“Kindness is not something you do. It’s something you are.” -Raktim Ganguly

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” - Ram Dass Sometimes the answers that we're looking for are hard to hear over the noise of rushing, reacting, and filling every moment. When things are quiet, we can truly notice what’s been there all along... a thought we’ve been avoiding, a truth we already know, or a small nudge about the direction we want to go. I often sit on my deck and look up at the tall trees and reflect, plan, or am intentionally still. My best ideas show up in moments like that. How about you?

Thanks to all who came to hang out for the Fireside chat! Our discussion Tuesday was about different seasons of life, and what season are we currently in. Building, Resting, Changing, or some other season? Building - Effort and Momentum Resting - Restoration Changing - Transition and Adjustment Building energy being directed outward toward "new." New skill, starting something, achieving goals, investing time and effort into the future. Resting energy is life inviting you to slow down. Needing quiet and recovery. Less productivity and more reflection. Focusing on health, family, and peace. Changing energy is the in between space. Something ends, evolves, a new thing that isn't fully formed yet. This can feel uncertain or uncomfortable. It can be questioning your direction, transitioning at work, in a relationship, or with your identity. It is letting go of things that once fit but don't any longer. @Connie Riet @Kim Harrison both mentioned that you can do all of these in a 24 hour period, and I hadn't considered that! I was focused on trying to define one that fit me - when indeed, all 3 of these were present on the daily. The overarching wisdom from the group was to find "bucket filling" things to achieve, to stay sane and guard your well being. Take advantage of all the seasons, and focus on small projects that you CAN accomplish. End the day with 3 things that went well for this present day. This positivity stronghold will set in motion the atmosphere of the next day. Lastly, there is Harvest. Harvest is the season of reaping and appreciating. Seeing the results of things you planted earlier. Signs of this season are: Enjoying the results of past effort, stability and gratitude, sharing what you've learned, and mentoring/giving back. Some of us had glimmers of this season but no one claimed it as theirs. Lovely conversation everyone. Thank you for taking the time to join me. See you next week!

What is something simple that made you smile this week? Sometimes the small moments are the ones that stay, heal, nurture, and ground us.

@Julie Wynkoop - Welcome to the group. Excited to hear about your travels to/from the grands. This idea has been tossed around in my household as well. Would love to chat about it! Glad you're here!