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Shedding Skins of Old Patterns as the Year Ends
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As we approach the end of the year, it’s natural to reflect on the past months and the patterns that have shaped our journey. The closing of a year offers a unique opportunity to release old habits, beliefs, and behaviors that no longer serve us. We lived through the celebrations of many during the election processes and the deep grief and despair of others who had another outcome in heart and mind.
Either way, we can decide that it is not a win/lose situation and that we are the ones called to do what we can from here going forward.
It is a time to pause and ask ourselves: “What do I value, and how can I live to express and uplift them all? How can I shift to empowered action?”
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"The crucial point is: by changing ourselves, we change the world. As we become more loving on the inside, healing occurs on the outside. Much like the rising of the sea level lifts all ships, so the radiance of unconditional love within a human heart lifts all of life."
— David R. Hawkins, Letting Go: The Pathway To Surrender
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Many of us carry patterns rooted in false beliefs. These may be stories we’ve told ourselves for years — stories about our worth, our potential, or what we “should” be doing. Often, these thoughts are ingrained through years of conditioning, mistakes, or even societal pressures. These mental loops may fuel anxiety and lead to error thinking — patterns of thought that keep us stuck in fear and worry. When we consistently believe that we aren’t good enough, that we can’t succeed, or that there’s no way out of our problems, we limit ourselves from seeing the truth: that we are capable of change and transformation.
The end of the year is a powerful invitation to interrupt these false beliefs. Rather than letting worries about the future consume us, we can shift the question from “What if things go wrong?” to “What can I do in relationship to what is happening? What sane, sensible action can I take today?” This simple but profound shift moves us from a space of helplessness into one of proactive possibility. Simply put, we can move in the direction of what matters most to us.
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This is a time to recognize that old patterns — whether they’re emotional, mental, or behavioral — do not have to define our next steps. Shedding them is not an easy process, but it’s a necessary one if we want to open up space for something new. Begin by identifying the stories you’ve been telling yourself. Perhaps you’ve been carrying around a belief that you aren’t capable of achieving a goal or that you need to be perfect before you can take action. Recognize these thoughts for what they are — unhealed parts of ourselves that are calling for compassion, understanding, and updating. | |
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"A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life."
— Christopher Germer
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Instead of focusing on what’s out of your control, tend to the feelings of powerlessness, fear, or worry and redirect your energy toward what you can do. This shift in mindset is not about bypassing real challenges and the associated feelings but about reclaiming your power in the face of them. If you’re worried about an outcome, identify what steps you can take today to move toward a positive resolution. Even small actions — sending an email, having a conversation, making a plan — can begin to shift your perspective from helplessness to agency. | |
As the year comes to a close, give yourself permission to shed the old, interrupt the cycle of false beliefs, and step into the new year with a mindset of possibility. In this way, you can end the year with greater compassion for self, grace, clarity, and empowered action to do what is “ours to do.” | |
I am cheering you on — all ways and always. Happiest of NEW Year and NEW You. | |
Martha Creek
502-905-0783
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My December 2024 Special Gift for You!
And here is my special gift to you this month. Click on the box to open your gift.
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...and there's more!
(Special Gifts for You)
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Reading
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron
https://www.amazon.com/When-Things-Fall-Apart-Difficult/dp/1570621608
A “go to” when I can’t make sense of things. It reminds me that the way of things is simply that. That I have choice about some things and no choice at times, except, of course, to accept that.
Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott
https://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Mercies-Thoughts-Faith-Lamott/dp/B001NDS1E0
A personal, wise, very funny, and “life-affirming” book that shows us how to find meaning and hope through shining the light of faith on the darkest part of ordinary life.
Listening
Meetings with Braver Angels
https://braverangels.org/our-mission/
As we separate into groups that we increasingly do not even know or interact with — people of differing opinions — we lose trust in our institutions, eroding the ability to govern ourselves and lowering the caliber of citizenship.
This growing trend coarsens public debate, produces policy gridlock, shrinks our capacity for goodwill, and harms our family and personal relationships. Effective self-government depends precisely on what this type of polarization destroys.
We believe the American Experiment can survive and thrive for every American who contributes to the effort.
Where we go from here is up to us.
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Please join us on the May 2025 Family Summer Caribbean Cruise, the August 2025 Mediterranean Cruise, or the January 2026 Southeast Asia Cruise. Details below. Contact darren@allabouttrav.com to join the groups.
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Summer Caribbean Cruise
May 26 – 31, 2025
aboard the Carnival Elation
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Europe - Mediterranean Cruise
August 9 – 30, 2025
aboard the Sun Princess
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Southeast Asia Cruise
January 6 – 20, 2026
Diamond Princess
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Now Available as an Audiobook!
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Presence & Potential is now available as an audiobook on audible.com*, amazon.com, and Apple Books. The first 40 people to email Martha at marthacreek@gmail.com will get a free copy. (The fine print: Buy a copy of the book for a friend or loved one, and Martha will give you a copy, free!! Buy one, get one free promotion is only redeemable on audible.com)
Together we can get Martha's message to the whole of humanity!
Visit https://adbl.co/3RNQSzb to read about the book on audible.com
*audible.com is a membership site with monthly fees but you don't need a membership to receive and listen to your free copy of Presence & Potential or to purchase your first audiobook.
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Watch a new video message from Martha
each and every day in 2024
The Science of Mind, A Philosophy, A Way of Life, A Way of Being Reflections/Insights offered daily to your email inbox when you “Like” and “Subscribe” to the YouTube Channel. (Click on the image below.)
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When you purchase 10 or more copies of Presence & Potential from Amazon for your office, family, church or groups, I will host a one-hour “Meet the Author” session at no cost.
To order from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Rrx8BQ
Email me at marthacreek@gmail.com with any questions. (More information on the book further down...)
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Autographed copies of "Presence & Potential" are available through my online store at https://uppa-creek-art.myshopify.com/collections/books
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Some of you may have noticed the recent addition of video Shorts to my YouTube Channel. We’re excited to bring these messages from Martha to all of humanity. Check them out at YouTube.com/@marthacreek. They’re available on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, and wherever else we're inspired to post. More soon, and be sure to enjoy, like, and subscribe, and let us (and your friends) know what you think!
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Please consider a donation to continue the teachings of Martha Creek. Many of the classes and workshops are offered by donations only, with suggested donations amounts included in the class or workshop description. We welcome your support.
Use the convenient QR code or the PayPal button below for all donations.
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or visit PayPal.Me/marthacreek if you want to see these teachings and principles reach the world.
You do not need a Paypal account to make a donation. You can use your debit or credit via PayPal if you don't have a Paypal account. If you choose to send a check, please send it payable to Martha Creek and send it to PO Box 1081, Louisville KY 40201.
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