My old self would have been one of those people at the gym on January 2nd, ready to make myself "better." She used to try so hard to fit in, to do what she felt the world needed to see her doing.
But our bodies and nature remind us that winter is a time for slowing down, turning inward, and allowing our dreams to gestate in the womb of our creative consciousness.
Today, I choose to honor my natural rhythms and celebrate myself during this hibernation season. I remember that no external validation will ever give me what I need. It is only my heart, my intuition, and my trust that can guide me now.
This leads me to reflect on what it means to be sacred. For me, being sacred means honoring the divine spark within myself and others, recognizing that life itself is a holy journey. It means trusting in the unfolding of my path, even when it doesn't match my expectations or desires. It means allowing life to be my guide rather than constantly forcing myself into a mold of who I think I "should" be.
Are you in touch with your sacred life?
Are you allowing life to guide you, or are you still trying to be what you believe you need to be?
These are powerful questions to sit with as we move through this winter season of introspection and creation.
An essential part of this process is learning to celebrate ourselves, even in the quiet, inward moments.
Celebration isn't just for big, external accomplishments—it's for our small, daily choices to honor our truth and follow our heart.
How can you celebrate yourself in this season of hibernation?
Perhaps it's through a ritual of self-care, a special meal, or a love note to yourself. Maybe it's by sharing your dreams and creations with a trusted friend or by taking a moment to acknowledge your growth and resilience.
My word for this year is "GROW." Grow is more than just a word—it's an invitation to expand beyond the boundaries of what I believe is possible. Like a flower reaching toward the sun, I choose to:
G - Generate new possibilities through heart-centered living
R - Reach outward, connecting deeply with others and the world
O - Open to experiences beyond my wildest dreams
W - Welcome surrender as the path to joy
This GROW isn't just personal—it's an offering to the world, showing how our reality shapes itself around our perspective, how joy blooms from willing surrender, how connection creates endless possibilities. As I grow, I become living proof that we are the architects of our own joy, that our hearts know the way to our deepest dreams.
Over the next month, I will be exploring and expanding on this theme of growth, allowing it to unfold and reveal deeper layers of meaning. Central to this exploration is the practice of presence. Being present means:
- Dedicating ourselves fully to each moment
- Finding joy in the process itself
- Releasing attachment to outcomes
- Trusting in divine timing
- Allowing action to flow from desire rather than obligation
- Remembering that creation happens only in the now
- Celebrating each step of the journey
Here are some practices and journaling prompts to align with the energy of winter and cultivate presence:
- Daily journaling: Spend 10-15 minutes each morning free-writing about your word and any insights or inspirations that arise. Prompt: What does my word reveal to me today? How can I embody its essence?
- Meditation: Set aside time each day to sit in silent meditation, focusing on your breath and allowing your word to guide your thoughts and feelings. Prompt: What arises when I create space for stillness? What wisdom does my inner voice share?
- Nature walks: Take mindful walks in nature, observing how the winter landscape reflects the themes of your word and the season. Prompt: What lessons does nature offer me in this moment? How can I mirror its rhythms of rest and renewal?
- Sharing circles: Gather with trusted friends or community members to share your experiences, creations, and celebrations around your word. Prompt: What insights and joys can I share with others? How can we support each other's growth and celebration?
- Celebration ritual: Create a simple ritual to celebrate yourself and your journey. Light a candle, write a gratitude list, or offer a prayer of self-blessing. Prompt: What do I want to celebrate about myself today? How can I honor my own sacred path?
As we navigate this journey of self-discovery and growth, it's important to remember that life meets us exactly where we are, offering what we need for transformation. Every encounter, whether with a person or circumstance, carries growth potential. When we stay curious and open, even our challenges become sacred teachers.
The tools for healing are always within reach, waiting in the quiet moments between breaths, in the space between thoughts, in the pause between what was and what will be. They manifest in the courage to feel deeply, the wisdom to listen carefully, the patience to move slowly, the strength to remain open, the trust to let go, and the love to begin again.
This journey isn't linear - it's an ever-expanding spiral. Like a garden reaching toward the light, we grow in all directions at once, returning to familiar places with new understanding. Each turn brings deeper wisdom, greater compassion, and a more authentic expression of our true nature.
May your word of the year and your creative expressions be a reflection of your own unique magic and a guiding light for the path ahead. May we all find presence, joy, and growth in this sacred season of hibernation and creation.