I’ve learned over this year how relationships extend far past this space and time. They don’t end. They simply continue on. This energy of love and magic is forever intertwined with those we care about.
Mom passed unexpectedly in her sleep on July 6th.
On July 7th, I had to leave for the Grand Canyon and lead a retreat. In fact, that month I was scheduled to lead three retreats. The Grand Canyon, kayaking in Whittier, Alaska where we celebrated my parent’s 50th Anniversary just three years earlier, and Telluride, CO. My mom loved Colorado.
Sitting on the phone with my family the morning of July 6th after her passing, I asked my dad, “What should I do? Should I cancel these retreats? Or not?” Dad replied, “What would Mom want you to do?”
Mom knew how hard her passing would be on me someday. We talked about it.
I also knew that she would want me to keep going. To do my work. And so I did. In fact, after I led these retreats, I thought about something. It’s almost as if she, in her heart and soul, knew that her timing in passing would ultimately help me heal. And, as always, she was right.
Leading those three retreats got me through the toughest time in my life.
I’ve come to realize that sometimes, our work is as much for us as it is for our clients.
Mom showed up over and over on these retreats. And what was so cool was experiencing this with my clients. Here are a few ways that she showed up.
We were almost to the bottom of the Grand Canyon when I had a conversation with her above. I asked her to send me a sign that she was ok. And that I was where I needed to be. This was two days after her passing. And then I looked into the sky when my group and I got to the Colorado River, and this is what I saw. The most beautiful rainbow around the sun, and a heart-shaped by clouds.
She knew that I loved rainbows in the Grand Canyon. We had talked about it the last time that I was with her, actually. And she also knew how I loved finding hearts in nature. You can watch the magical video on my Instagram page. It’s pretty amazing.
In Telluride, the fields were adorned with purple flowers. Mom’s favorite color was purple.
She showed up in rainbows in the sky. Sunrises and sunsets.
And when I sat in the hot tub at night, I felt her peace surrounding me.
And then, one morning in Alaska, I was leading my group through a coaching session before breakfast as we camped on the island. We were discussing affirmations, and I was sharing a story about my mom and her affirmations. Always start with “I Am..”
I am pure love.
I am worthy.
I am strong.
She taught me the power of standing by my values, walking with integrity, having faith, believing in yourself, and surrendering to what you cannot control.
While in this conversation about “I am..,” my group and I noticed what was written in the snow at the top of the mountain. The words “I Am.” It’s hard to make out in this picture, but it was so clear in person. You can watch this beautiful video on my Instagram page, as well. I highly recommend it.
Life is magical, you know? What I am finding is that so is death.
You could say that signs from our loved ones above are all coincidences. Or, you could say they are not. One thing I’ve learned is that surrendering to the magic in life is far more powerful than arguing there is no magic at all.
It’s all a choice.
Stay present. Stay aware. Stay true to yourself.
And remember, our work can be as much for us as it is for our clients.
Are you ready to make a change in your professional and personal life?
JOIN US for our last retreat of 2023! Using Awe to Transform Your Life and Create Your Future. July 22nd-25th, 2023 in the San Juan Mountains in Telluride, Colorado with me and Florence Williams, bestselling author of “Heartbreak” and “The Nature Fix.” Women only.
Stay in a beautiful retreat center high in the mountains, terrific food, amazing hiking, group coaching, forest bathing led by Florence, and nature meditation led by me. Find clarity, and create a life that is values-driven. Sunrises, sunsets, and sitting in a natural hot tub under the stars. I absolutely love this retreat.
Message me. A few spots are open and we’d love to have you!
xo
Sara
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