Receiving Your Growth

We had a wonderful last Women’s Empowerment Circle of the year, and our hearts are full. We took time together to receive the things that grew us and to reflect on how we evolved over the course of the year. We spoke about how self-care practices are cultivated slowly, over time, and how they support us as we navigate emotional challenges. We honored the blessing of showing up consistently and how powerful it is regardless of which stage of the raregivers emotional journey you are on that you continue to be present with ourselves and our community. We are looking forward to diving back in with everyone next week on January 6th, 2026.

We also acknowledged how, especially during the holidays, raregivers may experience pop-up flashbacks connected to medical trauma. We explored how sometimes thinking of happy memories can help the painful ones pass by like clouds in the sky, and how creating new positive memories in the present can bring genuine joy to the heart. We discussed practical ways to get present and allow disturbing thoughts and memories to move through without bypassing or getting stuck: gently orienting to the room, feeling your feet on the ground, placing a hand on your heart or belly, slowing the breath, or naming what you can see, hear, and touch. Even small, intentional movement can help shift the nervous system.

We reflected on the importance of remembering that you are not your thoughts. You can notice and acknowledge them as they arise, giving them their due, without trying to change them or becoming completely entangled in them. We talked about letting thoughts and memories move through by taking a short walk, stretching, shaking out the hands, stepping outside for fresh air, or allowing the body to lead with gentle movement, sound, or breath. These practices help the mind settle while honoring what is present, and in time, the thoughts pass.

Another powerful theme was the importance of acknowledging ourselves and accepting where we are right now. As raregivers, we need to set boundaries and make space for ourselves. We spoke about taking moments, micro-moments, to focus on joy, love, and beauty, and how looking through the lens of humor can change everything. As a raregiver, you do so much, and it is important to periodically pause and shift out of the mindset that you don’t have time for yourself. You do. It might be five minutes a day or ten minutes a day to take a walk, rest, or relax. Notice your capacity, let yourself rest when you need rest, and fill yourself up with love and connection.

You may not realize how much you need the Raregivers community until you find it.

Here is the Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84782918881

We are here for you at Raregivers, and we truly look forward to being with you next week. Happy, happy new year to one and all.

𓆩♡𓆪 𓆩♡𓆪 𓆩♡𓆪