Our bodies and minds speak to us, telling us what they need. We simply need to listen. 

 

Over the past three or so months, I have given my fullest attention to the launching of my new book. With the help this go-round of a publicist, TSLL concept has been introduced to new readers, media personalities and writers. As well, my family came to Bend to visit and help me send out the books that long-time and recent blog readers had ordered, and I was humbled by their support and by your, the readers', enthusiasm and interest in the book. All of this positive energy buoyed my energies higher than expected. 

 

With new readers exploring what living simply luxurious is all about without having first spent time on the blog or listened to the podcast, I have felt a little more vulnerable. Consequently, over the past few weeks, I didn't realize how emotionally raw I had become. Sharing ourselves, while not our entire selves, but intimate, honest glimpses, is not easy. But as I watched the critically acclaimed film Can You Ever Forgive Me? starring Melissa McCarthy this past weekend, I was reminded that the hard thing to do is to be vulnerable. In fact, it is the couragous thing to do. And because it is hard, we may become more exhausted than we expect even though it is "only" emotional energy we are expending in extra doses. The truth is, emotional energy is still energy, and we need to be sure to replenish our reserves in order to keep sharing ourselves with those we have chosen to be sincerely ourselves. 

 

What is your body telling you? Are you listening? Is it bursting with energy and eager to share in the holiday spirit this season? Or perhaps, do you need a bit of a rest? Maybe just an afternoon, an evening or a blissful morning to be still, or at least slow down? The holidays are tremendously exhilarating and exciting, but we need to make sure we take care of ourselves along the way so that we can indeed enjoy them. 

 

My first step of self-care was a bubble bath last night, and thankfully, a rare headache finally began to subside. 

 

Part of the reason I have come to realize the release of TSLL's 2nd book was more emotionally charged is because more glimpses of me and my journey are shown than in the 1st book, and more deep fundamental concepts of living simply luxuriously are as well. But while I may be tired now, I am immensely thankful and proud of the book that was produced. And most certainly for the continued celebration and feedback from long-time readers like yourselves, I am profoundly fortunate of the time you share by stopping by the blog, reading this newsletter or tuning into the podcast or vodcast.  It is with sincere confidence that I shared in the book what I have discovered to be true to cultivating a life of deep contentment in our everydays as well as along the road to our dreams coming true. After all, doing just as Living The Simply Luxurious Life: Making Your Everydays Extraordinary and Discovering Your Best Self explains brought me to Bend, took me to Provence and Normandy, France, delivered me to Devon, England, and enabled me to build an everyday way of living that offers true contentment each day.

 

Wishing you a most magical Christmas, Boxing Day, Kwanzaa or whatever holiday you may be sharing. As well, may the commencement of 2019 delight and amaze you. I cannot wait for all that I have to share with you in the new year.

 

TSLL weekly newsletter will be taking its annual week off next Friday and return with a full issue of new posts as well as the Top posts of 2018 which will be shared all week next week on TSLL blog while I take a brief holiday. Thank you so much for subscribing. Happy holidays and happy new year! Until next year, I'll see you on the blog!