January 8

Give yourself permission to say let go and say “goodbye” when you need to, and let yourself feel what you need to feel about that, while also knowing that, in the same way, you can remove things from a garden to create something new, the same is true in your own life.

In tending to your garden, you may bid farewell to overgrown vines to foster new growth, a gentle reminder that it's okay to part ways with the past to nurture renewal.

Of course, this process takes time and often longer than we want it to, but if all you do is tend to even the smallest leaf or bud one day at a time, one day at time, that matters, too. Remember how small it can be.

Sometimes growing and thriving sounds like:

“I’m not who I was, and even though there is still much I am learning, I am proud of how far I have come and who I am continuing to become.”

“I’m creating space for my heart to heal.”

“I’m starting to get the courage to open my heart again."

“I’m starting to let myself dream again.”

In the moment, these small things may not feel like very much. You may feel like these are just basic parts of life. However, if you happen to notice them, just like if you happen to notice them, just like the subtle changes in a well-cared garden, these are examples of how you are growing and thriving by embracing change in gentle ways, cultivating patience and nurturing hope in the process.