Summer Turns to Autumn, and a birthday note to myself

Today is my 36th birthday. I'm taking a moment to reflect on what I want life to be about, and to celebrate and cherish who I am—the woman I've become, and the girl I have always been. I was looking through a stack of memories my mom passed on to me and this picture held my heart. I'm about 10, and I'm a picture of the feminine, gentle and creative soul I'm still nurturing to this day.  

As I sit in this reflective space, I feel like the last few months have all been connected to this moment. I pulled back from the world over the summer and took time to be with myself and those dear. I found a lot of stillness in myself, along with a pool of grief and uncertainty, and more strength and confidence than I knew I had.

Here are a few of the moments that added up to a summer:

Quietening My Mind. In August I unplugged. It wasn't planned or unplanned, but it came together. It was what I needed in a deep way. I took care of myself and I worked on being the kind of mom I want to be. Accepting and embracing our son's recent autism diagnosis and parenting in a new way was a sort of surrender.  I let myself feel the grief and the uncertainty of it all. I feel like this is the beginning of a new journey for us.  

I spent renewal time with my mom in her garden oasis. I'm so grateful for my mom. She's something special.

Nourishment. Growing and eating fresh food, practicing yoga, making art, cooking, surrounding myself with beauty, and heading into the mountains with family to soak up nature's beauty. 

Reading. Stacks of books are everywhere in our house. I got some of these titles from this local blogger. I love her perspective. 

I read an interview with Julia Roberts recently (InStyle mag). These words struck a chord in their simplicity and truth: "Be nice, be happy, be grateful." This is the way to live. I'm a fan.



Dreams. A favourite Vancouver boutique—Barefoot Contessa—will start carrying my wholehearted art products this fall! A dream come true. Stay tuned.

A word. The word intentional emerged out of the chaos in my studio one night. It's definitely my word for right now. I am working hard to bring intention to everything that matters to me. It's a daily practice full of imperfection but also possibility.

 

And so, as I celebrate 36 I sit with the chaos and beauty of life, and know that I'm living it – my feet are dirty, my hair is messy and my eyes are sparkling. I'm grateful for this. Happy birthday self, with love. And welcome Autumn. I love this time of year.

ginger