Can I keep it real with y'all?

A full, bold and gentle existence.

A text I sent my good friend last week.

My therapist recently reminded that “two things can be true at the same time.” So, lately I’ve been holding space for grief and mourning to exist in the same breath as joy. My wife and I have been at the hospital just about every day for the past three weeks to visit my father-in-law who’s in recovery from complications with COVID. After two weeks in a state of agitated delirium, last week he woke up and his presence of mind and motor skills are coming back stronger every day (as evidenced by him singing along to Bob Marley during one of our latest visits).

I’ve yet to experience anything more sobering than witnessing someone you love slip away and come back to the physical realm. It brings up all sorts of feelings, y’all. Mostly gratitude and a fierce desire to live a full, bold and gentle existence.

I’ve been finding joy in taking baths, practicing EFT tapping, sun salutations, repeating daily mantras and affirmations, taking walks through my neighborhood, being mindful of what food/media/people I engage with and consume, listening to new music, dancing, singing out loud, writing films, breath work, meditation, phoning friends, cherishing lovers, creating what I feel most moved to make, reading and being still.

And while I’ve been away from the newsletter for longer than I intended, today I couldn’t ignore the urge to write you. I hope each of you are easing into 2022 in ways that nurture and expand you and all that you touch.

To any of you reading this who are navigating COVID recovery, caring for your (elder) loved ones, or mourning and grieving in any way — my heart is with you. Please make room for joy when and where you can.

I’ll be back next Monday ❤️,

HMKM