Hello Beautiful People, As we arrive at the end of the year, I am reminded yet again of how quickly life passes us by. The interconnectedness of endings and new beginnings, light and dark, love and hate, life and death, is all around us. This time of year often brings a mix of emotions, as we reflect on what has been while also looking forward to what’s next.
Each new day can feel like a repetition of the last, filled with tasks and responsibilities that seem never-ending. In this chaotic rhythm, it’s easy to get caught up in wanting everything to be perfect. But here’s the truth: we cannot fully embrace joy and love without also acknowledging pain and darkness. Every experience, both good and bad, shapes who we are.
We can liken love to the experience of driving a manual car, where mastering the gas and clutch is essential. Just as you shift gears to navigate the road, we must learn to shift our emotional responses—embracing the full spectrum of feelings life offers. When we hold onto love but fail to express and integrate it into our lives, it can turn into hatred or resentment. Much like a delicious dinner left too long in the fridge, love without attention can spoil. We have such a remarkable capacity to radiate love; however, if we don’t actively engage with it, it can easily morph into something toxic.
This is true for our daily tasks as well. If we struggle to find love in our routines, we risk developing a sense of hatred for them. This conflict can cause us to resist and deny the beauty of our lives. It’s essential to update our operating systems—our mental frameworks—so we can expand our capacity to hold and process all aspects of life, including the chaos.
Life flows in a rhythm—just like the inhale and exhale. We take life in with each breath and, with the next, we release and let go. Yet, many of us find ourselves holding our breath, trying to control life instead of flowing with it, much like trying to accelerate without smoothly working the clutch. It’s about finding that perfect balance. We must learn to embrace obstacles and challenges with love, seeing them as opportunities for growth rather than burdens.
So, how can we navigate this? One practice is to ask our minds to help us orient to pleasure and safety. “Show me what I love about this exact moment.” When we do this, we train our brains to seek the beauty around us. We’ll start to notice our favorite parts of each experience, grounding ourselves in gratitude. If we remain stuck in what we dislike, we neglect the chance to recharge and appreciate the parts of our lives that support us.
Recognizing that everything is temporary is key. If we’re experiencing something wonderful, we soak it in, knowing it won’t last forever. If we’re in a tough spot, we also remember that it’s a transient part of our journey. Nothing remains the same, and it’s in this fluidity that life unfolds.
As we close out this year, let’s learn to fall in love with our lives—embracing moments of joy and sorrow, light and dark. Let’s practice expressing love to ourselves and others, even in the face of challenges. We can learn to love ourselves despite the parts we find difficult. Wishing you all warmth, reflection, and love as we end this year and embrace new beginnings.
Much love to you all! 
Chantal Watier
0 Comments