Happy Holidays from the Far North!

Posted on 24 December 2009

I’m home in Alaska for the holidays, visiting friends and family, bopping between the guest room at my mom and step-father’s quiet home in the hills, and the basement of my dad and step-mom’s very active home downtown.

It’s good to be here, stepping back into the shoes of the Alaskan girl I am – literally!  The shoes are boots, but you get the image, yes?

It didn’t take but a minute to remember how to drive on ice, to plug in the car, to start it at least five minutes before I want to go somewhere, or to dress for 20 below.  Nor was it hard to fall into a normal and easy routine with my parents, or to dive into great deep conversations with friends. In my first few days here, I visited my favorite coffee shops, bookstores, the high school I taught at for ten years, and of course, Fred Meyers – the grocery and department store that sells everything!  Every stop I make, I see people I know.  Fairbanks, Alaska isn’t that big, and I grew up here.  It’s home.

And while I’m here, I hear myself answering questions about life in LA and life coaching.  And, I hear myself saying how much I love where I live.  How I’ve made great friends.  How my business is growing.  And, how yes, all is well.

And so it is.  I thought that this visit would bring big insights into how far I’ve come and what I’ve learned.  Maybe those will come later.  What does hit me is how grateful I am for the people who have shaped my life –  from my former students and colleagues, to my family and growing passel of step-siblings, nieces and cousins, to my best girlfriends, and even my ex-boyfriends. I love the people in my life!

And, so it’s the holidays and my heart is full.  Blessings on all my family and friends! And blessings on you and yours as well!