“In our perfect ways. In the ways we are beautiful. In the ways we are human. We are here. Happy New Year’s. Let’s make it ours.” —Beyoncé

 

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A post shared by Elizabeth Su✨ (@heyelizabethsu)

Presence: As we head into the New Year, I’ve been thinking a lot about presence. I know it seems a bit silly—like going back to the basics of mindfulness—but perhaps what’s showing up is a more nuanced understanding of presence than I’ve had in the past. Right now, the kind of presence I’m inviting into my life is the ability to accept things as they are. Not talking myself out of an intuitive knowing, not pushing myself beyond my limits, not getting attached to plans or what I want to happen.

It got me thinking: My intention for 2021 is to have the kind of presence where you can appreciate reality for what it is:the good, the bad, the disappointing, the areas of growth, the truth.

Manifestation Myth: I recently received a job opportunity that I felt very undeserving of. I was so anxious about something coming easily to me, that I was sure I’d push the opportunity away because I was *blocking* myself from receiving. Turns out, you don’t actually need to feel deserving for good things to happen in your life. It made me realize how much ego there is in a lot of spiritual teachings, this idea that you can force something to manifest if only you follow XYZ steps. I’m learning that’s not really how it works. Here’s a reminder for next time:

Dear Self,
Spirituality is not about forcing something to happen, but about letting go of control and trusting what’s meant to be, is meant to be.

Wild Boars: Did you know that there are wild boars in the Southeast? While Andrew and I drove along the highway in Georgia, I looked out of the window and saw what can only be described as Pumba from The Lion King. Stunned, I googled, “Wild boar + Georgia” and sure enough, they were! You learn new things every day.

WARM AND FUZZIES

My Octopus Teacher

Have ya’ll seen My Octopus Teacher on Netflix? Not only is the photography incredible and you learn a lot about how smart octopi are, but the friendship between the octopus and the protagonist is so stinking sweet.

OBSESSION OF THE WEEK

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

 

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A post shared by Stephenie Freeman (@reads.on.wednesdays)

Run, don’t walk, to grab a copy of this book (we listened to it driving from Colorado to Michigan to Georgia). I loved that the main storyline is one of female friendship. I loved learning about the matriarchal culture of the haenyeo (women freedivers of Jeju Island) in South Korea. I loved learning an important part of history that I never did in school. It’s one of those books that ends and your heart isn’t ready to move on.

MONTHLY HAPPENINGS: FEATURES + EVENTS

• Insecure Girls’ Club: Video Feature
• InHerSight: “6 Steps to Feeling Less Lost Right Now”
• Crooked Illness Podcast: with Paris Prynkiewicz on self-love and perfectionism

XO,

Elizabeth