hello beautiful soul!

In just a few days I'll be turning 45 and I love the idea of embracing my "middle years" in a joyful way! New projects are growing in my heart, new directions for my art, and a desire to rediscover some of my first loves…

At this time of life, birthdays should not be about dreading the passing of time. They should be a glorious and delightful celebration of life. I'm grateful for each and every one of my 45 years. Some have been better than others, but all of them have led me here, to a life filled with love and creativity!

Going to the SoulBusiness retreat last month was a way of marking this time in a meaningful way, and I came back with renewed trust in my wings and a renewed connection to the beautiful magic of the creative journey. Then later this month I'm going to another retreat! It had been postponed from two years ago due to the pandemic, so this is a real birthday treat!

One of the best things I brought back with me from the retreat, was the habit of waking up earlier and taking the time to "ease into the day" with a morning practice. I'm still tweaking it so I can't share the details just yet, but it's been a game-changer for me and I'm sure it will inspire many of you to give it a try.

For now, here is my little morning station in the studio: some of the main elements are music, a candle, zafu cushions (so good for my back), books, inspirational card decks and a notebook.

The other practice I've brought home is the habit of going for a morning walk. I don't do it every day, but most, and it's so good for my body and soul. Before we moved here three years ago, I used to go walking a lot more often. Even though the area was more urban, there were plenty of small woods and little paths starting right behind the house, and I loved to explore them. Now that we live in a village in the country, you'd think I would spend even more time in nature, but up until now I didn’t. It’s true that most woods here are private, so access is prohibited (with barbed wire!) and the country roads are shared with cars and tractors. So I've been telling myself the story that it was not as interesting, not as fun, not as safe. Good excuses, right?

But just like with art, you have to work with what you've got, and know when you’re procrastinating! Wonder is everywhere if you just take the time to really look. Maybe I can't enter the woods, but I can stand at the edge and look as deep as I can, letting my spirit fly towards the trees even if my body can't follow. And I can take a picture and zoom in so it doesn't feel so much like being an outside observer.

Maybe this is what the "middle years" are all about: a rediscovery. Finding new ways to see the world, knowing that the magic doesn't age and is always there for the taking, if we just slow down and intentionally decide to look for it. Knowing that things will never be perfect, but focusing on what we love and finding contentment in that.

Which doesn't mean that we can't have new and exciting dreams! As a creative soul, I know I will always be eager for new possibilities, looking for the next horizon, delighting in the magical feeling of anticipation, when you can sense the seed of a new idea showing up, taking shape and coming to life. I'm working on a big one at the moment, which will probably remain a secret for at least a year. And on smaller ones, like new techniques I want to explore. All in good time, and I'm so grateful for it all.

I'd love to know, for those of you who are or have been in your middle years, which has been the best gift? Do you feel a new level of appreciation for life and for yourself?

I wish you a beautiful day filled with wonder and creativity!

Leave a comment for me!