"At this table, everyone is welcome.
At this table, everyone is seen
At this table, everybody matters.
No one falls between.
At this table, you can say whatever.
At this table, you can speak your mind.
At this table, everything's forgiven.
There's enough for everyone.
So come as you are.
Remember that the door is always open...
So come, pull up a chair."
I first heard this song in 2019 when I was on an "Idina and Lea were born to sing Christmas songs" obsession. (Idina Menzel and Lea Michelle. They truly are marvels in the land of holiday vocals. Sigh...) "At This Table" was on Idnia's "Christmas, A Season of Love" album that year, and the timing was nothing short of divine. That was the year my aspiration to own a soul-driven business began to take shape. The dream of creating safe spaces for women to fully own and celebrate who they are and take back the reigns of control was beginning to materialize. I had, once again, lost patience with the status quo and desired more relevance, more control, and more fulfillment.
It seems life is a cycle of feeling strong and being on top of things, and then either circumstance or complacency finds us in a rut being pushed and pulled at life's whim. Something internal sparks and we find ourselves working yet again to regain our footing and sense of power. 2019 brought with it a lot of self-reflection, coaching, hard work, time alone, and in turn a reduction in my friendship circle. I was often out of sight and for many, it led to out of mind. Others, however... those that were present by the time the holiday season arrived and I began to resurface with a new-found purpose... those gorgeous people turned into a tribe of soulmates. I read the lyrics for "At This Table" at our holiday meal together that year and it was magical. Not a dry eye in the place!
Why this trip down memory lane? I am incredibly grateful and am well aware of how lucky I am to have a table of people who welcome me with open arms and without condition. I am also aware that not everyone who is suffering from loneliness or going through a life-changing event has a place where they feel they always have a seat. It is this understanding that has me reflecting on what is store Counter Talks in 2024. Like many of you, I spend this time of year considering missed opportunities, celebrating the year's wins, and gleaning and cataloging lessons from both for the next round. I take time to be intentionally grateful for the wonderful people and experiences that were part of my year, and diligently seek out joy during the holiday season. Celebrating the end of a scribbled full calendar and the bright blank space of the new.
As I sit here today, putting the 2024 intentions together, I know exactly what I am asking of the next 12 months. I want to be part of building as many tables and setting as many chairs as possible. I want to set a place for anyone to come and find solace, acceptance, quiet, sustenance, joy, empowerment, and someone with whom to celebrate it all. I cannot wait to share my Next with you!
I wish you the happiest and healthiest holiday season and challenge you to treat yourself with a little grace over the next couple of weeks. No one is without some craving for solitude or residue of grief because we are all human and no amount of silver bells, sugar cookies, or spiked eggnog can make this less true.
Gift yourself with kindness and slow down a bit so you
don't miss the moments of sparkle this weekend has to offer.
Before I close this out with the song...let's get real: The eggnog and cookies may not bring lasting answers, but their self-indulgent decadence is arguably a delicious place to start!
Cheers, everyone and keep shining!
This blog is a personal collection of my thoughts, wins, losses, memories, and crossroad moments. Almost all of which were hashed out around my kitchen counter and in my journals. If any of it resonates with you and you are ready to empower your inner badass and move into your Next with confidence, I can help. It’s time… Click the link and Let’s chat.
