Almost nothing in Q2 went as planned… and somehow I am writing this reflection lovingly and with acceptance. Whether you have spent the past three months in a state of bliss (please reply and let me know if this is you!), if you have been feeling content from the status quo, or experienced a mix of highs and lows… I’m along on this ride of life with you.
When completing quarterly or biannual reflections, my mind goes to finances and business goals. I wasn’t going to buy into the “we’re halfway through 2023” messaging… but here we are.
Today we are six months and seven days into the new year. This in itself is a marker of time. A chance to take a deep breath and acknowledge that you are here. My message to you (and to myself) is that we do not need to change a thing.
Reflecting with receptivity as opposed to ruminating with resentment can be beautiful. What did you expect and how did you feel on the first day of 2023? What was the energy of January like for you? How did it shift throughout each month of the year so far? Do certain images or sensations quickly come to mind from each month?
As I wrote and reread and refined these questions, I closed my eyes. I visualized where I was in January… specific moments I had not thought of in months came to mind. And in addition I remembered feeling uncertain, eager, sad, hopeful, scared, loved, grateful and oh so naive in so many ways.
If you asked me in March what the next three months would look like in regards to most major areas of my life… I would never have been able to predict the changes that have occurred. Most intentions I mapped out did not follow through as I imagined they would. At times I’ve been able to laugh, almost immediately, at situations that went awry. I’ve mostly shown up when I said I would and I’ve cancelled when I needed to. I’ve composed myself and (figuratively) collapsed. I’ve cried as I’ve acknowledged situations that are out of my control.
All that to say, the past six months have not been a complete roller coaster. I have developed rituals and practices that support me. I take self-care seriously and my toolbox continues to expand. My expectations have been exceeded. I’ve said yes to adventures and I’ve taken a birds eye view of my life with awe. I’ve quite literally danced the night away. I have been having the time of my life while navigating “real life.” If the East Coast rain and stormy forecast last week taught us anything, it is that it did not rain all day every day. The sun did peek through the clouds even when the weather app predicted otherwise. And yesterday was full of heat and sun and humidity, not a drop of rain to be found.
xoxo,
Amanda
PS In case no one told you today, I love you.
PPS You’re always the first to know on Substack…
Virtual We All Feel Support Groups launch in September
Adult Group on Mondays (time TBD)
Teen Group on Mondays (time TBD)
Groups are limited to 10 spots and will have 14 weekly sessions from September-December… More info here. I can’t wait 💕