Hey, Amy here. 

I was going to send you an email yesterday to wish you a Merry Christmas if you celebrate, but I decided to stay offline. I was away, and just returned home tonight.

For the first time in my life, I decided to spend Christmas alone this year.

I decided to take a retreat to the mountains and spend the holiday on a beautiful farm with 360 degree views of the mountains.

I will admit, I was a bit nervous about it... I didn't know if I would feel overly sad and depressed being alone on Christmas... but, even though I felt that fear, my intuition kept telling me that this is what I was being called to do this year.

It was the first time ever that I didn't buy a single gift, I didn't buy any wrapping paper or tape, I didn't even go into a store for the whole month leading up to Christmas during all of the hustle and bustle.

I chose not to listen to Christmas music or get a Christmas tree or decorate anything.

I wanted to make it about something else this year, reflection.

I ended up having one of the best days ever.

I spent the morning reading, listening to music, journaling, and even did some much needed crying. It felt really good. 

Then I took a bath in one of the most beautiful bathtubs (with a mountain view), to shift my energy. It was lovely.

After that I returned a couple of calls from my family members, and then one of my best friends face timed me from Costa Rica and we had a productive and meaningful conversation for over an hour. We always have the best conversations (we go deep)... and this one was particularly meaningful as we set some of our intentions for the coming year.

Afterwards, I took my dog for a drive to a nearby river that has a trail alongside it, and we went for a long walk.

Then I cooked a delicious dinner and watched the sun set over the mountains.

I loved spending Christmas this way. I've never been a big fan of the hustle and bustle and festivity side of it anyway. But, even if I was, I think I would have loved this retreat just as much.

I actually recommend trying it sometime if you ever have the opportunity. There's a deeper meaning to Christmas that is really very beautiful when we allow ourselves to access it.

Anyway, I made a little video about my experience and my thoughts for anyone who is alone not by choice, or just doesn't feel particularly festive at this time of year. You can watch it on Instagram or Facebook or TikTok.

You are not alone. There are actually many of us that feel this way.

I also just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you being a loyal subscriber of mine.

As I was reflecting yesterday, I was thinking about how grateful I am that I get to surround myself with people like you... people that want more out of life, and people that want to experience love more deeply.

Serving you in this way is what allows me to live into my purpose, and it's not something I take lightly.

So thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

I hope you had a beautiful Christmas, and I'm excited for what the new year holds for all of us.

If there's ever anything at all that I can help you with, please don't hesitate to reply to any of my emails and let me know.

You are why I'm here.

I look forward to connecting again soon. In the meantime, don't forget to shine your light as bright as you can... the world needs it right now.