Savouring the beautiful people this Saturday

This week, I have been so grateful for the incredible people I have in my life, including...

1. The wonderful Liz Lamoreux inviting me to guest post on her blog about my journey with the second week's prompt of the Inner Excavate-along. I feel beyond privileged to have my words and images honoured in this space! (Evidence of the backscratches mentioned therein, above!)

2. A mutual adoration society I have got going on with a younger colleague with whom I have really connected. Seeing so much of myself in her journey. Feeling called to tell her all the things I wish someone had said to me as a young woman, working so hard and feeling to stifled: You are not the only one. You are seen. You have a lot to offer. It is not foolish to want more. It’s OK to be impatient. Good things are coming. Making sure there is a lot of love in her email in-box.


3. My husband. That sweet soul went out of his way this week to make sure I knew just how loved and supported I was. Especially when some of the weekend's symptoms returned during the week and I started to lose my grip on sanity. Came home early and turned up to surprise me in the doctor's waiting room, then took us all out for lunch. The stayed home and played with our little 'un so I could rest. Then cooked dinner. Adore that boy. To bits.

4. One very awesome friend gifting me a set of Osho Zen Tarot Cards. I was blown away by this gorgeous act of generosity, and the incredible power of the cards themselves. (Slightly spooky, actually!)

5. Participating in an amazing encaustic art workshop this morning, under the auspices of the Winter Solstice. I got so much out of this unique little gathering: partly because I got to learn a fantastic new intuitive art technique (that I am pretty sure I am going to get hooked on), and partly because of the way Julia created a powerful but safe space for us to connect to the spirits of our ancestors and our own spirits. I have so much respect for this woman.

6. Seeing a much-loved friend blossom as she courageously and wholeheartedly embarks on a new relationship after having her heart completely shattered. I am in awe of this beautiful woman and her capacity to heal and to trust and to require that she is fully met. She has worked so hard to get to this point and truly deserves every happiness and delight.

7. Jonathan Cainer's Guide to the Future. I just ordered mine for the third year running and am completely astounded and grateful, as always. Such a worthwhile investment and highly recommended for those of you who love star gazing (and navel gazing) as much as I do!

8. Making plans for a family holiday to Germany in August. My husband has to make a trip for business and generously invited us to make an event of it! Berlin has been on my list for some time, and I cannot wait to soak it all in. Take a squiz at Berlinstagram to get a sense of what I mean (with thanks to my bff for the recommendation).

9. The opportunity to tell my manager just how much she has meant to me over these past three years. She is a rare thing at the organisation where I work: someone who is responsible for managing people who is not only competent at her work but genuinely cares about people. She has made me feel understood, supported, appreciated. I am so glad for her new opportunity, but will miss her terribly.

10. Alexandra Franzen: nails it once again. This woman completely blows me away... at least once a week!

12. The sense that folk are thinking about me. That probably sounds odd, but having emerged from a cramped and lonely space where I was given to muse if anyone would notice if I were to disappear, I received an invitation from a dear colleague for coffee, a sweet "just because" postcard from my bff, an SMS from an old friend telling me about a dream she'd had about me, multiple communications from my family to keep me connected to my grandfather's funeral, and various other forms of checking in. Feeling seen and loved and connected. Yum.

13. My sister returning from her surprise whirlwind visit to the UK. I can't explain it and don't think I'll try but somehow my heart feels fuller and more content now that I know that she's safely home... and that I will be seeing her tomorrow.

14. My sweet little 'un recovering from her fever and cough and regaining her appetite (and sleeping through the night) and resuming her usual delicious, exuberant, curious and cheeky persona. She is the reason I want to understand and honour where I have come from, so that I can shine a clear light on where I am going. She is the reason I want to be the best I can be. She is teaching me that when I love myself, when I am connected to my spirit, when I do things that make my soul come alive, that I am the best example of love for her.

For more sweet celebrations of dearly beloveds, please be sure to stop by and say hello to my delicious friend Maxabella this week!