Winter Solstice

Soon the Winter Solstice will arrive and with it the return of brighter, longer days in time for the end 2011. I wish there were words to convey all that learned in this year. Very possibly the most heartbreaking and breathtaking year of my life. So many highs, so many lows and everything in between. Meeting new friends and loving old friends, and then having to let go of both of them... oh, the lessons. Life lessons come in all shapes and sizes and within their own time lines. I wish I could reach out and change part of the landscape of this year, while in the same breath I fully understand that we should also be grateful for unanswered prayers. If I had sum up what this year has meant to me, it would be that a massive chapter in my life has come to an end while a new one has been revealed. We all have the peaks and valleys that create our life's story and it fascinates me to no end to be present and in the moment while it all unfolds. There have been so many amazing people that have taught me so much this year. Watching loved ones achieve their dreams. Whether it has been having children, landing their dream job or simply finding it within themselves to live, take and own their lives and to allow themselves to grow into their 'best selves'. I have a lot to learn from them and I honour those friends for being so courageous. This year I have faced some truths about myself and I am proud to stand up, stand tall and to admit to myself my flaws. It must have something to do with growing up and realizing all of the ways I am still evolving. I can also own that I have done some amazing things too. Firstly and foremost, I have surrounded myself with amazing people. I am proud of my circle of loved ones and what they have taught me, how they have supported me and loved me every step of the way this year. I owe a deeply humble debt of gratitude to all of them. I realize that this is a far more personal blog entry than I usually post. I normally write about the jewelry business at some point, but today I wanted to acknowledge my friends. From Halifax to Vancouver Island and right here in my own home. I want to say thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for sharing your love and compassion and I hope you have been able to find some nurturing in our friendship also. Life has become more than ever about the dance of intimacy in my friendships. The trust, the lessons, the vulnerability that comes with being open and honest. Whether it be in our moments of triumph or in those moments where our ugly bits surface. It is all about the fancy foot work that creates a forgiving flow in our closest relationships. Thank you for loving me through all of the above. With 2012 fast approaching, I want to extend a warm winter wish to each of you reading this. My wish for your new year is that you allow yourself to be cared for. So often we are the caregivers. I hope that you find it in yourself to be cared for. Whether it is a friend who offers you a heartfelt compliment or a stranger that offers to buy you a coffee... accept it. What goes around comes around and you have love and light coming your way. Allow yourself to give the gift of giving to someone else. This has been my greatest lesson this year and it has taught me more about myself than anything else in my lifetime. It has been an amazing journey this year. Thank you for being apart of it. Thank you for being your beautiful self. Gratitude. It is where I will be in 2012. Love, Tiffany