This week’s lunch was with the woman I consider my Solstice Sister. I met Taffy in my early years at Starbucks. Unfortunately, she lost her job during the 2008 layoffs. Over the years we remained friends, mostly via social media. One thing I began to notice on her posts was that she also lamented June 21st and celebrated December 21st. Aha! She also was affected by the darkness or lack of sunlight like I was. There were some years where I willed myself to get to December 21st so I could read Taffy’s happy post – more daylight was coming soon!

Living in the Pacific Northwest is not always easy due to the lack of sunlight. It can make for some rough moments. Having someone else in my life who understands this is a great gift.

Our lunch was abbreviated because my GPS sent me 3 miles out of the way of where I needed to be. I felt terrible, especially because I left my home early, too. While it was a quick lunch, we made the most of our time catching up and even rehashing some of the old days at Starbucks.

It didn’t take long to remember why I enjoyed working with Taffy. She is one of those people whose presence lights up a room with her laughter. She is passionate and compassionate because she takes a genuine interest in others.

We talked about the company she works for and her job. It sounds like she has landed where her values and the company’s values are the same. I know that is very important for her. She is treated well which makes her thrive and happy, as it does for most people too.

We discussed our health as she and I are nearly the same in age. I like that she and I both try our best to watch for health trends and discern whether it is a good option, snake oil or a something that isn’t really sustainable. Celery juice is the current trend where we compared notes. She’s tried it and I’m interested in it. What I hadn’t known was how much it can help with people like me who have high acidic stomachs. I think it is something I will need to try soon.

I call Taffy my ‘ray of sunlight’. She is exactly that in every sense of the word. She is positive, supportive and completely understands that sunshine is critical to our health and well-being. I still remember one year in December when I was at my wits end, stressed out, tired, overwhelmed and having an all in all shitty day. Taffy posted something about how in about a week the daylight was going to increase and we were on the way to summer. It couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.

We will have a lunch again soon. I really enjoyed the Thai place she selected. I look forward to talking with her, hearing about her job and maybe learning more new health tips and tricks.

Week 27 was also my favorite holiday – New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day! There is something about the chance to begin something new or change a direction completely. Not that it can’t be done any day – the fact that a day is dedicated to it, is what I love.

When I was a senior in high school, I made a pact or resolution if you will, to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a different place every year. It doesn’t need to be exotic or crazy – simply different. It can be a different bar, or friend’s house or whatever. Different. I have only failed twice. It can drive my husband nuts, though over the years, I think he is starting to enjoy the challenge of finding a new place.

For the past several years now, my family and I go to the Pacific Ocean – either the Washington or Oregon coasts. The scenery is incredible, breathtaking at times. New Year’s, like most holidays is filled with traditions. Over the years and over the various places we’ve lived, we have picked up different customs mostly involving food.

First and foremost, eating pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day. As my grandfather taught me, you eat pork because a pig roots forward, you do not eat chicken because a chicken scratches backwards. You want your New Year to be moving ahead, forward progress. Black eyed peas and greens, we picked up in Texas as this is to signify money.

Somewhere along the way, I heard that wearing red as the clock strikes midnight is good luck. Finally, about 11 years ago now, my son and I started to participate in the tradition of a polar bear plunge. When we first began, we jumped into Lake Washington during an organized event. Over the years, and since we are on the Pacific Ocean, we have our own version. Yes. Generally we race out into the ocean, get wet up to our necks and run out. It is always a fun time filled with laughter.

This year, we had the chance to include my cousin Kelly, her husband Thomas and their daughters in our festivities. We ate a delicious dinner, played games, clinked our champagne glasses and shot off confetti cannons (wow! it was a new addition and it’s a keeper!) Then in the morning four of us – myself, my kids and Thomas jumped into the ocean. Yes, we might be a bit crazy – that’s what makes it so much fun.

I try to come up with a word or a phrase to follow each year. This year the word is ‘realign’. If this coffee break has taught me anything it is that my life was chaotic and crazy with no sense of centering or focus. I feel like realign allows for me to gently reposition my mind, my focus and my life. To take what is most important to me or what is best for me and get that to the forefront.

The idea of being more gentle or kind to myself is a huge challenge. It isn’t easy. Yet, with a word like ‘realign’ it feels very achievable.

My hope is that you have a ray of sunshine in your life and a purposeful word to help guide your path. Make 2019 one of focus and intent – and if it feels a bit off balance – REALIGN.

Until next week…

Peace. Love and Rock n Roll…