LIFE JOURNEYS AREN'T...

…a linear line. For some, it will be circular. For others, it will twist and turn like a preschooler’s etch a sketch art. Mine, thus far, definitely resembles the latter. Which is exhilarating one year, but can be terrifying the next. So if you feel like you’ve been riding that emotional “roller coaster” these last few weeks, do know you are not alone. It’s why I’m taking extra care atm to notice the “positives” — BIG and small. Think of them as “glimmers": mini moments in your day that make you pause, smile and be fully present.

A HUGE one for me earlier this month was co-leading a parade with Maynard (the Madison Mallards mascot), then reading my new picture book “The Glam World Tour” during a full school assembly at Huegel Elementary. (Read Your Heart Out is an annual celebration several schools in the Madison Metropolitan School District participate in to facilitate intergenerational programming and learning opportunities throughout Black History Month.) Another morning infused with JOY involved me attempting to flow through different poses while simultaneously petting and playing with a dozen fur babies at a Puppies and Yoga sesh in Minneapolis. Yes, it was chaos…but ridiculously awesome too.

Luckily my regular yoga practice is equally uplifting, yet much more structured. I really appreciate my ability to habitually engage in numerous activities that make me feel alive, hopeful and healed. Maybe not always. However, much more than anytime previously in my life. I often reflect on how different my daily existence is now compared to 10, 15. 20 years ago. Have faith that “better” waits to greet us all through every season of change. Growth isn’t always easy, but it is necessary. The same is true of compassion and collaboration.

Although “group project” is not a work style I typically gravitate toward, I am grateful for those folks I can generate ‘professional magic’ with. The HQ team at TOPS Club. My PocketMFA peeps. Every single person and org that has been involved with The Little Book Project WI. Fellow authors who I can celebrate (+ commiserate) with…like Daniel Tam-Claiborne whose debut novel will be released in May. So find the folks who truly value the FULLNESS of you. AND will just move the table out of the room if that’s the only way everyone can fit inside.

Such a keen ability to “think outside of the box” in terms of a story premise is what prompted me to start listening to the audiobook of “Sky Full of Elephants” by Cebo Campbell earlier tonight, while taking my first few sips of Free AF’s Sparkling Rosé. Have I mentioned that life is GOOD? ~Rachel