Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. Time with loved ones gathered together, preparing (and eating!) the traditional meal, sharing excitement and joy at the start of the holiday season with family and friends. Incomparable!

For the well-being of these same family and friends, this year we choose to stay apart. Socially distanced. I’m not alone in grieving over what’s not typical in 2020. Our joy feels limited by the scope of pain and frustration–especially risks and precautions we must take around COVID-19.

Regardless, I am grateful. Thankful for the time we do have; for the less-than-picture-perfect tiny gatherings we will treasure with loved ones who share physical space as well as those dear to us who will connect with us virtually or celebrate in heart.

I’m thinking about everyone finding their way through this year, especially those who inspired me to launch my book, The Power of Natural Mentoring, despite a global pandemic. In considering ways to celebrate when our traditions have been turned upside down, I can’t help wondering how to capture joy that still persists although we may find ourselves spending much of this holiday time alone.

It’s given me a fresh perspective.

In many ways, this holiday season will be a time to surrender to rest and restoration, and to prioritize self-care. It’s the same prescription for the most stressful of “normal” holiday seasons—so could this shift in perspective be a gift in itself?

Because while we restore ourselves, the simplest gifts for those we love are often the most soul-nourishing. The profoundly wise Viktor Frankl wrote, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” 

The Power of Natural Mentoring is written for any woman who cares about a girl or younger woman, seeks to deepen their mutual self-awareness and walk beside her as she discovers her authentic voice and develops the courage to use it in the world. Consider this role for yourself or someone you love in 2021, and think of the book as a perfect gift or stocking stuffer to begin this two-way journey. (You can order it here.)

I’m also grateful and delighted to announce that book clubs, friend groups and women in business circles are already scheduling discussion groups around Natural Mentoring!  If your group is interested as well, we have created virtual discussion decks to keep the conversation flowing. You can find a discussion starter at the top of this page. It is a quote you’ll read in the book from one of the women who spoke with me during my Natural Mentoring research.

I’d be honored to join your virtual group’s book discussion. Simply reply to this email for more details about scheduling a 60-minute book discussion with me beginning in January. That’s something we can all look forward to in the New Year! 

As 2021 draws closer, we’ll kick-off two virtual, interactive courses designed for those who want to bring the most power to their professional or youth Natural Mentoring relationships. Stay tuned for more information and dates for the launch of these courses.

Cheers to each of you for the beginning of a restorative & restful holiday season!