Hello, friends!

Last year, I began my birthday issue by saying it had been a turbulent season, full of change. And, as many of you know, the same is true of the past few months.

With all the change, it felt right to duplicate the grounding practice I did last year (which you can find here), and put together a list of 27 things I am grateful for and 28 things to look forward to.

This practice was both hard and easy. The first dozen items came up quickly, and then I hit a block. Then I started to panic about forgetting big moments or making someone feel bad by not highlighting something we did together. But that wasn’t the point of these lists. They were to help ground my in gratitude and personal growth, in reflection and excitement for what’s to come.

So, in no particular order, here they are:

27 Moments of Gratitude from Year 27:

1. Began my dream job as the Digital Media and Marketing Manager at Catholics for Choice…

2. And round out 3.5 incredible years at Middle Seat.

3. Spoke on a panel about how to successfully launch a campaign at Netroots Nation.

4. Earned a Certificate in Executive Education through the Women’s Leadership Program at the Yale School of Management.

5. Cut literal minutes of my mile time and ran the Turkey Day 5K.

6. Joined the Vision Council for Call to Action.

7. Attended the Eras Tour (twice!)…and am a screaming backup singer on “Dear John: Live from Minneapolis” 😉

8. Wrote a reflection on my experience as an abortion doula for Lent.

9. Peaked musically at Queerchella aka All Things go.

10. Spent some chaotic weekends working in the Style section at Target.

11. Attended a restorative and fulfilling retreat in Bayfield, WI with a phenomenal group of people.

12. Spent a weekend at the Ignatian Family Teach-In with a different group of phenomenal people.

13. Made it to Disneyland for the first time!

14. Finally won bingo at Cosmic Bingo.

15. Built up a savings account for the first time since 2018 lol

16. Visited Mackinac Island with friends.

17. Had a literally life-changing experience at King Spa.

18. Attended Christmas Tea at the Madhatter in Anoka.

19. Completed my 40-hour trauma-informed teacher training with Porchlight Wellness!

20. Discovered a new favorite restaurant in the Twin Cities.

21. Lived out that scene in Shrek 2 by listening to “Funkytown” while driving around Beverly Hills.

22. Spent time with my Grandpa Harrison in the weekends before he passed.

23. Got to hold and cuddle with so many babies.

24. Went tubing on a lake for the first time in…years?

25. So much friend bonding for a friend group that is spread out across the country.

26. Established a healing acupuncture and craniosacral practice.

27. Spent more time with family in the last year than the previous four combined.

28 Moments to Look Forward to in Year 28

1. Hitting another PR during the next Thanksgiving 5K.

2. Celebrating our fifth anniversary with Noah.

3. Starting my Intuitive Breathwork Certification course.

4. Passing my Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist tests.

5. Finding a new faith home in the Twin Cities.

6. Actually completing the 75 Self Love Challenge this year.

7. Do more writing — for fun and professionally.

8. Enjoying a walk outdoors every day Minnesota weather allows it.

9. Taking an adult beginner’s ballet course.

10. Finding a fitness community (maybe already completed??).

11. Expanding our little garden this spring.

12. Establishing a meal prep routine.

13. Seeing Smallpools live for the sixth time.

14. Exploring new spots with Noah.’

15. Painting more with Teddy.

16. Enjoying (or at least witnessing) a political cycle I am not directly working through.

17. Getting back into doula work with the local clinics here.

18. Reading at least 48 books this year.

19. Actually go swimming in Lake Nokomis this year.

20. Joining a sauna club.

21. Finishing my Holistic Women’s Health Coach training (after it was delayed last year).

22. Growing in my new role as a manager rather than a doer.

23. Reducing my screen time in favor for activities I enjoy more.

24. Improving my embroidery skills.

25. Finally creating my Ultimate Planner Spreadsheet (I promise!).

26. Updating my website to better reflect my changing skillsets and certifications.

27. Doing the things I need to do when I need to do them.

28. Attending the events and classes I want to attend, even if it means going alone.

Anything you want to hear more about? Reply and ask!

Sending love,

Emily

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What would make it onto your lists? I always love hearing from readers if you feel comfortable sharing — just reply to this email!

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The Little Things that help make my days a bit brighter 💕

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