked best to go chronologically through the months, but you might prefer to just write down what comes to mind! It can be as big as moving states, or as simple as exercising more patience or self-care. It can be really powerful to take time to recognize your impact and capabilities. This mindset will help launch you into the best year yet!
II. Join me in taking a social media detox! This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while but hadn’t previously made the commitment. I’m looking forward to spending less time on my phone and computer and, when I am on them, making them about productivity; shutting down the torrential input that I inevitably receive on social platforms. If you’re not ready to do it for a month, try a week, or maybe choose a few days a week that you won’t use them. Don’t use social platforms? Try cutting down on something else that consumes your energy and might (consciously or not) feed you extra input, like getting sucked into news stories that leave you feeling down. Think of yourself as the protector and champion of your own energy — what energy and emotions will you use, unsubscribe from, and reflect back to the world?
III. Next time you know you’ll be driving through some crazy traffic or on some slick winter roads, try queuing up some light jazz, piano, or other meditative music. This may help keep your cortisol levels in check and can make you more calm and ready to handle whatever road conditions are thrown at you.
Soulful Salutations
“We spend January 1st walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives ... not looking for flaws but for potential.” — Ellen Goodman
“Who I am is always changing, not because I am being fake but because I am always open to growth and transformation.” — Yung Pueblo
“Sometimes when you’re in a dark place you think you’ve been buried, but actually you’ve been planted” — Christine Caine
Uplifting Things Happening Around The World
I. Zookeepers at Mogo Zoo in Australia saved all 200 animals from a raging bushfire by working quickly and in some cases, sending animals (we’re talking monkeys, pandas, and even tigers) home with staff!
II. Starting today, January 1st, France is phasing out single-use plastic. This year, three products are banned, and next year there will be more. This is part of the plan to phase out all single-use plastic by 2040.
III. Did you know that, for over a decade, Greyhound Lines has partnered with the National Runaway Safeline (an organization that seeks to keep runaway and homeless youth safe), with the mission of reuniting young people with their families and guardians? Greyhound offers free bus tickets for runaways that want to return home, and the National Runaway Safeline works on the logistics of connecting the parents and children and making sure the children are supported once they arrive home.
PSA Did you see the brand new Phoebe Belt in last week’s newsletter? There are only 6 available at this time. Don’t feel limited to a belt either, this can also be a great strap or band for your accessories. Check it out here!
Have a great week!
Be well,
Sheila