Focus on the Good
Staring at my desktop after a particularly hard day, I see cherry blossoms dancing in the blue sky and read the words, "when you focus on the good, the good gets better."
Although the quote, attributed to Esther Hicks, seems to have just appeared in my life without a clear start I can trace, it feels deeply rooted for me. It reminds me of all the good I have in my life - this unique miracle it is to be alive now, in this time and place.
My mom always used that word, "miracle", and as teenagers we would roll our eyes, and nudge each other under the table, but years after she is gone, I still have her truth nudging me back, showing me the beauty just on the other side of my skepticism and scarcity mind.
As we shift into the new year, I am reminded of a piece I wrote for Psychology Today doubling down on the power of rest, reset, and reflection. The self-work and lessons learned I share in that article helped guide me to where I am today, grateful to be in community with you.
As a reflection of that commitment to reflection and community, I am hosting a (free) New Year event, where we will gather as friends and colleagues, and take a shared moment to reflect on the past - recognize our wins, our struggles, and the ways we have grown - and to plan for the year ahead.
Planning for me has always been about the process, the intention, not ridged but rooted in where I am in this moment. If you are looking for a place to do that reflection and planning, I hope you will join us!
In the spirit of celebration, I want to take a moment to share some of my pieces from 2023, I hope they bring you joy and you share with others!
TEDx: Sharing the role of architecture in fostering connection and healing loneliness.
BBC: Joining the BBC to share the power of #DesignforConnection! (Listen in around 19min)
Madame Architect: Sharing my path of caring, healing, and well-being
CBC: Sharing the power of the built environment to foster well-being and connection with Canadian Broadcast Company
Psychology Today: Wrote 5 Psychology Today articles on design for health, happiness and connection.
Bloomberg CityLab: Spreading the word about the importance of place design from a trauma-informed lens.