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The rejection, the acceptance, the progress, the struggle. Life can sometimes feel as though we are on a roller coaster ride completely at the mercy of the conductor. Sometimes the journey is slow, uphill and piques our impatience, while in other instances it is exhilarating, surreal and moving so fast that we simply wish we could slow it down to savor it all the more. 

I have to remind myself of this analogy when it feels as though the efforts I have put forth aren't bearing the fruit I had hoped they would because in reality, it is simply that things are moving, progress is being made, but at such incremental steps that are hard to observe with the naked eye or behind the scenes where I don't have access until they reveal themselves. On the flip-side, the good will arrive, and while the pace will be seemingly fast and furious when it does, I am reminded to savor, stay present and not dismiss all that is going well or take it for granted. 

Everyone's roller coaster ride will involve different twists and turns, rises and falls, but so long as we come prepared for the ride, put the odds in our favor, do our homework beforehand (in other words, buckle up and hold on tight), we will be able to navigate successful the moments when we need to work, stay focused and never lose heart. While life isn't for the faint of heart, it is for those full of courage. For those who chose to embrace life, remain hopeful and let go of the stories that do not serve or support the life we wish to live, an amazing life will be given, and you will find yourself better able to enjoy every moment and arrive safe and sound with a super-sized uncontainable smile on your face when you arrive at the end of the ride. 

The first day of December arrived and with it an abundance of hope. Hope that 2016 has time to finish strong and hope that, well, this wonderful time of year will be full of what I choose to look for: love, inspiration, goodness and joy. 

It's easy to be hopeful when all is going well, but what if you're in the middle of the journey toward a goal? What if you're beginning to worry? First of all, read this post if you are filled with worry and then let it go and recognizing that uncertainty is part of the deal. However, it is how we deal with uncertainty that will determine the quality of life we get the opportunity to live every single day. 

Indeed the last month of the year has arrived which is what inspired this week's episode of the podcast. As well, inspiration for cultivating your very own holiday rituals is discussed in this week's Why Not . . . ? and the rituals readers have shared in the comments offer even more wonderful and festive ideas, so be sure to check them out. 

Speaking of holiday rituals, this weekend is the weekend during which the tree trip takes place and the decorating begins. Oh, I cannot wait. I will be sure to share on Instagram how it turns out. I do hope your holidays have begun on an uplifting and wondrous note, and until next week, I'll see you on the blog​​​​​!​​​​​​​