Dear Friends,
As I celebrate another trip around the sun today, I’m taking a moment to reflect on how it’s going so far. My word of the year has been “release,” and what a profound teacher it has been.
The Art of Letting Go
Release, I’ve discovered, is like cleaning out an overstuffed closet—sometimes painful to decide what stays and what goes, but utterly freeing once complete. This journey has naturally led me toward two companions: trust and surrender.
Trust that what’s meant for me won’t miss me. Surrender to the path unfolding before me, even when I can’t see around the bend or know the outcome based on a plan.
Professional Evolution
This spirit of release has guided me to make some exciting changes professionally. While career strategy work has been my foundation and brought many wonderful people into my life, I’m now expanding my focus toward building third spaces—those vital environments where community, connection, and impact flourish.
My website is currently undergoing a redesign to reflect this evolution! I’m creating room for something that’s been calling to me: facilitating collective transformation rather than solely individual journeys.
Recovering the Artist Within
In parallel with these professional shifts, I’ve been working through Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way,” rediscovering parts of myself that have been waiting patiently in the shadows. This process has helped me reclaim my identity as a dancer, teacher, and—yes, I’m finally ready to say it—storyteller!
Looking back, the signs were always there: the child who couldn’t get enough of books, who loved discussing stories with anyone who would listen, who naturally helped classmates sound out difficult words. These weren’t just childhood pastimes; they were glimpses of my authentic self. The photo above is from a previous year when I wanted to go roller skating at the beach. The recovery process has been a great opportunity to reintroduce myself to the activities that I either haven’t done in many years or that I don’t get to do enough.
Looking Forward
As I step into this next year, I’m excited to integrate all these elements—professional evolution, creative recovery, and personal growth—into something that feels wholly authentic. Once the revised website is up, I look forward to connecting and sharing more.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I look forward to creating spaces where we can all connect and transform together.
With gratitude,
Garland
P.S. I’d love to hear what you’re releasing or embracing in your own life right now. Or if there’s an activity you’ve revisited that brings you joy and lightheartedness.
Please leave a comment below.
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