Hello Reader,

It's the countdown to the end of the year.

In my social feeds I am bombarded with two conflicting messages: the entrepreneurship crowd is pushing for finishing 2024 strong and knocking our goals out of the park. While the more spiritual or self help accounts are usually pointing out that nature slows down in the winter, so we can too, and not feel guilty about hustling less.

This year, I am definitely in that latter camp! I'm heavily affected by the shorter days & colder weather. It's increasingly hard to pull myself out of my warm cozy bed in the mornings.

So this week's affirmation reflects that desire to slow down and not necessarily hustle to the finish line of the year.

I have all the time I need.

I want you to remember that capitalism and the Protestant Work Ethic tell us that our value is in how busy we are, and in how much we get done. The holidays really ramp that up, with extra events to attend, gifts to buy, gatherings to organize, and special treats to craft.

But it's ok if you want to slow down so you can take all the time you need to enjoy the season. If you're running around like the house is burning down, trying to fit everything in, it's hard to actually enjoy this special time of year.

And because I want to follow my instincts to slow down a bit right now, this will be the last affirmation I send for 2024. I picked an oldie but goodie because it is so useful and versatile.

So keep this week and last week's affirmations close, and use them the rest of the year. They are excellent reminders that help us slow down and appreciate this moment, a moment that will quite literally never come again.

That makes it beautiful, and special, and one of a kind. But the other great news is that there's always another moment coming! So no matter how often you get caught up in the hustle and bustle, the next time you remember to pause and appreciate an experience...you've succeeded.

For the rest of 2024 we are reminding ourselves 21x/day, or as often as we can:

The only purpose of this season is to enjoy it.

I have all the time I need.

Last Event of the Year: Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane

Mark your calendars for the last Social Snack of 2024! Enjoy community, hot drinks, and a dazzling light show from the comfort of your car or lawn chair.

This event is family friendly so bring the kiddos!

Dec. 12, 2024 @ 6:30pm
Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead