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Terresa Graham's avatar

"Is there anyone else out there that views Winter Solstice as a beginning?"

Yes. For as long as I can remember. In fact, I wrote this in my journal on the Solstice: "I still find it odd that this is not the beginning of the new year."

Enjoy the return of the light!

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JL Orr of The Travel Paradox's avatar

I love that! We think exactly the same. Happy New Year!

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Terresa Graham's avatar

And to you!

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Karen Rand Anderson's avatar

What a wonderful project, writing your inner awareness each morning in the dark as you approach the Solstice. A beautiful and inspiring post ! I wish I had had your inner wisdom when I was 58, many years ago. But I’ve learned a lot since then, and am utilizing and sharing that knowledge now, a bit. Happy Solstice !

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JL Orr of The Travel Paradox's avatar

Thank you Karen! I love that you are finding something in my jumble. Welcome to this little community.

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Karen Rand Anderson's avatar

Many thanks for the shout out! This is a very special time for me too. Going deep within and knowing I’ll be able to emerge as the light returns.

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Meg Feil's avatar

Great post! I also view winter solstice as a beginning. I just joined Substack and am adding my writing practice to this platform. Love to see someone else passionate about this holiday.

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JL Orr of The Travel Paradox's avatar

Thanks Meg!

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Bryan Hansel's avatar

Thanks for the shout-out!

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Emese-Réka Fromm's avatar

I love the way you celebrate the solstice!

I can absolutely relate to your note from December 17, "I continue to struggle with the concept that I can just do what I want. That my life can actually be about pursuing my own goals, taking care of myself." My kids have been telling me for years to focus on myself at least once in a while; they have always been the center of everything I did, all the decisions I made, "what's good for them?" was my first thought behind every decision; when I try doing things for myself, I still have trouble deciding, understanding what I want. It's been slowly changing, but you are right, maybe today, as a new beginning, I will start focusing on that more.

So, today, I will follow your example and start a knitting project just for me. I am also on Ravelry (my user name is emesereka there, though I haven't logged on in years, hope it still works), so I'll head over there for inspiration. I'll look you up. Please send me your account name :)

Happy Winter Solstice! Wishing you all the best in the new year! And looking forward to reading more of your posts - both here and on your other site. <3 Emese

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JL Orr of The Travel Paradox's avatar

I love that you feel inspired to start something today -- something self-indulgent.

You may also be interested in these other pieces Both can be found on Jumble of Sea Glass -- Can I just do what I want? and Legacy. Both talk about this conundrum of choosing for ourselves, and what we owe our children.

This is your time. It's okay to do what is right for you!

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