Your grandmother's story sounds fascinating, Robin. I like "unsilenced." But you'll know your answer, as you sit with the question. I can hardly wait to read your book! Thanks so much for sharing.
What's my word for 2025? Love that question. I was thinking it must be "remember" - since I'm working on an ancestor memoir, my grandmother's crossing to America in 1893. The only problem: I'm trying to conjure her memories, not mine. And she is long gone. The historical record is sparse, given how women's stories--everyday people, not celebrities or royals, coming from places where they destroyed the records--are so often hidden. So I've had to consult my muses, the stars, and ancestral voices in novel ways to get to her story. So maybe that isn't my word.
I'm thinking "unsilenced" because maybe that is what my work is at this time: raising the voices of those whose stories have been lost. Making "herstory."
Not sure that's a legitimate word, but it feels true. What do you think?
“I placed my hands on my belly and wept. Not because I was scared of the surgery, though naturally, I was; but because the pregnancy was coming to an end—and I’d loved it”
This just struck every fiber of me… I immediately cried, because I remember doing the same after my water ruptured. I remember holding my belly and trying to soak in the last bits of carrying my babies. Something I loved too…
A beautiful short essay! As I anticipate my retirement at the end of February, there is unquestionably a sense of vulnerability. Thank you, Robin, for helping me reframe this as generative. Putting my faith in the unseen… I love that!. My tagline for 2025 is more along the lines of a question, “ What would play or playful look and feel like this coming year?“
Aww, thanks for reading, Hugh, and for your kind words. I appreciate you sharing your sense of vulnerability on the green edge of a dynamic new phase of life. So well deserved. I wish you a 2025 filled with playfulness and joy.
That is so kind. Thank you, Doreen! Likewise. I’m glad you’re enjoying Awakening Wonder. That means a lot. Discovering your work at Good Morning Yesterday has been a complete pleasure, and I’m due for another visit. It’s been a beautiful, quiet holiday. I wish you joy and lots of great writing in 2025!
Hi Robin, this is giving me a lot to reflect on. I love that question - what hill would you die on? I’m going to read this a couple times. As always, thank you for your magical insight and guidance. P.S. Congratulations on the book and your hugely successful Substack and coaching! Also the pictures are so cool!
Thank you for reading, Lyns. I appreciate you and your generous heart. And I'm so glad this piece resonates. Looking forward to your next post, and to continuing our conversation in the New Year. You have magic in you!
Very beautiful words here. I love awakening to the magic all around us. I'm very caught up in my not being officially published yet and it can be all-consuming if you focus on it. I know I need to focus on gratitude and hope for the future. I found a book that has been life changing called THIS THING CALLED YOU by Ernest Holmes. I highly recommend it. It's all about the power of the Divine within us.
Thank you, Regina. I'm so glad this piece speaks to you. And yes, I'm familiar with the work of Ernest Holmes. I also encourage you to stay the course for your publication dream. ✍️❤️
What evocative questions, Robin! I love what they open up in me when I spend even a bit of time with them... I look forward to mixing them into my own year-end ritual. I also love the idea of using stickers as part of creating and playing with the visual element of this. Gotta try that!
Thanks, Miranda. Congrats on finding your word for 2025, and I’ll check out your post. Wishing you continued magic, joy, and inspiration this holiday season!
Your grandmother's story sounds fascinating, Robin. I like "unsilenced." But you'll know your answer, as you sit with the question. I can hardly wait to read your book! Thanks so much for sharing.
Haha - as I'm reading this, Robin, it occurs to me that, at this stage, I'm actually holding the silence--at least publicly--as I listen for answers.
Maybe that is also part of my into the New Year practice!
It’s so important to trust your intuition every step of the way. 💜
What's my word for 2025? Love that question. I was thinking it must be "remember" - since I'm working on an ancestor memoir, my grandmother's crossing to America in 1893. The only problem: I'm trying to conjure her memories, not mine. And she is long gone. The historical record is sparse, given how women's stories--everyday people, not celebrities or royals, coming from places where they destroyed the records--are so often hidden. So I've had to consult my muses, the stars, and ancestral voices in novel ways to get to her story. So maybe that isn't my word.
I'm thinking "unsilenced" because maybe that is what my work is at this time: raising the voices of those whose stories have been lost. Making "herstory."
Not sure that's a legitimate word, but it feels true. What do you think?
“I placed my hands on my belly and wept. Not because I was scared of the surgery, though naturally, I was; but because the pregnancy was coming to an end—and I’d loved it”
This just struck every fiber of me… I immediately cried, because I remember doing the same after my water ruptured. I remember holding my belly and trying to soak in the last bits of carrying my babies. Something I loved too…
Feel my hug, Bec. Thank you for this.
A beautiful short essay! As I anticipate my retirement at the end of February, there is unquestionably a sense of vulnerability. Thank you, Robin, for helping me reframe this as generative. Putting my faith in the unseen… I love that!. My tagline for 2025 is more along the lines of a question, “ What would play or playful look and feel like this coming year?“
Aww, thanks for reading, Hugh, and for your kind words. I appreciate you sharing your sense of vulnerability on the green edge of a dynamic new phase of life. So well deserved. I wish you a 2025 filled with playfulness and joy.
I hope your holidays were Merry and you have a wonderful New Year. I'm grateful to have discovered your magic and "Awakening Wonder" in 2024.
That is so kind. Thank you, Doreen! Likewise. I’m glad you’re enjoying Awakening Wonder. That means a lot. Discovering your work at Good Morning Yesterday has been a complete pleasure, and I’m due for another visit. It’s been a beautiful, quiet holiday. I wish you joy and lots of great writing in 2025!
Hi Robin, this is giving me a lot to reflect on. I love that question - what hill would you die on? I’m going to read this a couple times. As always, thank you for your magical insight and guidance. P.S. Congratulations on the book and your hugely successful Substack and coaching! Also the pictures are so cool!
Thank you for reading, Lyns. I appreciate you and your generous heart. And I'm so glad this piece resonates. Looking forward to your next post, and to continuing our conversation in the New Year. You have magic in you!
🥹🥹🥹
Very beautiful words here. I love awakening to the magic all around us. I'm very caught up in my not being officially published yet and it can be all-consuming if you focus on it. I know I need to focus on gratitude and hope for the future. I found a book that has been life changing called THIS THING CALLED YOU by Ernest Holmes. I highly recommend it. It's all about the power of the Divine within us.
Thank you, Regina. I'm so glad this piece speaks to you. And yes, I'm familiar with the work of Ernest Holmes. I also encourage you to stay the course for your publication dream. ✍️❤️
In case you're interested, my book Birdlight: Freeing Your Authentic Creativity may be helpful. Here's a link to learn more: https://www.robinblackburnmcbride.com/books/birdlight-freeing-your-authentic-creativity/
I wish you every success! 📚✨️
What evocative questions, Robin! I love what they open up in me when I spend even a bit of time with them... I look forward to mixing them into my own year-end ritual. I also love the idea of using stickers as part of creating and playing with the visual element of this. Gotta try that!
Thank you, Maia! I'm so glad you enjoyed this.
My word for 2025 is PRESENT and I wrote about it here.
https://mirandavandenheuvel.substack.com/p/just-one-word-is-enough
I am always looking for tiny magic in everything and every day. My Substack has that name!
I wish you magic holidays and the magic sent button for your manuscript 😍
Thanks, Miranda. Congrats on finding your word for 2025, and I’ll check out your post. Wishing you continued magic, joy, and inspiration this holiday season!
Thank you for the kind words!!!
Dan, what a pleasure!
Achievement is only the residue of living with gratitude. Your words ring true.
David, thank you.
Thank you for sharing this, Regina. 💜