5 things I’m grateful for: 1. All of my friends back home who are cheering for me. In my moments of uncertainty and doubt, they are so quick to lift me up. 2. Opportunities to try new things, and how I’ve been able to build off those experiences to find connections with others. 3. Coaches and mentors in my life- they’ve helped me discover my strength both mentally and physically. 4. My divorce! The ending of that relationship opened up a whole new world to me where I’m untethered and able to truly live out my wildest dreams. 5. My hunger to always be learning and growing- life is never dull 😊

Grief is such a complex topic and I’ve found there’s been a few lessons that have helped me navigate it: 1. It is not linear and it’s okay to feel it even years after a loss. 2. You have to let yourself feel the emotions in order to process. No shoving them down, no masking them. Lean into the pain and cry the tears. The only way is through. 3. In the Atlas of the Heart, Brene Brown describes grief being like rainbow sherbert- it’s not actually just one emotion but a mix of them swirled together. Her description has been one of the most empowering discoveries for me because it’s helped me find peace with feeling a duality of emotions. There is no “wrong” emotion when grieving, and it’s ok to feel happiness and hope while also feeling anguish and longing.

Happy Thanksgiving Jonathan and everyone that’s part of this awesome community! It’s been pouring rain the last couple of days where I am, and I’ve turned it into an opportunity to rest, reflect, and be creative. I’m always on the go and generally struggle to relax, but it’s been so rejuvenating to listen to the rain while I paint and read. I’m so grateful for these much needed quiet moments and being able to enjoy them.