I woke this morning to a crisp blue day after a rain and windstorm stripped most of the leaves from the trees yesterday.  The winter descent is upon us here in the Northeast and for the first time in years, I welcome this fallow period.

Winter invites introspection and rest.  The trick is to accept the invitation.  Nature helps make it easier by extending her darkness with longer nights and by removing the distractions of beauty outside the window by browning the fields and clearing tree limbs. Bare branches against a pale autumn sky can only hold my attention for so long.  The call to stay in and burrow under becomes more appealing.

This week I look forward to voting with Michael and I hope you have a plan to do so as well (if you live in the states).  I know you’re probably bombarded with reminders to exercise this privilege, but when statistics show that only four out of ten people vote during midterm elections, it’s important to make your voice count.  And, while it might seem like your individual vote doesn’t matter, please remember that some midterm elections are determined by a very, very small margin.

Not only that…

Life is energy.  You are energy.  I am energy.  And we are all swimming in the same energetic field of consciousness.  That’s not woo-woo, that’s science.  When you take action – a conscious step toward positive change – it not only empowers you, it strengthens this collective field. So while it looks like you’re voting for the candidate of your choice, you’re also voting for a stronger, more empowered humanity.

Thank you for doing so .

As we enter this time of quiet reflection, I also celebrate the anniversary of my father’s passing and of our dear Poupon.  We’re almost through the year of firsts and nearly ready to think about welcoming a new rescue (or two ) into our home.  Many of you have written to ask why we haven’t adopted another cat yet, but both Michael and I needed to fully grieve the loss of a being so near and dear to our hearts.  You’ll be one of the first to know when there’s a new addition to our family!

Speaking of rescuing animals, if you live in the North Shore area of Massachusetts (or know someone who does), please tune into my Facebook Live show this week (11/6 at 3pm EST/12 PST) for a surprise announcement about our local cat shelter – the place where we adopted Poupon.  You can find more info below.  I’ll be sure to include a link to it here next week in case you miss it.

Happy voting.  Make a plan, invite a friend to the polls, check with your grown kids to be sure they’re voting, too, and use your energy in a powerful, positive way.  We need you!

xo Cheryl

P.S. – I’ll be talking about my latest book, Waking Up in Winter, at the Natural Living Expo in Marlborough, MA this Sunday, November 11^th and you can get tickets here.

P.P.S. – This week’s Facebook Live will be held on Tuesday, November 6^th at 3pm EST/12noon PST.  You can find me here and watch past sessions on my YouTube channel at CherylRichardsonTV here.

Need a little Divine Direction? Use the “Touch of Grace” button on our homepage here.