Happy New Year!

Time to Turn the Page

​I hope this liminal time . . . this time between seasons, between holidays, the space between light and dark, and the turn of calendar years, has been gentle and kind. 

For all of us in West Michigan, we know it has also been fierce. First the all-day-rain on Sunday, then the temperature drop combined with high winds and drifting snow. 

When girlfriends of mine in Colorado and Florida have watched nightly news, then reach out to find out if we’re okay? You know we’ve had some noteworthy conditions. 🥶

---

“Let nothing dim the light that shines within.”

~ Maya Angelou

---

Welcome 2026! 

My girlfriend Theresa sent me a Monk Manual for Christmas. 

I didn’t know such a thing existed, and my initial response? Resistance. 

It looked like a complex, and time-consuming chore. 
The rather large, and thick, yearly “planner” felt oppressive. 
Like yet another daily “to do” that I really do not have time for. 

Maybe the gift would become something I found space for on a bookshelf and did just that . . . shelve it. 

But I left it out. On our dining room table, with its pretty ribbon, just to see what might emerge. 
The next day, I softened my own edges of resistance and opened myself up to curiosity. 
Theresa knows me very well. We talk openly and in-depth. She’s a thoughtful gift giver. Why did she choose this for me? 

With the awful weather and MIke’s holiday break helping to shift us into a slower gear, I eventually curled up with the Manual. I found its language and message compelling. I realized there were loads of free online support materials accompanying the manual that were thorough, thoughtful, and helpful. 

I fully agree with the concept that most New Year’s Resolutions don’t pan out because people set the goal too far away from their existing patterning. 

I talk in my own yoga classes about how small shifts in our thinking, our being, and our doing create big transformation. 
That intentions aren’t magical thinking. 
That showing up for ourselves, for our vision, for what we want more of happens one breath, one small step, one action at a time. 

Pretty soon I was literally sharpening my pencil, digging around for a decent eraser, and jotting down thoughts and ideas . . . or, more accurately, themes and habits. 

On this New Year’s Day, my theme is Gratitude. 
I like the concept I picked up from Richard Rohr . . . of practicing gratitude until you are grateful. 

To support my theme of gratitude, I have chosen one habit to focus on.
Because we know simply naming what we want doesn’t happen magically. 
We have to actually practice it. 
Move the needle into a different groove for our own internal patterns.  
So, my habit I am focusing on this week? No Complaining. 

That’s it. I’m going to try not to complain this week. And I’ll see what happens. 

Oh, I’m also trying a Gratitude Minute when I first wake up. 
Simply breathing in gratitude for whatever surfaces in that moment. 
I’m loving this practice. 
And guess what? It’s not time consuming. Nor complicated. 

Small things. 
Big impact. 
I’m here for it. 

Here’s to moving the needle and basking in the light,

~m