There is this memory I have of crisp, clear air, bright blue skies with wispy white clouds, pine trees and laughter. It jumps to mind at the oddest times and I ache to be back there. It’s just a quick glimpse of a much fuller memory but it’s almost painful in its beauty to me. It reminds me of being in the mountains and gives me this light, buoyant feeling, almost like the feeling you get when you dream of flying. It’s no great life event that I’m remembering or meaningful milestone, it’s imply the memory of tagging our Christmas tree.

We would go to the Christmas tree farm in the fall, my sisters, mother and I, to choose the tree that we thought would be perfect come December. My sisters and I would play through the trees, hiding and running, laughing and imagining. The family that owned the farm had a house on the property and in the back they had a greenhouse, which was magical and enchanting to my child brain and still seems magical in my memory. I’m sure reality was not as rosy as I am coloring it but it was beautiful to me then and the memory is just as beautiful to me now.

I wonder sometimes, why has this memory lodged itself in my brain? Something that seems so inconsequential. And I’ve decided it’s my soul, it’s screaming for attention and showing me what I need: Nature. Beauty. Laughter. Creativity. I really dig people who have managed to hold onto these things as they traverse life and all its ups and downs. People who, without even trying, seem to embody life, love and acceptance. Decorating with abandon, leading their lives like warriors, finding their niche in life and owning it. And not just living life but loving it. You know these people, your soul responds to their vibe before you even hear them speak. I think we all have the capacity to be more like them and it’s not about recreating what you see on instagram (although that is fun). It’s about knowing who you are, loving it and showing it. It’s about unleashing the creative monster inside and not apologizing for it. It’s about letting your freak flag fly and finding kindred spirits. It’s about putting love out into the world no matter what. It’s knowing you’re worthy of it…..and by “it” I mean every.last.thing.

XOXO