Prayer is the contemplation of the facts of life from the highest point of view.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The most peaceful place I have ever been is a place I only visit in winter. In winter, the animals that call this place home retreat to warmer places to rest and conserve the energy needed for the months ahead.

My first visit to this magical space was filled with the richness of ambient sounds of the swish of my skis as I glided along its trails. I found myself stopping, often, to breathe and wait for the trees to greet me with the subtle rustling of boughs and the dropping of snow. The willows that line the river provide privacy for moose and their young in the forest. The icing film provides safe passage camouflaged from view.

The living sculptures that make up the canvas of this place leave you doubting it is real. If you remain still in this soundless space, you can hear sounds at levels not often available to your thinking mind, creating mental snapshots to retreat back to after you have gone.

Poets have long understood the power of capturing felt sensations in notebooks. They gather inklings and aha’s to be visited later in the warm indoors.

What draws us in to reconnect with these wild spaces, to nourish our minds and bodies through perception?

Reading back through this journal entry from 2020, is a reminder of my experience of deep solace. It becomes a record of my experience that can guide me through life's challenges and transitions. It is a personal record of the truth of my experience.

Personal narratives like this one are more than just written records of our lives; they are mirrors reflecting our growth, guides to our healing, and gateways to self-discovery. In our stories, we can find the power to understand, heal, and connect. They stand as a testament to the enduring power of the human narrative, a means by which we explore and celebrate the journey of life.

Do you have a way to discover the lessons of your life? If not, will you join me in a Season of Reflection and Celebration this holiday season?

Be well,

Kathy

A Season of Reflection and Celebration

As we enter the holiday season, I invite you to join me in a journey of self-discovery and celebration. This season, I will be sharing a special collection of journaling prompts to help you capture the beauty of the life you are living, by gathering the "aha" moments that make this time of year so magical.

What to Expect:

Starting each Sunday, from November 19 through December 31, 2023, I will be sharing a thoughtfully crafted journaling prompt designed to guide you on a reflective journey. These prompts are your tools to delve deep into the essence of the holiday season, connecting with the moments that truly matter.

Why Journaling Prompts:

The holiday season is a time of warmth, connection, and reflection. It's a time for cherishing memories, building new traditions, and finding solace in the beauty of the present. Journaling prompts provide a structured yet personal way to capture these moments, thoughts, and feelings.

How to Participate:

  1. Watch for an email from me early Sunday mornings during this holiday season.
  2. Read and reflect on the weekly journaling prompt.
  3. Let your thoughts flow onto the pages of your journal, or in any way that suits your personal style of expression.
  4. Share your insights and experiences if you wish, creating a sense of community and shared reflection.

Join Me:

This holiday season, let's celebrate life, gather the precious moments, and embrace the magic in the everyday. Together, we'll create a beautiful collection of reflections and stories that capture the spirit of this special time of year.

Let's make this holiday season one of reflection, gratitude, and celebration of the life we are living.


Why choose Well-being?

Since 2020, I've concluded every Sunday Letter with a simple yet profound sentiment: "Be Well." It's my heartfelt wish that every reader discovers their own unique wellspring of well-being. For me, well-being resides in the embrace of nature, the art of storytelling, and the practice of journaling. What brings well-being to your life?

Kathy Donchak

I am a wife, mom, nature, and book lover living in Central Texas. My work is the garden of my interests. The best way to get to know me is to subscribe to my Sunday Letter.

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