Hi Reader,

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I’m writing to you under the pull of a full moon, watching the last of these short days limp into winter, with the familiar yearning to do as close to nothing as possible.

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This is the time of year for hibernation, stillness, and reflection. Three of my favorite activities. Yet, I rarely take the time to honor the season and energy of composting.

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Well, this year, I am.

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I’m taking off all of next week until the new year to sleep, read, stay in my PJs, walk in the woods, and eat nourishing foods (and trust me, some buttery cookies 🍪and melt-in-my-mouth chocolate truffles 🍫 will be included, too).

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Next week is also the anniversary of my mom’s rapid decline and passing. Between Christmas and New Year’s Eve last year, she began the process of actively dying, and she welcomed the new year by leaving it.

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I look back on that week and am mystified by my naivete. How could I have not seen that she was dying dying? Like within days. Human behavior—mine as well as others—never ceases to amaze me. The way in which my conscious mind protected me from reality so I could do the things I did in her final days is fascinating. And the fact that her healthcare providers were so useless to her and me is infuriating.

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So, remembering, forgiving, and integrating will be part of next week’s “vacation” as well.

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On a brighter note, I’ve been accepted into a writing program to start working on my next book. I’ve been eyeing this program for a few years and am super excited to learn alongside another fantastic group of writers like I did with my first book. My upcoming book is a work of fiction based on a woman who changes the face of birth in the U.S. Or at least that’s what I think it will be about.

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Writing a book is much like raising a child…they come with their own essence, spirit, and intentions, and you do your best to shape them into some sort of vision. But, ultimately, they become who they are meant to be, not who we think they should be. I can’t wait to see what this book has to tell me!

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It is especially poignant for me to be writing a book at the same time I’m coaching a group of writers writing their books. We will be on parallel paths. As an intro to my writing coaching program, I’m holding a one-day writer’s workshop on Saturday, January 11, 2025, and folks on my list (that’s you!) are invited to attend for free if you sign up by this Friday. In just one day, writers will know where to start their book, what it should include, create an outline, and know all the steps to complete it. You can get all the details here and use coupon code ‘freeforme’ to sign up for free.

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What I'm listening to, reading, and watching:

​Golden — Jill Scott. I featured this song back in June but I needed an infusion of positivity in my life so it’s getting a daily play.

​Fast Like a Girl — When a friend told me about this book, I thought fast referred to speed, like running, but it actually refers to the practice of not eating for a period of time. In this case, it specifically refers to intermittent fasting designed for women’s hormone cycles. I’ve been doing intermittent fasting for years, but her combination of metabolic switching and hormone cycles (whether influenced by menstruation or the moon) takes it to a whole new level of health.

​Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones — I’ve always envisioned myself living to 100. Now that I’m in my 60s, it doesn’t seem a certainty, nor even desirable based on my frustrating heart condition (atrial fibrillation). But still, I want to learn the secrets of aging well. Guess what? A Mediterranean-type diet, good relationships, activity, and interests to keep the mind sharp are the key. No surprises there. See it in action for those truths be truly inspiring. On Netflix.

What are you listening to, reading, or watching that you think I’d like? Reply and let me know.

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Let me know if there's anything special you'd like to hear about in the coming weeks. Just reply and I'm on it!

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​Whatever you do at this time of year, may it be nourishing, warm your heart, and lift your faith in humanity.

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Thanks for reading,

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Carrie

So You Want to Be a Doula

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P.S. Remember to sign up for my writing workshop by Friday, December 20, at midnight to attend for free. You can get all the details here; use coupon code ‘freeforme’ to sign up.

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P.P.S. The dates for the 2025 Divine Feminine Retreat have been scheduled. Save the Dates: April 4-7, 2025. Click here to get on the list for updates and when registration opens.​