,

Peace and calm.

How do we find such a state of being within ourselves?

It begins with being brave. It begins with being brave enough to become comfortable with not knowing, with not controlling, and with growing without clinging onto expectations.

Phew. *deeeeeeep breath* 

Just thinking about letting go of each of these aforementioned emotional and energy-draining burdens prompts a sigh of relief, and in doing so, brings a feeling perhaps of liberation. Why? Because none of the above practices (or ingrained habits) were our tasks to tend to, and when we tend to others' tasks, we expend finite energy that when instead used constructively on ourselves, the only person we have control over, has every potential to elevate the quality of our life because we can use our energy to explore where our curiosity leads instead on sources, people, outcomes that are out of our hands.

Curiosity doesn't come with the outcome to which it wants to lead us. Rather, curiosity simply says, I want to know more, I want to find answers to my questions, I want to understand. If curiosity came with the outcome already at hand, the definition of curiosity would have to be entirely rewritten. No, curiosity helps us to let go of the burdens that were never ours in the first place to carry, because if we are curious, we cannot know. If we are curious, we cannot control and if we are curious, we can't have expectations, otherwise there would be no need for curiosity. 

Curiosity is the key to lifting the burden and setting yourself free. I cannot predict what you will find specifically, but what I can share is that what you will find will keep leading you to what you uniquely are meant to discover that will speak to your unique talent, gift and capabilities and help you to realize how to use that gift to contribute positively to the greater world and culture you live in. Trust that your curiosity may know something that you don't quite understand . . . yet, and that is why you must heed where it wants to lead you, so that eventually you will understand. 

Because the more you learn, discover, unearth and the more knowledge you gain, the easier life gets as you find what both brings you to life and what elevates others' lives as well. That is where peace and calm reside.

It sounds too simple. It may even sound too good to be true, but much like a key that has found the door it was designed to open, it appears effortless when the key turns, no resistance is given, and the door unlocks. In reality the difficulty is trusting your journey to eventually arrive at that moment, that realization when it all seems effortless. Once you arrive, your journey isn't over, but now you've gained the momentum and the energy that arrives when you are living in alignment with what you can uniquely give and the world needs and that is beautiful irony. Once you find your 'door' that was meant for you to open, it will feel effortless to open it. My advice, open it, step through and savor every day you have the opportunity to live the life you have had the courage to step toward and discover. It is yours to make the most of us, and it will feel surreal in the most wonderful of ways. 

Throughout this past month, many of the Monday motivational posts have spoken to skills and tools for engaging with your everyday in ways that will assist us in being brave as discussed above. All of those posts and so many more are shared below in this month's newsletter. In fact, this month three new podcast episodes were shared and four Petit Plaisirs along with the annual TSLL Holiday Gift Guide, and a post introducing TSLL readers to a French brand of handbags and wallets that I am very excited to have the opportunity not only to introduce you, but make available an exclusive discount for the next 15 days (promo code is shared in the individual post). All of this is to say, November's newsletter is quite full, and I do hope you enjoy as well as treat yourself to a holiday gift just for you as you go about prepping for the holidays as well as savoring this special time of year as 2022 winds down. 

Winter has arrived along with the month of November here in Bend, and the snow has been magical, cozy and welcomed. However, throughout the month, we had about a week to savor the golden autumnal colors, and below are two pics of walks taken under the Western Larches just outside of Bend. Be sure to watch November's A Cuppa Moments video for an extra long segment of autumn walks around Bend with Norman.

Thank you for choosing to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. Wishing you a most wonderful holiday season, and until New Year's Eve, Saturday December 31st, I will see you on the blog.

—Shannon

~To explore every post you wish to read, be sure to become a member to one of the two tiers - BASIC or TOP as non-members can only read five posts a month (it will reset on the first of each month - tomorrow!). Please note that prices for all membership will increase in January 2023. If you purchase your Membership before 2022 becomes 2023, your price will remain the same so long as you keep your Membership Active.