Yes, that’s right! We’re going to end 2023 with one of my favorite Jason Mraz songs, Details in the Fabric. Please listen to it here first. While you’re listening, try to guess which “ten little words” I’ll be writing about (no peeking!). Also, while it’s a somewhat serious song, there are little bits of humor woven through it near the end… see if you can spot them; see if they make you smile.

Actually, on watching Jason sing this sublimely simple song a few times, I realize that there is so much wisdom within it that I could probably write from it in every one of my columns for the next several months! But here’s what I want us to focus on for now:

Jason wrote this song for a friend who was going through a deep depression after a bad break-up. I haven’t been through a bad break-up in a really, really long time, but I found these words speaking to my very soul anyway. Here are my thoughts…

Hold your own. As I repeat these words quietly to myself here at the end of a year, as I look ahead to a new one, I sense two different meanings. If I am truly holding my own, then I am doing more than just keeping my head above water—I am knowing what I believe in, and more importantly, I am adhering to what I believe in. For me, this is a powerful message about honoring my values, and about making my own path in the world. My path. My own. Not anyone else's.

Meditating on these words, I also receive an image of myself, holding close to me, all whom I hold dear in this life. Husband. Friends. Stepkids and grandchildren. Feline beloveds. Communities to which I belong. Holding them. Being held by them. To paraphrase the end of the song, I am holding and being held by all of this love, all of these hearts.

Know your name. When I first heard this line of the song, I thought, Well, I know my name. It’s Anne Marie. I know why I was given this name snd I actually like my name. But living with this phrase for a while, it is becoming clearer. Knowing my name means knowing who I am. Not who I am on the surface, but who I am deep inside. It means being connected to my deepest SoulEssence. In fact, knowing my name is directly related to how clearly and directly I can hold my own.

Go your own way. What does it mean to go my own way? For a person suffering a deep loss of some kind (like Jason’s friend), going one’s own way might mean finding a way, to let go, to begin to forge a new path, to lean into a new direction. For me? Right now, on the cusp of a brand new year? I’m thinking that go my own way means not comparing myself to others and what they have/have not accomplished. It means listening inside, following my inner guidance, giving full credence to my values, my faith, my inner resources.

The more I think on this, the more I understand that I can’t go my own way unless I truly know my name and am committed to holding my own.

Dear Kindred Spirits, in 2024 I wish for you all the wisdom that Jason Mraz packed into this song, and so much more!

Take some time with those “ten little words” as we say good-bye to 2023.

Perhaps other words in the song resonated with you more. What are they? What meaning do they hold for you right now, whatever is going on in your life?

Make a SoulCollage® card that expresses what you are taking away from this song. Or look through your deck and find a card for each of the three phrases, or any phrases that sang to your heart.

Please share responses to this essay on our private Kindred Spirits Facebook page.

 This all-new, totally-unique SoulCollage® Zoom series is for you if . . .

. . . you want to meet one or more of your own Animal Companions

. . . you’ve already met some/all of your Animal Companions because you’ll be guided to get to know them more fully

. . . you are ready to explore and deepen your understanding of this “suit of many colors”

Start a new tradition of self-discovery and growth, using the power of SoulCollage®, expressive writing, and other creative activities. More than just a resolution, a Word for the Year is a single word that encapsulates your intentions, aspirations, and the essence of what you want to experience in the coming year. You’ll tap into your inner self to find a word that resonates with your deepest intentions and values for the year ahead, then create a plan to incorporate this meaningful word into your life, making it a catalyst for positive change. Registration includes the workshop, a beautiful personalized wooden card with your word (sent to you from Etsy after the workshop), as well as quarterly email check-ins. 

Visit this page for more info now. 

Kindred Spirits Members save $10.00 with code TAKE10

Upcoming SoulCollage® In-Person Retreats & Facilitator Training

Travel to the place of myth and memories, where the landscape is a mirror of the Soul. Glastonbury, the ancient isle of Avalon is rich with sacred and ancient sites. Explore the earth-based, mystic energies; honor the Goddess in the bounty of Spring. Make inspired art with SoulCollage® and more as you deepen your story in this all-inclusive women's retreat! We will celebrate the lingering Spring, with Beltane Energies still influencing our hearts. This is a special season that evokes soul growth and beauty.

Do you have an online SoulCollage-focused event that you'd like to advertise here? Excellent idea! Soul Songs goes out to over 2000 avid SoulCollagers every month and Soul Treasures reaches 950+ paid subscribers who love SoulCollage®. Please send a reply to this email or use the Contact form on KaleidoSoul.com and we'll send you more info.

A Native American Christmas, with Jana Mashonee. Have a listen to this playlist on Youtube where Native American singing sensation, Jana, sings several traditional holiday classics in 10 different Native American languages. Jana brings freshness and creativity to songs we all know and love, and her voice truly is rich.

29 Gifts: Challenge yourself to Give something away for 29 days in a row. It's all here on this very cool site. Recommended by Kindred Spirit Jo in Australia.   

Ashleigh Brilliant- Brilliant thoughts, all in 17 words or less. I use his quotes frequently. His daily pot-shots are funny and thought-provoking, all at the same time.

What’s Love Got To Do With It, featuring Lily James, Mim Shaikh, Emma Thompson, Iman Boujelouah. If you’re tired of “holiday” movies, take a look at this one which is equally heartwarming and uplifting. And in spite of the title, it has nothing to do with Tina Turner! In London, an award-winning filmmaker documents her best friend’s journey into an assisted marriage in line with his Pakistani heritage. In the process, she challenges her own attitude toward relationships. Highly recommend.

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