Hi fam,

We're not quiet about the power of a gratitude practice. It is hands down one of the most effective ways to snap myself out of a funk, so if you see me on social media professing gratitude, it's entirely possible that I'm lifting myself up from the dark and stormy places or (hopefully) I'm just feeling super grateful. Either way, it works and makes the days a little bit brighter.

I don't know how it's possible, but each year we keep finding new levels of gratitude for this community. Your belief from day one through today is what keeps the fire in our bellies lit for the work we do. We quite literally couldn't do what we do without you - it would be pretty lonely if we were facilitating retreats, programs, and community gatherings with nobody in attendance - YOU are what makes this community keep going and growing.

So from the bottom of our big overflowing hearts, thank you.

Thank you for seeing us.
Thank you for hearing us.
Thank you for believing in us.
Thank you for loving us.
Thank you for keeping this community alive.
Thank you for your vulnerability.
Thank you for trusting us with your stories.
Thank you for taking responsibility for your healing.
This is how we change the world.

Now, back to you. What are you thankful for this year?

We want to hear from you! Comment below or jump in on this post in the Hiking My Feelings Family private network and let us know.

Dream big and be kind!

Big love,
Sydney + Barry

Resources to make the holidays a bit easier

What Triggers Feel Like and How I Navigate Them

I wrote this post after being deeply triggered around the holidays in 2019 after I published my first book. You are not alone, and you are under no obligation to be in community with anyone who causes you harm - that includes your immediate family. Read the post here.

Boundary Setting

If you need some support around setting boundaries this holiday season, Melissa Urban (CEO of Whole30) has been posting some incredible content this week to help you navigate difficult conversations around what's on your plate (and how it's nobody's business), body image and more. Check it out here.

This Playlist

We are big believers in the healing power of music, and this playlist is days worth of tunes that will lift your spirits. All of these artists have been on the Virtual Campfire, and we compiled the songs they shared with us (and a few extras) for you here. Listen here on Spotify!

Coloring Page

If you haven't already, download a free copy of the coloring page from the book. Print off some extras for your littles and share some stories of the adventures you took this year. Talk about feelings in a way that feels authentic to you. Or just put on the playlist and color by yourself for a bit to disconnect from the distractions of a holiday weekend and reconnect with your body. Download it here!

Wake Up Grateful

If you're uncomfortable around the holidays and want to take some time for yourself, this interview with Kristi Nelson, author of Wake Up Grateful and Executive Director of The Network for Grateful Living is fantastic AND includes music from one of our favorite humans, Joshua Swain from The Movement!