be light.

"Let your heart be light..."

Hey Grateful Lifers! It's been a beat since I've stopped by for more than just a quick photo post. I hope this moment finds you healthy and happy, loved and full of light. I'm currently enjoying a few moments snuggled on the couch with my 4 legged (slightly gassy) niece, soaking up some rare quiet time at home (minus said puppy gas) before heading out again. It's been non stop visits and catch ups and how the heck are ya's with loved ones since landing back east a week ago...phew, I'm tired! This "tired", of course, can be filed nicely under #whitegirlproblems, if I'm honest. It's a huge blessing to return to my roots for the holidays and be welcomed each and every time by so much genuine kindness and time flexibility from my family and friends who generously work with me to find a schedule opening to wiggle in a hug. It's made my spirit feel huge, being home. 

As much as this time has been filled with parties, delicious meals and gift exchanging, it has also been accompanied by a soundtrack of holiday music (Stevie Wonder album on loop, naturally). And as I was falling asleep last night the lyric "let your heart be light" from the classic "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" gently hummed in my mind. For as long as I've known this song, I've always pictured this literally: a heart that is light, free, unburdened. While I still think this is a valid interpretation of the song (and a pretty good way to live), I realized I also see this phrasing to mean light as in a shining, bright signal of hope and love; one that beams out from our physical beings and touches those who we interact with, much like an actual lamp will spread it's glow across darkness. 

I think this beautiful ability to shine our inner heart-light manifests in various ways. I see it come from my parents when they volunteer in their shore community, post Hurricane Sandy. I see it from my sister as she cares for her 4 legged friends at the barn. I see it from B as he patiently accommodates my somewhat rushed schedule, remaining open, flexible and ever so kind and joyful. I see it from my friends who excitedly listen to my latest life news, authentically encouraging me and celebrating my triumphs. If we take a moment to really look, I think we will see this light all around. Including from our own beings.

As the New Year rapidly approaches (shoot, I still need to pick out some killer heels for NYE...) I encourage you all to explore the possibilities of that simple holiday tune's message: let your heart be light...emphasis on the let. I believe we often create the blocks that prevent our highest selves from beaming and brightening our corners of the world; we give "stress" too much credit, judgment too much power, perceived failures too much worth.  So forget those things and instead let your hearts be the amazing light they are capable of being--spread it to all, and receive it from others, as well. 

Let it shine, babesicles. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine....

In Gratitude,

Trish