As I reflect on 2017, there are many words to describe the feelings that I have - aware, grateful, transitional, connection, compassionate, joy-filled, content. The list could go on, but I will take each descriptor and outline the months beginning with January of 2017.
In January of 2017, I was acutely aware of needing to make important decisions for my family's health and well-being, and that meant seriously looking into selling my home once again. I was also very aware of the deep friendship and support from my dear friend Jamie, who started a Go Fund Me to assist with our family hardship.
February, March and April brought forth such gratitude to family, friends, colleagues and others committed to the process of having excellent health-care available that supported growth rather than being stifled by only a conventional process.
May and June were definitely transitional months. I moved Ashley to Boulder and continued onto CA with Tammie. It's interesting how this all came about at once. I had been contemplating a move to support my own health, as well as to be in an environment that was more supportive of integrative medicine. My dear colleague and mentor, Heather, assisted me with my astrological chart to hone in on areas that may support my healing and growth. This all came at the same time - sale of my home, moving Ashley and myself. While a busy time, it was the most cost-effective manner to accomplish this all.
July and August were about exploration and connection. I have made wonderful friends, explored dance, met amazing artists and have truly felt a sense of peace living in beautiful Ojai. This place is known for its healing energy and upon visiting Meditation Mount, I immediately felt the connection to Graymoor - a mountain in the Peekskills of NY and place that we frequented as a family. These holy mounts erected Peace Poles in the same year - clear across the country.
In September and October, I chose to begin the process of digging deep into self-compassion - an area of my overall well-being that I had neglected over the years. My focus had been on surviving, achieving and caring for my wonderful girls, but there was a nagging inside that informed me that in order to truly heal, I needed to begin this process.
In November, I met with a shaman/medicine woman - a wise woman who immediately connected me to my core - joy, pain and all! Interestingly, my Mom had always been very proud of our Indian heritage and here I was, investigating this spiritual realm.
December came and I realized that my professional gifts were bringing me to Santa Barbara quite often, another beautiful, mid-coast city with similarities to Ojai, but with an expanded view of integrative medicine. I thought that I would wait until May when my lease was up, but I was getting clear messages that I should look sooner.
Not only did an ideal apartment show up, but professional interests have been percolating. As has been my experience in the past, the landing was pretty rough. There were massive wildfires in both cities, resulting in two evacuations. This is where the diamonds are now seen - in the rough! Not only have I witnessed care and concern, but I feel very content with how this year has come to a close.
I have washed off all the ashes, have placed most of my items away and am planning a holiday party tomorrow - gathering friends from my new home, 5000 miles away from home!
It is about being grateful and content with what we have and feeling the connectedness to all of humanity.
I wish you a very happy, healthy and peace-filled New Year!
Love
Julie
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