This week recognizes the Chinese New Year, which is a true bright spot for those of us just catching up with the fact that it is indeed a “New Year.”  I find January a time of transition; mentally processing my reflections of the year I leave behind and considering my intentions for the one that lies ahead.   This often includes dismantling and recreating my vision board for the year; reviewing my finances and finalizing year-end records; emotionally processing the year’s unresolved iss...

Last night I donned warm clothes and set out into the darkness to adorn the front of my house with icicle lights.  Though this event is weeks later than usual for me, I gave myself permission to enjoy the magic of the lights coming to life – and enjoy I did.  The air was cool, crisp and still, and the sky was dark.  The only sounds were the leaves under my feet and the sound of neighborhood dogs from afar.

I noticed that with each strand I hung, my spirit felt a little lighter; my heart a ...