Well, that was a lot to process.
I know it's nearly March, but here's my 2022 snapshot.
Here’s 7 highlights, lessons, and observations I made last year. It was definitely a year of growth and grace.
Progress is not linear - We rarely, if ever, go from point A to point B. Progress is slow, messy, and moves in all directions.
Top 3 books I read: Community: The structure of Belonging by Peter Block, Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey, and Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey.
Trust your gut. I tend to make excuses for people, give them the benefit of the doubt— even when something feels off. It never works out in my favor. Listen to your body. Trust your gut.
There is abundance in the wilderness. There is enough for everyone. There is room for everyone at the top. You might have to forage for it, take the scenic route, and enjoy the view — But there is abundance in the wilderness.
I am enough. You are enough.
Last year, my journal was a life source. When others tried to re-write history, I was able to go back and review my lived experience. It reminded me of my truth, my story, and my growth.
Leadership is not having all the answers. Leadership is vulnerability, resilience, and asking good questions. A good leader is not afraid to say, “I don’t know.” I would argue that good leaders seek to ‘do no harm’ regardless of the impact it has on the bottom line.
I’d love to hear a lesson you learned last year. Put in the comments below or respond to this email!
always grace,
Amber Lea
PRINT SALE - Limited Number 30% off
I’m making room for my next art launch. New prints and originals coming later this spring! In the meantime, here’s a sale — 30% off all art prints! Just use the code ART30 at check out and I’ll get these shipped out asap.
ATTENTION:
A Bible study for the season of Lent starts this week for paid subscribers! Lent is a season of the church, where we are preparing ourselves to meet the resurrected Christ on Easter. A 40-day journey that started last week, on Ash Wednesday. For the next 6 weeks, we’ll take a slow walk to the cross together with a collection of theological insights, poetry, questions, and spiritual practices.
This Week on the Growth & Grace Podcast:
— It's the 200th episode of Growth & Grace!! How is that even possible?
I took all of January to process 2022, and today I'm sharing some of the things I learned. If I'm honest, it was one of the hardest years of my life. So much happened out of my control, and I had a hard time knowing who to trust. This episode shares some of the lessons I learned. It's full of both growth and grace!
Spiritual Direction: A Haiku
Where is God in this?
Silent, grace filled wilderness
slow walk to wholeness
Question for transformation:
I believe that transformation happens when we allow ourselves to engage with good questions. Below is your weekly question for transformation. Think about it, journal it, or talk about it with a friend. If you want, share your response in the comment section.
What lesson has life taught you recently?