The Head and The Heart Vol. 8

New Year, Same Me

I’ve had this necklace that I’ve worn nonstop in 2024. It’s a small chain necklace with an “R'“ on it. People see it and exclaim, “For Raine! That’s so sweet,” While it’s a necklace that is much older than Raine, I’m happy that it’s a little reminder of her. But I bought it as a reminder to myself — to stay connected, stay creative, stay focused on my purpose in this world, and pay attention to my inner knowing.

Before my brain surgery, I had to take this necklace off, and haven’t been able to find it since. I assumed it was lost and was trying not to be disappointed by it, but I’ll admit, I kept thinking about it. Much like Carrie Bradshaw lost her cheapo ‘Carrie’ necklace and mentioned it throughout the series until she finally fines it during the finale, the loss of this $20 necklace lingered in my mind.

Yesterday, Hans wore a pair of pants he hadn’t worn in awhile and noticed something in his pocket. He reached in and pulled out my necklace. I was *too* excited. But it really felt like a reminder to stay connected to my purpose in this world and listen to my inner knowing, even, and especially, during this time of recovery and rest.

I never make new years resolutions but I always use the month of January (my birthday month) to think about one word that will guide my focus for the year.

Words from the past few years include:
- Bold
- Reframe
- Continue
- Space

My word for 2024 was PRAISE! Here’s what I wrote at the top of the year, as my mantra and focus:

In 2024 I want to praise God, the process, my family, the journey, and myself! Here's what Oprah shared which is the quote that resonated with me and will guide my year: My word for this year is praise. Praise for God, praise for life, praise for every moment. I begin with praise and end with gratitude. That’s my formula for a life that reciprocates in abundance and beauty.

Appropriate. Knowing how the year wrapped up, ending (always) with gratitude.

Thank you, all, for your continued love, support, and hope. To conclude the year, enjoy one of my favorite prayers by one of my favorite poets.

A prayer for the new year

Father, Mother, God,
Thank you for your presence
during the hard and mean days.
For then we have you to lean upon.

Thank you for your presence
during the bright and sunny days,
for then we can share that which we have
with those who have less.
And thank you for your presence
during the Holy Days, for then we are able
to celebrate you and our families
and our friends.

For those who have no voice,
we ask you to speak.
For those who feel unworthy,
we ask you to pour your love out
in waterfalls of tenderness.
For those who live in pain,
we ask you to bathe them
in the river of your healing.
For those who are lonely, we ask
you to keep them company.
For those who are depressed,
we ask you to shower upon them
the light of hope.

Dear Creator, You, the borderless
sea of substance, we ask you to give to all the
world that which we need most—Peace.
- Maya Angelou

XO,
R

This photo is from our family walk last night during my favorite times of day due to my sensitivity to light…a walk in the dark! The real life story about this photo is that Raine had the largest meltdown she’s ever had moments after this photo was taken and was carried home kicking and screaming. While the moment was frustrating the gratitude to experience and see it and be present for it all outweighed her screams. Happy New Year!