A New Year Beneath the Moon, Estes Park, CO

Happy New Year!

Yes, I know it is almost February. :) However, I am catching up on my diary now.

I am so thirsty to let my fingers write and spill my heart onto the keyboard. I am surprised by how deeply writing has become part of me.

The last time I wrote was a few weeks ago. In the meantime, a year ended and a new year began.

I could not think of a better way to begin the year than spending it with my boys.

It has been a year since I last hugged Adi. It is the longest stretch we have gone without seeing each other. I am beyond grateful for FaceTime. I am in weekly contact with my boys through FaceTime and texts, so it does not feel like we are completely disconnected. Still, there is nothing like looking into another’s eyes without the barrier of a screen.

New Year’s Eve was celebrated with an evening hike under an almost full moon. I feel grateful for the privilege of walking directly into Rocky Mountain National Park from the Y. The moon shone so brightly against the clear sky that it was impossible not to feel the magic of it all. More importantly, it was a beautiful honor to spend this moment with dear friends: Rebecca, Robert, David, Sharon, Alex, and Adi. Ron joined us the next day.

The night was quiet. The silence of the mountain’s silhouettes, wrapped in their white coats, filled us all with awe.

We appreciated the break in the wind as we sat at a picnic table and raised a glass to the New Year.

It was hard for me not to take this magical moment and wish for all of us the blessing of a bright moon as we left a dark night behind. My only wish is for a simple peace for all. As I write these words and feel my deepest prayers, I wonder how many bright moons it would take for a new, bright day to follow.

My time with Adi and Ron always brings so much joy to my heart. With their busy schedules and my constant travel, finding time together is not easy, so every opportunity feels like a gift.

I cherish sharing my life with them and introducing them to what has become my little family at the Y.

Almost every evening, we gathered around the same table, sharing meals and laughter. Pearl, Alex, Rebecca, David, Sharon, Robert, Mary Kay, Jack, Mary, Joe, Karen (who comes and goes), and Rendi, who has left for now but will return soon.

I enjoyed ending the evenings with laughter and a game of ping pong. While Pearl and I are equally decent players, I love how Rebecca pushes me to become stronger.

I appreciated the quiet winter here. The wind is certainly a challenge, but I let it shape my spirit. I bundled up and made sure my backpack had enough weight to ground me. Funny how true that actually is.

My challenge these days is not the weather. It is my presentation. I began working on it a few weeks ago, only to realize I was approaching it from the wrong angle. Now I am back to square one. I understand that I do not have the time to take my audience on a four-year journey, and I cannot share all my photos in one slideshow. That is what my books and my website are for.

I need to focus the presentation on the places that stole my heart and the beautiful souls who became part of my healing journey. I only have time to share moments and the wisdom that Mother Nature so gracefully offers through her silent beauty.

I know I will find my footing soon. For now, it feels like a powerful challenge.

Last night, finally, a small winter storm brought a fresh layer of snow. This winter has not unfolded as expected. Most days, the only visible snow rests on the highest peaks. Still, I feel incredibly fortunate. Every morning, I have a breathtaking view.

For now, my soul feels split in two: the pull to hike and be immersed in nature. Especially with fresh snow on the ground, and my responsibility to shape my presentation.

I whisper a simple prayer for more snow as I sit in the YMCA library, writing this post before turning my attention back to the presentation.

Until next time…