Gifts

the gift of the winter sun, the snow and the mountains

We are halfway through January already and what a month it has been. To be honest, I am having a really hard time sitting down and writing with all the horrors and tragedy that is going on in the world. My writing here seems so trivial and I am wanting to do so much more but feel so lost in how or what. And yet here I am. When I think about my first Substack post and what prompted me to hit publish, it was to connect with a community. And here we are. It seems that right now the best thing I can do for my mental health (and hopefully yours as well) is to keep connecting. And I remind myself of the things I am most grateful for in 2025. Good health, good company, good food, good movement and I look forward to even more in 2026.

I love reading the most recent post in Amelia Boone’s Substack where she talks about her practice of choosing a word for her year. Since I am not really one for resolutions I thought I would try that and see how it felt. After my last post reflecting on my 2025 I started to think about what it was I am wanting to bring into my life in 2026 and what one word could symbolize all the various things I might like to feel, be or do. What came to mind was GIFT. So I took a look at the dictionary definitions of the word and it is interesting how fitting it felt to what I am wanting to feel and be in the new year.

1. something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; present.

2. the act of giving.

3. something bestowed or acquired without any particular effort by the recipient or without its being earned.

4. a special ability or capacity; natural endowment; talent.

So how I want the word “gift” to reflect my year? The first thing that comes to mind is what a gift it is to be me. I am healthy, have enough to eat, a warm place to live and people who love me and that I love. That is truly a gift and one that I don’t want to take for granted or forget. After the abuses I have put my body through it is still here with me, doing the best it can. I also have the gift of my eyesight which could so easily have not been the case after my accident.

The other way I want to view gift is in that how can I keep sharing myself and “my gifts” with others. Cooking for others, sharing my words, volunteering my time with the food shelf, donating money to charities but also individuals that may be struggling. I also want to continue one of my favorite things and that is to “gift” others randomly. A surprise in the mail or an unexpected cookie delivery. Appreciating the gift that are my friends and family, and a supportive and loving partner. I also have the gift of my mom, who at 87 is still healthy and vital and full of life and love (even if sometimes she drives me nuts!)

I also love that in the definition of gift it says “present.” I first read that as in what you wrap up and put a bow on. But it also feels to me that it signifies “the now” (the present.) And a good reminder to myself to remain in the present instead of jumping to what could have been or might be in the future.

This food is a gift of the entire universe. The sun, the earth and much hard work. May we live in a way that makes us worthy to receive it. May we be mindful of our actions and the effect we have on others. And may we be grateful for all that we have.

Every time I have dinner with 2 of my best friends, we recite this blessing before we start eating. Somehow it slows everything down, brings me into the present moment, and reminds me how grateful I am to have this food, and the gift of friendship with these two lovely humans.

May you have a beautiful and peaceful day friends, and again THANK YOU for being here.

the gift of a winter sunset

Thank you for being here with me today and reading my ramblings. Please let me know if you liked today’s post by tapping the “heart” as it helps more people find me! Or you can add a comment if anything in particular resonated with you. I always enjoy hearing from you! I am so incredibly grateful for all of my readers and subscribers. All of your likes, comments, and notes are truly an inspiration to me!