GRATITUDE AND HOSPITALITY are two things I’ve been deeply pondering as of late. I wonder, how might gratitude and hospitality be more RADICAL and REAL than ever right now, creating a life that feels good and does good, amidst the difficult days many of us find ourselves in?
A few things I’m practicing and asking myself – how do these strike you? (I would love to hear what resonates and what doesn’t; also, what are you doing or thinking about doing as it relates to these everyday realities for many of us?)
… MASKS. I am practicing wearing a mask as a declaration of love for and caring for others – rather than grumbling in annoyance and frustration (which, to keep it real and honest, is a daily temptation).
… HOLIDAY TRADITIONS. I am embracing innovation and joy as I think about and plan for holidays that are coming up, instead of focusing on what’s wrong, lacking, or not possible – which, inevitably make me heavy-hearted and self-absorbed and eclipse joy. (This is very personal, as my son’s 12th birthday is this weekend. While we cannot have his friends over to celebrate, we’ve been innovating as a family to dream up how to wildly celebrate him.)
… FUELING MY FOCUS. I’ve been asking myself how best to care for my body, in my post-COVID health journey and how to be discerning about the quantity of news and social media I take in, which is particularly intense and toxic right now, amidst the US election battles. I’m practicing those PoPs (Places of Pause) so I can be hopeful, joyful, and peaceful, no matter what troubles surround and feeding my imagination with good and beautiful stories (like the one below about Brandi Lea’s sistahood in Uganda).
Seeds Storyteller Series
GET READY TO LEARN AND BE INSPIRED in this 8-minute video, in which the always-inspiring Brandi Lea, co-founder of Heal + Thrive in Uganda, shares her intimate story. Now, she’s a momma to 3 in the US and 47 in Uganda, with 1,200 mommas as her constant inspiration!
Heal + Thrive is up to some incredible things: Promoting justice and championing value for victims of injustice and those that serve them around the world. I think you’ll love hearing more about her “why” and how she cares for her soul in the midst of this intense work. To connect with Brandi, some of her also-amazing collaborators, and to explore a few more steps of inspired ACTion, check out this link.
DONATE to the organization or LEARN ABOUT + DONATE to a sistah named Rita’s post-COVID innovative and compassionate idea to encourage kids in Uganda. Here’s a glimpse of what Rita is up to: After a scary bout with COVID-19 that included a hospitalization and a lot of prayers, Rita has recovered. Her diagnosis (even scarier in Uganda!) had her contemplating life and death… and especially her love for the precious kiddos of the Heal + Thrive mommas.
I share this connection with Brandi and other changemaking friends of mine from around the world – activists, visionaries, artists, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, educators … (the list is long and the ways to make change are vast!) – so you can be INFORMED about global happenings, discover some INSPIRATION in your life today, and be IGNITED more in your unique ways to make a difference.
My friend, before we wrap up…
Take a quick PoP (Place of Pause).
Surrender. Silence. Stillness.
Breathe.
Take some long, deep breaths.
Relax your muscles from the tip of your head to your toes.
Enjoy being, just being, for a few moments.
Stop moving, racing, thinking, planning.
Stay here for ten seconds or ten minutes.
Has life has been … ummm … intense, hard, and tumultuous for you as of late? If you have found life to be more arduous and strenuous than has felt good to you, take a pause. Practice surrendering, breathing, and simply BEing a bit more so you can feel better as move through your days.
I share these PoPs so you can BE STILL, FILL UP with peace, and navigate this wild and crazy season with strength and courage. There is much clamoring for our attention 24-7 with LOUD, FEAR-based, PANIC-inducing messages – but let’s practice peace, together, amidst these stormy days.
For more about kindling a life that feels good right here and right now, with a guided Place of Pause (PoP), check out the video series (it’s free) of 10-minute PoPs on YouTube and the books Soulfully Ablaze and Live Ablaze on the Seeds website.
Also, drumroll: Holiday Book Bundles are available now! Save $5 when you purchase this duo of autographed, and award-winning books: Live Ablaze and Soulfully Ablaze. Order by December 7 for holiday delivery and free shipping in the USA.
OK, my friend – will leave it here, ’til next time.
You are loved.
You belong.
We belong to each other.
Let’s standTALL together and light up the world!
xo, -Sarah DT ❤️
