A SLIGHTLY PSYC*EDE*IC HOLIDAY
THE LIGHT RETURNS
Embracing the Spirit of the Season: A Soulful Journey
As we approach the end of the year, I wanted to share a personal experience that has deeply resonated with me and may offer inspiration for your own creative journey.
This Christmas, while my husband and two teenage sons embrace the snowy peaks of Colorado for 4 days of snowboarding and adventure with my sister in law's family, I chose to stay home—a decision that, though it diverged from our tradition of being together on the actual holiday, felt deeply aligned with my soul's calling. In the stillness of this Holiday week, I have found the space to recenter and realign, to reconnect with the light within me.
The winter solstice, a time when the sun's return from darkness is celebrated across cultures, served as a poignant reminder of the cycles of renewal and rebirth.
On Christmas Eve, I slept in (if 7am is sleeping in - morning person anyone?) relaxed in my sweatpants and wrote in my journal for longer than my usual allotted time between soccer practice pick ups, client sessions and bartending. I took my two dogs to a new, to me, dog park and soaked up the joys of witnessing their exuberance, a testament to the purest form of happiness. A sweet and gentle rain graced our typically dry California skies, and as evening approached, the wind cleared the haze, unveiling a celestial tapestry of stars—a cosmic dance that filled me with awe. And I do love a cosmic dance.
I attended a Christmas Eve service at a church I love, immersing myself in the timeless (and to me beautifully metaphoric) stories of Jesus Christ's birth. We lit candles and all together sang "Silent Night," a tradition that transcends cultures, symbolizing the sun's return from darkness—a universal celebration of hope and light.
Later at home, I prepared my space for one of my favorite creative rituals, crafting a vision board for the upcoming season of my life. With my glue sticks, scissors and a colorful selection of magazines, I sipped a nourishing (and slightly ps*c*delic) mushroom tea. I love this sacred earth medicine brew for its gentle ability to open the doors of perception, helping me connect deeply with my inner self and the natural world, guiding me toward alignment and wholeness. With my candles glowing, I consciously set my intentions for the new year, reflecting on the days that have passed, loved ones who have transitioned, new life that has been birthed and I envisioned my dreams for the days to come.
Meanwhile, my family reveled in the snowy adventures of Colorado's mountains. We face-timed, texted, exchanged photos of our day and I eagerly listened to tales of their explorations and the super cool pro jumps they found and conquered bro. Their experiences adding to the rich tapestry of our shared memories and a slightly elevated heart rate for Mama. Ha.
This week has been a profound reminder of the importance of honoring the longings of our souls. I am deeply grateful to those who have come before me, whose examples have illuminated the path of self-discovery and spiritual alignment. And also for their appearances in my journey last night. Many lights were flickering in and around my home - including a strand of battery operated Christmas lights that had lost their charge just the day before. A solstice sign if there ever was one.
This time of year is rich with meaning—Christmas, Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice—all celebrating the return of light in the midst of darkness. There’s a magic in this season, a reminder that even in our most shadowed moments, light is always on its way back.
Creativity works the same way. The ideas that feel buried, the projects that seem stuck, or the goals that feel out of reach—this is your chance to let the light in and bring them to life.
As we step into the new year, I encourage you to reflect on your own journey.
What light is already glowing within me, waiting to shine brighter?
What darkness or old stories am I ready to release?
How can I align with the rhythm of the season and trust my creative process?
The Winter Solstice teaches us that even the smallest flicker of light holds the promise of something greater. That flicker lives in you. Let it guide you toward your next chapter, your next idea, your next creation. Let this season be a time of creative clarity.
Just as the sun begins its return, so too can your energy, focus, and vision for what’s next.
Consider the practices and rituals that bring you peace and inspiration.
Embrace the cycles of renewal and rebirth, and allow yourself the space to realign with your inner light.
Wishing you a season filled with wonder and inspiration,
Shannon
"At the darkest moment comes the light.” - Joseph Campbell
P.S. If you would like guidance and support as you release old stories that no longer serve you and realign with your creative light so that you can shine and in that shining find the peace and love and JOY that can only come when we are true to ourselves - I would LOVE to be your person. Your support. Your coach. It starts with you and me on a quick zoom call to dive into what it is that is blocking you from moving forward with the life of your dreams.