The Trailhead 

"Climb Mountains, But Bring a Good Guide"

Each month, you will receive some practical tips on ideas such as eliminating stress, finding your passion, clearing clutter, and maybe even some travel tips and more. Also look for helpful resources including book titles and websites. In addition, don’t be surprised when you find a call to action. I am a coach, after all! I hope you find some useful tidbits. If you decide to take me up on one of the monthly challenges, email me and tell me about it. I would love to hear what you are up to! If you know someone that you think may find something of value in here, please forward this newsletter on. And remember…the adventure begins at the start of The Trailhead!

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Welcome to the season of celebration! Whether you observe Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or one of the myriad of other festive occasions that occur in December, one thing that I’ve learned is that many of these celebrations are linked in some way to the Winter Solstice.

Here in the Northern Hemisphere, Winter Solstice occurs on that day in December when daytime hours are at a minimum and night time hours are at a maximum…that is to say that it’s the shortest day and the longest night. Winter Solstice is a turning point. From that day until Summer Solstice in June, the nights grow shorter and the days grow longer. For some, Winter Solstice represents a time of darkness because it’s the shortest day. Yet, for others, because it means the light is returning, it’s about hope and renewal. (I suppose it’s similar to the "is the glass half empty or half full" way of thinking.) For many centuries in many cultures around the world, Winter Solstice has been and continues to be celebrated as the birth of the sun or the birth of light.

I now celebrate the Winter Solstice each year. Years back, my dear friend, Gail initiated this celebration with various friends. Our Solstice Sisters (as we now affectionately refer to ourselves) get together for the Winter Solstice every year. (And as a result, our close-knit community of 5 now come together for the Summer Solstice and both the Spring and Fall Equinox.) Our gatherings always include delicious food and drink and lots of laughter (and sometimes tears). Yet the thing I love most about our get- togethers are our amazing conversations and intimate sharings. Because the Winter Solstice represents a time of change, of anticipation, and of starting over, a portion of our discussions revolve around our getting rid of regrets or unfinished business, releasing resentments or whatever we want to put behind us as the year ends. We then also take the opportunity to share what we’d like to celebrate about ourselves…what cool thing we accomplished during the year, personally or professionally. Each of us then sets an intention for the coming year…and shares what we’d like to initiate or cultivate for ourselves. Thanks to Gail who brought us together, we have formed a loving community of friends who care about and support one another through all the ups and downs of life.

So…what about YOU? During this season of celebration and time of change, and of new growth, what would you like to celebrate? What would you like to let go of? What is already working in your life? What isn’t and could use a makeover? What changes in your life are you willing to make to live a fulfilled and happy life? Who can you turn to for support and caring as you initiate some changes? As the season changes over to winter, how will YOU respond?

To move you along in a positive direction as the old year wanes and the light returns, consider taking some quiet time to answer the previous questions plus a few more:

In addition to doing some self-reflection, consider who in your life you are grateful for:

Let those people know who they are and why you’re grateful.

Things to contribute to in your community:

October 21-26, 2004: Join Coach Deb Martin (www.portagecoach.com) for our 3^rd annual Adventure Coaching Retreat at Maho Bay Camps on beautiful St. John in the US Virgin Islands.

Click on my website for more information regarding this retreat. More info. Coming soon for 2004 retreats and getaways.

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In Tuscany by Frances Mayes (author of Under the Tuscan Sun): a wonderful illustration and celebration of the joys of Tuscany’s people, food, landscapes, and art.

American Favorites: New Renditions of the Recipes We Love by Betty Rosbottom: This is my favorite cookbook, filled with delectable updates on some of our favorite dishes. (Whose author happens to be a frequent contributor to the magazine, Bon Appetit and is also a friend of my sisters’)

A House on the Water-An Inspiration for Living at the Water’s Edge by Robert Knight: A book of gorgeously photographed homes that overlook natural bodies of water across the U.S.

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Music: George Winston’s "December"

Websites: www.livingmusic.com (a website that gives information for musician Paul Winters’ 24^th annual Winter Solstice celebration in new York City)

www.redcross.org (a great resource for places to volunteer your time and/or money)

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I wish you a wonderfully light and bright winter season.

Warmly,

Patt

To schedule a complimentary 30 minute coaching phone session, email me at patt.adventurecoach@verizon.net or call 609-953-0027

Visit my website for more coaching info. www.adventurecoach.com

Please forward this newsletter on to any friends or colleagues who you think may find it useful. Be assured, I will never sell, trade, or give your information to anyone, at anytime, period!

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