As this year comes to an end, I’ve been thinking about what it means to pause, to just pause and notice the things that are steady, grounding, or quietly good. Like this song, “Blessings” by Hollow Coves. It’s been on repeat lately, in my head. Here’s a link if you’d like to listen.

There’s a line that says, “There are blessings all around you — Open up your eyes.”

It’s simple, and it’s true.

Life is rarely all good or all bad. Most of the time it’s both—held at the same time. And still, there are these small moments: sunlight streaming through the trees, a conversation that felt honest, a breath you didn’t realize you needed to take, someone showing up for you in a way that surprised you.

These moments don’t erase the hard things. They help anchor us, so we don’t get swallowed up by them.

As a therapist, I’ve seen people walk through the full spectrum of being human—grief and joy, fear and resilience, confusion and clarity. I have seen you. And I don’t take for granted the trust it takes to let someone into your private space.

I am grateful every day for that trust. So, I want to share my simple, honest gratitude for you.

Thank you for being part of this collective, yet anonymous community.
Thank you for showing up for yourself in whatever way you can each day.
Thank you for doing the quiet, sometimes heartbreaking work of healing.

My hope for you in the coming year, is that you have moments when life softens. Moments when you notice something good all on its own. Moments when you feel connected to yourself or to someone you love or just met.

As the song goes, “Hold on to this time we have, and let the light shine through.”

Wherever you find yourself right now, I hope you get a little bit of light. And I hope you let yourself recognize it when it comes.