Hello loves,

In the midst of all the holiday madness, I want to write you a quick note for 2 reasons:

First, I want to say a sincere, heartfelt THANK YOU.

During the holidays, I always go into a deep state of reflection and contemplation about my life. This year in particular, I am struck by how much has changed, how much has grown then proven useless, re-shaped, twisted and curled, flourished, deepened and then blossomed into something unexpected and subsequently, often (though not always!) morphed into something even more beautiful and grander than I dared to imagine.

2013 has been a huge year of learning for me. Some of you have been with me for a while and have witnessed my evolution whereas some of you are still pretty new to me, my blog, my thoughts and suggestions. Regardless, I want to tell you how much it means to me that you are allowing me the space to appear in your inbox on aweekly basis to share my ideas for how to make your lives not only successful but -more importantly, one might argue- happier!

I have loved writing to you.

I truly believe that when people become free to be who they are and do what they love -independently of external expectations and societal norms - we can wake up to a clear picture of our own desires and our intrinsic powers. When this happens, we can become authentic, happy, and truly fulfilled. I believe that people who dare to question, re-consider, FEEL, re-align, search, dig, admit, surrender, awaken, ACT, embrace, forgive, let go, and LOVE fearlessly (or perhaps despite their fears!) are the type of people -partners, friends, parents, children, neighbors- who will spread happiness and make FEELING GOOD a non-negotiable instead of a lucky once-in-a-blue-moon visitor.

We all deserve to feel good, so in my eyes, you are all fierce loving warriors that make this world a better place. I believe that this journey -knowing oneself- is what really matters in life and I am beyond grateful to have you be part of this exciting and beautiful adventure with me! THANK YOU!

Second, I would like to remind you to ENJOY!

We are only a few hours away from Christmas and chances are that by now you are exhausted, burnt out from the final push of finishing 2013 strong, and just about to scream at the top of your lungs if you have to get a gift for just one more person. For many of us, we hustle for weeks to get everything done and in order. We run at such high speed that when Christmas actually arrives we kind of miss it because we don’t fully enjoy it. We are not taking it all in -mind and body- because our minds are still racing and our bodies are still buzzing from all that pre-holiday stress.

SO, if this is you, here is your reminder: when you go and meet up with your loved ones (if that is what you have decided to do), check your worries and your stress at the door, extend big hugs, light some candles, have a few cookies too many, and allow yourself to just be present.

Tomorrow will come.

2014 will come.

It will all come.

But for just a few hours or perhaps days (whatever works best for your family situation), allow yourself to enjoy.

Lots of love & gratitude. Happy holidays!

XO,