The Year of Showing Up for Yourself + My Work on Display + Book Recommendation | 1.2.25
SO GLAD YOU’RE HERE :-)
Hello Beautiful,
There’s something so inviting about the start of a new year. It feels like a blank page waiting for us to write our stories—stories shaped not by resolutions we’ll forget in a month, but by small, meaningful steps toward becoming more of who we already are.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how we show up for ourselves. How easy it is to get caught up in the current of doing things for everyone else—meeting expectations and fulfilling obligations. Somewhere along the way, we can lose sight of our own reflection, that sense of self that feels unshakably ours.
But the beautiful thing is, we can always come back to it.
Coming back to yourself doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or a perfectly mapped-out plan. Sometimes, it’s simply deciding to take up space again. To permit yourself to BE. Maybe it’s starting your day with a small ritual that feels like yours, saying no to things that no longer serve you, or rediscovering something you’ve always loved but put aside.
This year, I hope you step into that space unapologetically. I hope you embrace the messy, beautiful process of becoming—because we’re all in the middle of becoming something. And while it’s not always neat, it’s always worth it.
So, as you step into 2025, I invite you to think about one thing: What makes you feel most like yourself? Not what others expect, not what’s trendy or popular—but YOU. Then let that guide you, one small step at a time. Trust me, I’ll be doing this too.
Here’s to showing up for yourself this year.
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EXCITING NEWS
My Work on Display
I’m so excited to share that one of my photographs will be part of the 2025 Members’ Exhibition at the New Hope Arts Center! This exhibition celebrates local talent and creativity, featuring works from our iconic community art space members.
For those unfamiliar, the New Hope Arts Center is at the heart of our town’s artistic heritage. It provides artists with opportunities to create, collaborate, and share their work with a wider audience. Whether you’re a resident or visiting the area, the center is an amazing place to experience contemporary visual, performing, and literary arts.
The 2025 Members’ Exhibition will showcase original paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, and more. It’s a collection of diverse perspectives and creative expressions from local artists. Having my photograph included is such an honor, and I’m thrilled to share the space with so many talented individuals.
This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to support local artists and experience the vibrant creativity that defines New Hope. Your support means so much—not just to me but to everyone who pours their heart into their work.
Exhibition Dates & Hours:
Opening Reception: January 11, 5–8 PM (Awards at 6:30 PM)
January 11, 2025 – February 9, 2025
Friday–Sunday, 12–5 PM
Location: New Hope Arts Center (2 Stockton Ave, 2nd floor
New Hope, PA 18938)
Please stop by, explore, and immerse yourself in the creativity of our community!
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INSPIRATION
Book Recommendation
If you're seeking a book that intertwines neuroscience, mindfulness, and personal growth, I recommend “Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart” by James R. Doty, MD. It's a compelling memoir that delves into the profound impact of compassion, mindfulness, and visualization on both personal transformation and healing.
Dr. Doty shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful neurosurgeon, guided by lessons from a kind woman in a magic shop who taught him about the power of the mind and heart. This book beautifully combines science and spirituality, making it an inspiring read for anyone exploring ways to cultivate inner peace and resilience.
Let me know if you decide to give it a read—I'd love to hear your thoughts!
XX, AMY
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