My weekly post arrives on the longest night of the year- the winter solstice, a time when the world is cloaked in darkness. As we find comfort in the shadows, we welcome the gradual return of the light with hope and anticipation. The spirit of the solstice reminds us that periods of darkness do not last forever; they inevitably give way to the brightness of new beginnings. The universe flows in harmonious cycles, gracefully alternating between the light and shadow.
Winter unfolds as a time of reflection, regeneration, and preparation. In today’s post, I invite you to join me for a guided meditation to reflect on your experiences in 2025 as you prepare for 2026. This year, in particular, is significant for releasing what we do not want to carry into the new year.
After we release the weight of the past, we welcome the opportunity to prepare for our growth in the year ahead. Winter is a time of hidden growth. Although plants enter dormancy to weather the cold, their roots quietly yet resolutely extend underground, absorbing nourishment and storing energy to nurture new life when spring arrives.
Similarly, we cultivate our inner selves during this quieter season. It is an opportunity for introspection, enabling personal growth to flourish within our hearts and minds. Let us take a moment to reflect on the year that passed, releasing what no longer serves us, and rejuvenate our spirits in preparation for what lies ahead.
In this quiet time of solitude, we can lay the foundation for our 2026 dreams and aspirations. We can immerse ourselves in learning, reading, exploring new ideas, developing our skills, and planning for the future. May this winter be a period of expansion, as we reach for new heights and embrace the extraordinary possibilities that await us in the coming year.
Reflection
Opportunities for Connection
Hopeaced Together is preparing numerous offerings in 2026 for our paid subscribers, in addition to our free articles and podcasts. Look forward to monthly live sessions to cultivate connection and build community. Moreover, four enriching courses will be available, one for each season, carefully crafted to support your journey of personal growth.
These offerings are valued at over $1,000 and are available to you for an annual investment of just $149. As a token of our appreciation for your support, we are delighted to offer you an additional, exclusive 20% discount on your membership. Don’t miss this opportunity- upgrade by January 1st, 2026, to take advantage of this special offer!
Kindred Connections is a welcoming sanctuary where you can discover community, guidance, engagement, and cohesion. In this nurturing environment, we aim to enhance meaningful connections and enrich your life with purpose. Each month, we host Live gatherings that explore topics on the pathway toward wellness, personal growth, and creativity. Join us as we find inspiration and deepen our understanding of ourselves while supporting one another.
Five-Year Plan
As the year draws to a close, it presents an excellent opportunity to envision and manifest the life of your dreams. In the Five-Year Plan, we will reflect on the last five years, release what no longer serves our purpose, and craft a comprehensive plan with actionable steps to guide us toward our highest aspirations and the life we desire to live. Let this be a transformative time of renewal and inspiration for the future ahead.
Awakening Tranquility
Join me in the six-week course, Awakening Tranquility, to cultivate a more peaceful, centered, and relaxed self. Whether you are looking to alleviate daily stressors or seeking to deepen self-awareness, this course provides you with the tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and grace. I look forward to seeing you there!
Soulful Leadership embarks us on a transformational journey that nurtures authenticity, self-awareness, and empowerment. This approach invites you to engage in uplifting, inspirational, and motivational conversations to build deep, meaningful connections that resonate on individual, organizational, and community levels.
By developing empathy and communication skills, you will learn to establish healthy boundaries that foster a culture of respect, collaboration, trust, and resilience. Awaken your potential to guide your team towards a shared humanitarian mission, inspiring them to contribute meaningfully to the broader community.
Embrace Soulful Leadership to ignite positive change and uplift those around you.
Shadow Integration draws on the foundations of Carl Jung’s psychological theory, which examines the complexities of the human psyche. This process aims to uncover and understand repressed behaviors, beliefs, values, and personality traits. Explore the unconscious realm of fears, intense emotional reactions, insecurities, and projections that influence our perceptions and interactions with others. Discover hidden reservoirs of creativity, imagination, and dreams that illuminate our inner world. The journey of Shadow Integration leads us towards self-acceptance, forgiveness, and wholeness.
Michelle R. Smith
Mental Health Therapist~ Writer~ Peacemaker~ Advocate🕊
