if you're here, I welcome you my friend. I'm writing this the evening of New Year's Day 2014 and my heart is full as I listen to the last of the Christmas carols. The bittersweet sounds of minor chords, acoustic guitar, violin and George Winston on the piano have me feeling sentimental and a little teary eyed.
I've been immersed in this season of hope and joy for the past week. It's funny because I've spent much of the time alone. I'm fortunate because I've learned to enjoy the pleasure of my own company. I've read; evaluated where I'm going and where I've been (I am so on target for 2014 I'm amazed! Look out.) I've treated myself to a few indulgences (seeing Walter Mitty and buying a juicer:) My little OCD heart is pleased because my pantry is stocked and tidy. I'm not looking at the jewelry I've strewn in my dressing area. I'm in the process of organizing it….I've practiced being gentle with myself.
I've talked many times in this blog about the things I'm doing, the hopes I have, etc. I don't need to repeat them in my Christmas letter. It would be redundant. I have done some amazing things though! I've successfully launched two amazing children into the world complete with debt-free college degrees! Laura is traveling the world and Andy is crafting a new life on his own. They are amazing and constantly inspire me. They show me (often) how to live life full out. When I falter I just look at them. I've set up a new corporation and committed myself to creating my own art and to helping others do the same. I'm committed to helping us all profit (literally) from it. I've discovered a mature voice in my art that I'll enjoy developing in a new body of work. It's no surprise that I'm finding that maturity in my art as I step into ownership of a mature woman's life.
I'm constantly amazed at the life that is unfolding in front of me. It's as if I've finally learned the secret to the whole "thing." Gratitude, love, acceptance. Knowing that life always changes like the tides, the seasons, the light around us. These are the bedrocks of a happy life. I've learned that I can be happy. I can let go of pain and fear. I'm meant to be joyful, at peace. It's my birthright.
I am stunned by the loyalty and love of you, my friends and family. Because I am not always lovable. I sometimes take you for granted. I consider myself unimportant to you and thus diminish our relationships. I'm flawed. I'm human. That makes me immeasurably beautiful. It makes you the same. I've circled back to my old friend, Gratitude.
It's funny, but I finally realize that I can't do everything. I wasn't meant to. But I can do one thing to perfection. I can live my life to the very fullest. I am myself. I'll love the people I'm meant to love, walk the paths I choose with equanimity and just enjoy the journey. I'm making the world a better place by being here.
Each of you is embedded in my DNA. I guess that's the point. I love each and every one of you. I hear your voices, see your eyes, feel your Spirits lift when I soar and feel your arms slip around me when I stumble. I am so grateful to share this journey with you. Blessings to you in this New Year. All my love, Mary-Gail 
if you're here, I welcome you my friend. I'm writing this the evening of New Year's Day 2014 and my heart is full as I listen to the last of the Christmas carols. The bittersweet sounds of minor chords, acoustic guitar, violin and George Winston on the piano have me feeling sentimental and a little teary eyed.
I've been immersed in this season of hope and joy for the past week. It's funny because I've spent much of the time alone. I'm fortunate because I've learned to enjoy the pleasure of my own company. I've read; evaluated where I'm going and where I've been (I am so on target for 2014 I'm amazed! Look out.) I've treated myself to a few indulgences (seeing Walter Mitty and buying a juicer:) My little OCD heart is pleased because my pantry is stocked and tidy. I'm not looking at the jewelry I've strewn in my dressing area. I'm in the process of organizing it….I've practiced being gentle with myself.
I've talked many times in this blog about the things I'm doing, the hopes I have, etc. I don't need to repeat them in my Christmas letter. It would be redundant. I have done some amazing things though! I've successfully launched two amazing children into the world complete with debt-free college degrees! Laura is traveling the world and Andy is crafting a new life on his own. They are amazing and constantly inspire me. They show me (often) how to live life full out. When I falter I just look at them. I've set up a new corporation and committed myself to creating my own art and to helping others do the same. I'm committed to helping us all profit (literally) from it. I've discovered a mature voice in my art that I'll enjoy developing in a new body of work. It's no surprise that I'm finding that maturity in my art as I step into ownership of a mature woman's life.
I'm constantly amazed at the life that is unfolding in front of me. It's as if I've finally learned the secret to the whole "thing." Gratitude, love, acceptance. Knowing that life always changes like the tides, the seasons, the light around us. These are the bedrocks of a happy life. I've learned that I can be happy. I can let go of pain and fear. I'm meant to be joyful, at peace. It's my birthright.
I am stunned by the loyalty and love of you, my friends and family. Because I am not always lovable. I sometimes take you for granted. I consider myself unimportant to you and thus diminish our relationships. I'm flawed. I'm human. That makes me immeasurably beautiful. It makes you the same. I've circled back to my old friend, Gratitude.
It's funny, but I finally realize that I can't do everything. I wasn't meant to. But I can do one thing to perfection. I can live my life to the very fullest. I am myself. I'll love the people I'm meant to love, walk the paths I choose with equanimity and just enjoy the journey. I'm making the world a better place by being here.
Each of you is embedded in my DNA. I guess that's the point. I love each and every one of you. I hear your voices, see your eyes, feel your Spirits lift when I soar and feel your arms slip around me when I stumble. I am so grateful to share this journey with you. Blessings to you in this New Year. All my love, Mary-Gail
