"If we bring our found and cultivated contentment into a relationship, that doesn't make the relationship more vulnerable; it only strengthens it further." —Andy Puddicombe (Headspace)

The year-end holidays have arrived, and with them more time focused on gathering, family and relationships. The above quote struck me the moment I heard it, as it dovetails with the topic of Monday's upcoming podcast episode (#318) - how to be a secure partner in a relationship when it comes to attachment. 

The core purpose of living simply luxuriously has nothing to do with material items and actually nothing directly to with France or Britain. The core purpose of living simply luxuriously is to understand how to live a life of true contentment. So when I heard the quote it underscored the value of investing in understanding exactly what contentment is and how to cultivate it because not only does it improve the relationship we have with ourselves and the decisions we make for our lives, but it improves the quality of relationships with others we care deeply about and are sharing our lives with (or wish to share our lives with).

While there is no new news on the relationship front from me. I am single and have been for a couple of years now albeit becoming more and more comfortable with remaining open, but first and most importantly, we need to be fulfilled in our own life journey if we wish to make smart, healthy decisions when it comes to engaging with another person romantically. When we find an ease in our days, we will become more discerning, but we will also become more open, more engaging without expectation and that is attractive to nearly anyone no matter what relationship - platonic or romantic. 

I am confident this year's holiday season will create space for each of us to put into practice what I have shared above, and for some it will be a regular exercise long practiced while for others it will be a new approach, but in so doing, positive exchanges will be had, more trust will be begin or become strengthen and you begin to find an ease with yourself as you let your guard down without getting your hopes up and instead savoring the moment with others you may have not seen for years. 

Speaking of the holiday season, TSLL's annual Holiday Gift Guide was shared in November and is full of 60+ items primarily for both Francophiles and Anglophiles. The annual Holiday cooking episode is also included in this month's newsletter, and this month especially brought personal motivational posts to not only share a glimpse of my life journey but more importantly to offer insight into times in our lives we may not wish to happen, but that can offer powerful gifts if we choose to see them. 

I hope your November went well, and you are looking ahead to a festive final month of 2021. No doubt, many of us are ready to celebrate, each in ways that bring us joy and merriment. May your holiday traditions, gatherings and celebrations go well, and thank you for choosing to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

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Until Friday December 31st, I will see you on the blog.

—Shannon