Permission to be where you are. Presence counts. Rest counts.
Hello Friends! ☺️
How are you all wintering?
I’ve been enjoying a slooow roll into 2026—and that’s not something I usually say. Like many of you, I’ve found myself distracted and disheartened by what’s been unfolding in our country. I’m saddened when I see a lack of dignity and care in how people and systems are treated. And at the same time, I’ve been deeply moved by the humanity I continue to witness—people choosing kindness, showing up for one another, and treating others the way they’d want to be treated themselves.
Today I Noticed; Willow Older and Deborah Huber
Holding both feels important. Seeing the full picture—not just the hard parts—has been grounding for me.
This month, I’ve also given myself permission to just be—without immediately organizing the year ahead or locking in plans. And honestly? I’m liking this approach.
One gift of that slower pace was a solo retreat in McCall. I reflected, nourished my soul, and—yes—did a little planning. Enough to feel oriented, not overwhelmed. I’ve decided that solo retreats are now a must for me, and not just once a year.
I’m curious—do you ever give yourself space like this? Even a few intentional hours?
Part of that retreat included choosing my Word of the Year. As many of you know, having a word that acts as a kind of North Star can be helpful with decision making, behavior change, and staying aligned with your values and goals – what matters most.
My word for 2026 is Spruce. 🌲
As an adjective, spruce means fresh, lively, well-kept, tidy—suggesting care and attentiveness, not perfection. As a verb, it means to freshen, brighten, or improve; to make something more presentable or alive. Spruce can restore energy or clarity through small acts, and more importantly, it implies refreshing what already exists, not replacing it.
And as a noun, the spruce is an evergreen resilient, aromatic, and able to endure long, cold seasons.
Whether an adjective, verb or noun, all of this resonated with the season I’m in.
Across cultures, spruce trees symbolize endurance and resilience. They grow in harsh environments—cold, wind, thin soil—and remain rooted through long winters. I love how this mirrors the second half of life: weathered, wise, and still standing. 😉
As evergreens, spruce trees represent renewal without starting over, consistency rather than constant growth spurts, and the quiet reminder that presence can be more powerful than progress.
They also grow slowly and live long lives—symbolizing earned wisdom, patience, and depth over speed. A beautiful parallel to a life well-lived and still unfolding.
And then there’s the color: spruce—balanced between green (growth) and blue (reflection). Calm. Restorative. Grounding.
So yes, I’ve fully embodied this word.Spruce is the rhythm I’ll return to this year—sprucing my emotional and mental housekeeping, my outer environment, my relationships, and my work. Gently. Intentionally.
Do you have a Word of The Year? Do share... I'd love to hear it.
And that spirit of sprucing—of tending rather than pushing—has shaped a change I’m making this year.
Based on your feedback from my last newsletter survey, I’ll no longer be holding Office Hours. Instead, I’ll be hosting quarterly, in-person gatherings with a simple intention: to offer permission to pause, connect, and find clarity and community together.
You’re invited to our first gathering: 🥳
In This Season... Life Lately...
What season of life are you in right now? One of expansion… caregiving… savoring… uncertainty… or something in between?
On Wednesday, February 25th, from 3:00–5:30 pm, I’m hosting a welcoming, in-person gathering for women in the second half of life at Basalt Cellars—a space to pause, reflect, and connect with others who get it.
Together, we’ll explore the season you’re in through meaningful conversation, shared reflection, and small-group connection—with plenty of ease, laughs, and no pressure to have anything figured out. Just good conversation and the relief of being understood.
We’ll sip a glass of wine (or another beverage), enjoy light snacks, wear name tags (because remembering names matters 😉), and yes—there will be a raffle.
Details: 📍 Basalt Cellars, Port Dr., Clarkston 🗓 Wednesday, February 25th ⏰ 3:00–5:30 pm 💲 $14 (includes a glass of wine + snacks + delightful conversation)
Come alone or invite friends. Come as you are. Leave a little more grounded—connected and understood.
Mark your calendar nowand stay tuned for registration information.
THIS & THAT
As we settle into the natural rhythm of a new year, many of us revisit our habits and routines. If you’re feeling called to do the same, here are a few things that caught my attention this month:
• Small talk gets a bad rap, but research shows that even casual conversations—yes, including the weather—can help build connections. This article explores why those brief exchanges matter: The Psychology Behind Why We Discuss the Weather as Small Talk.
• And during these cold spells that invite hibernation, here’s a list of Feel Good Reads—books voted as leaving readers with a big smile.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If there’s one thing I’m reminding myself of this winter, it’s that not everything needs fixing or figuring out right away. Sometimes what’s needed most is tending—small acts of care, moments of connection, and permission to move at a more human pace.
Whether your word for the year is carefully chosen or still revealing itself, I hope you’ll give yourself grace in this season. Presence counts. Rest counts. Showing up imperfectly counts.
However you’re wintering, know that you’re not alone—and that there’s wisdom in moving slowly with seasonal resets.
Warmly,
Judy
PS:Be watching for an email from me about our gathering on February 25th!
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