Meeting Ourselves at the Threshold of a New Year
I’m sitting at my desk looking out on a sunny, relatively warm day—sixty-four degrees Fahrenheit (17 Celsius). This morning, in my fluffy robe, I sat on the terrace with a cup of hot coffee, listening to the birds, watching Sophie sniff out last night’s visitors, and feeling the sun’s glow on my face. I cried with gratitude for living here in beauty and peace. After dressing, Sophie and I went to the cliffs. The sky and ocean opened my heart, and the tears came again. Deep breaths.
December 9 marks five years in Portugal—five years! Where did it go? Remnants of my last threshold, from Ecuador to this new life, linger. Some days, those remnants bring anxiety and a sense of what was lost; other days, I feel the courage it took to cross an ocean with nothing but a suitcase, Sophie-dog, and the spark of a new dream.
Today, I want to say thank you for witnessing my journey—whether through this newsletter, on social media, or in my memoir, The Shaman’s Wife. My ability to do meaningful work through retreats and to write poetry, essays, and books is thanks to those of you who have supported me through countless thresholds.
When I write, you are in the back of my mind. During my retreats, the person I am with is my only focus. When I coach, despite the distance and Zoom, I am present to you, supporting you with my hard-earned wisdom and the skills I have cultivated over the years.
As the year draws to a close, I encourage you to pause and review the thresholds you have crossed in 2025. Honor them. Consider how they might guide you toward your dreams for 2026. Through each one—especially the challenging thresholds—we learn more about ourselves and shed light on our shadow, enabling us to live with greater consciousness.
Many blessings to you and yours as we cross new thresholds together. Thank you for being a vital part of my journey.
Affectionately,
Alicia
