I know it often feels like there isn't time to rest or play, but in reality, there isn't time NOT to rest and play if you really and truly want to get shit done. Hear me out. It is so easy to get into the cycle of caving to the energetic pressure of making a show of working by focusing on checking things off the list or spending time on low-value tasks that may be important or urgent but that are not both important and urgent; they don't support your main goals and desires in life. That pressure can make it feel impossible and not valuable to step back and rest or do something fun. Our nervous systems need a break from the constant sensation of fight/flight/freeze. And, let's be honest, that's typically what looking at a to-do list puts us into. We need to do things that shift the energy if we're going to be as productive as we know we can be. This is especially true for me because of my astrological nature. I'm built to be unkind to myself, to give to exhaustion or disease, and to get bogged down in details. I'm also built to see the big picture, to design systems (routines) that work efficiently, and to focus on healthy habits. So I am definitely capable of finding the balance. So, while I know all of this about rest and play logically, I got to experience it once again (sometimes I'm a remedial learner) over the holidays. I got sick, and I did not have the energy to stay stuck in f/f/f. I had to take naps. And nap, I did. By the third day, a really cool thing happened. My energy shifted, and while I was still coughing, sneezing, and running through loads of tissues, I started to have visions of what I wanted my office to feel like, and I actually had the energy to take action to create that space. So, next time you feel like you're being squished into something smaller and smaller, do something to shift your energy. Ask yourself what you need and do that thing. I needed rest. Often, I need to walk my dogs or play with my dogs or cats (or all of it 'cause, you know, pets). Regardless of what it is I need to do, when I do that thing, my head is clearer, I'm more efficient, and I get shit done. And then I get to celebrate all the shit getting done.

Today's New Moon in Capricorn offers a reminder to approach goal setting from a place of purpose and integrity versus from a place of urgency, fear, or lack. This means connecting with your inner wisdom (your truth or intuition) to set the foundation for your year. So, if you're so inclined, experiment with this process for goal setting for 2025 and beyond: 1. Gather all of your favorite pens and paper and brainstorming materials 2. Take a few deep breaths where the exhale is longer than the inhale 3. Consider the stories you tell yourself about progress and success - do they feel true for you, or does something feel off (like unrealistic expectations are running the show)? Is there a story (or belief) about success that feels like it fits easier (where your breathing is easier, your body relaxes, or you feel bigger/more expansive, and the energy feels abundant)? 4. From that truer belief about progress or success, write down (or diagram or draw) three things you'd like to experience or accomplish over the coming months and years. 5. For this exercise, choose one of those three goals and, with curiosity and boldness, write down three to five steps you can take that will move you closer to that goal. Over the coming days and weeks, do the same for the remaining goals (and any other goals that come up—keep reassessing and reprioritizing if something feels more expansive and true for you). This is about authentic, deliberate, sustainable action toward the goals that are important to you. Life is going to happen, and there will be emergencies and urgencies that test your resolve. Remember to handle yourself and your goals with care: say good things to yourself, take a breath, and bring yourself back to center as frequently as you can. Notice the small and big things that happen in your favor. You are here to master being authentically you (refer to your natal chart reading for reminders if you're not feelin' it). When you're struggling with a decision about what next step to take, return to your goals and ask yourself which step helps you stay aligned with your true self.

Hello! It's been a busy astrological week, but today's message from the Sun conjunct Mercury Rx in Sagittarius seems really important to share. While many look to others for validation, today's energy asks you to look inside for validation. So, notice when you ask others for feedback or when you feel insecure and look to others to make you feel more secure. Take a breath and ask yourself how you feel about the decision/situation/action. Listen to your heart/gut/intuition and do that thing (it may be the same as what you're getting from others, or it may be something different; the important thing is to prioritize your instinctual response). Think of validation as self-care. You must take care of (validate) yourself first; then, you can be good for others. What do you think? Does this resonate? Do you see where you might use this in your life and your work?

Do you struggle to get out of bed in the morning regularly? Do you KNOW, without doubt, that you can have more efficient mornings? I had an epiphany this morning when my alarm went off.....I've been my own worst enemy when it comes to starting my day with a regulated nervous system. As much as I've been trying to be aware of my routines and habits that are blocking me, I missed THE FIRST THING THAT HAPPENS IN MY DAY! 🤦‍♀️ I realize that I pick up my phone and doom scroll before I get out of bed because my preconscious mind is already starting the cortisol fountain. My alarm is set to play my radio station, which happens to be news (delivered in a calm way but news, nonetheless). What did I do today when I realized that? I immediately researched alarms that are better for your nervous system. 🤔 I also reset all of my alarms, so the radio will come on two hours after I want to get up, and my phone will wake me with one of the five most recommended tones (for iPhone: Sench, By the Seaside, Uplift, Constellation, Slow Rise—I chose Slow Rise; my system said "YES!" to that one; the others were either jarring or "Meh"). I also realized I kept the news on from 6 to noon—that's too much, even if it's interesting. News will be on from 8 to 10, and then whatever variety of spa, classical, reiki, etc. I've got it set for that day will come on. Today, I turned opera on at 10, and I already feel better able to tackle my to-do list. Having that hope and energy first thing in the morning will be, I suspect, life-changing, and I couldn't be more excited (that may be partly because my cacao is brewed, so theobromine is on the way). What are your goals for your to-do list? Is something in your routine preventing you from accomplishing what is important to you? Is there something you can do to experiment with your habits and see what the shake-up does? I'd love to hear what you're thinking.

If there was ever a time to slow down to get stuff done, today's the day. The emotional energy of the day is pretty grounded, solid, and safe - so, as much as you can, do things you enjoy (and enjoy them). Eat good food, touch the earth (or earthly things), take a nap (even a really short one is helpful), luxuriate in life's simple pleasures. Today is also a day to allow the blurriness, it may not feel like a particularly clear day, like you're moving through fog. Surrender to that and focus on the thing in front of you. If your mind wanders out to the future or a part of your world that's blurry, touch a tree, feel your feet on the ground (or just feel your feet), then decide what you want to do next. I needed this reminder today as I prep for a trip that's got me a little wonky so, thank you for being here with me.