Hi Reader, I’m sharing something a bit different this week – a little more personal and weighted but still optimistic, and written in a different style. I originally wrote it on October 13th, but I'm ready to share it with you. Thanks for reading, and for being here.

It's gorgeous outside today.
Cool, crisp, golden-tinted.
Endless blue skies.
A perfect autumn Colorado day.
My absolute favorite kind of day.

And I’m confused.
Almost angry.
I should be outside.

Instead?
I cleaned the toilet.
And vacuumed.
Which I dread doing.
And worse –
Not because I had too.
Because I wanted to.

I needed to stay busy.
To feel productive.
To move.
To see something shine.
To feel some control.

I wish it was gray and dreary out.
To match my current state.
My heart has been heavy since 7am.

Because I learned that my wonderful aunt passed away.

It was unexpected three weeks ago.
But this week it changed.
And it became expected.

We all know death is never easy.
Even though it's truly what we’re born to do.
Something we all have in common.

One day we’re born into this
beautiful,
messy,
heartbreaking,
amazing,
loving world.

The next – we’re taken from it.
Into an unknown.
And humans struggle with the unknown.
Humans prefer certainty, control.
And you know what we have the least control over?

The unknown of death.

When it will happen.
How it will happen.
What will happen next.
It’s all one big, giant unknown.

Some have theories.
Some have beliefs.
I fully support it all.

I also accept there’s no one answer.
No one explanation or understanding.

But one thing we all know for sure –
Whether we see it or not –

We were all born to live.

All born with the possibility of living out a full life.
However we see fit.

Everyday there are choices.
Everyday there are things we can choose to control.
And things we can choose to let go.

We can’t predict the end.
We can’t predict
tragedy,
heartbreak,
trauma,
turmoil,
or unrest.

But we can choose to wake up everyday.
And be positive.
Be grateful.
Be hopeful.
Be considerate.
Be kind.
Be present.

Because one day –
That option won’t be there.

So live for now.
​Live for today.

Hold space for those in pain in the world.
Hold space for your emotions,
and your feelings when they come up.
Let them rise.
And take up space.
Then let them be.

And while you’re here,
choose to live.

I’ll see you outside.

Maura
​

ps – Thanks again for reading. I so appreciate you. Looking forward to sharing some holiday-inspired thoughts and tips (with usual sass) in the coming weeks!

---

Something I learned this week*

​
​Coconut Sugar​
Have you tried this yet? If you have to add sugar to a recipe, coconut sugar is a great substitute for granulated white sugar. It's less processed since it's extracted from the sap of coconut trees. It also has trace amounts of magnesium, potassium and inulin (a prebiotic fiber that's great for digestion).

I've been a fan of coconut sugar for a few years now and especially love it in my favorite pumpkin pie recipe. If you're in search of a tasty holiday dessert, I highly recommend this Paleo Maple Pumpkin Pie with Pecans recipe. (Even my Dad, a former loyal fan of traditional pumpkin pie, now always asks for this one!)

*I’m currently doing MindBodyGreen’s Functional Nutrition Course, and I'm starting their Health Coaching certification in 2024. So I’m taking you along for the journey by sharing some goodness I learn along the way!

---