Wow. What a year. 

One of the things I love about New Year's Eve is the opportunity to reflect on the year; to consider the things that have changed and what you've learned. 

From a macro level, the lessons are harsh and terrifying. Who knew there was such hatred and bigotry in the world? Who could believe there would be such a divide between humanity? 

But as this is my blog and platform, I'll refrain from tackling the big issues (and probably put them into a new book or blog), and just look at the micro/personal level. 

I started out 2016 certain I wouldn't live through the year. I also had a to-do list that felt endless. Mostly to do with settling my mother's estate after her death in October, 2015. As that monumental task was in the process of being completed, I made the decision to move to Aspen, producing another tsunami of things to do. And then I arrived, started my new life (and this blog). Using this image as a guide, here are my responses:

 http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2016-Year-In-Review-Printable-1.pdf

I am proud of:  taking the leap and moving someplace I didn't know a soul. 

My best memory: waking up and opening my eyes to see Ajax (every morning).

My best idea: the screenplay I finished and the new book I'm finalizing.

I like to spend my time: creating; inventing; writing; communing with nature.

My friends are: the best.

My favorite food: tough call; instant response is sushi. 

My favorite color: green and the sparkling white of new, untouched snow.

My favorite animal: any and all, as long as they're healthy and happy.

My favorite song: oh, tough one! My initial response is "Sing" by Pentatonix, though there are dozens.

My favorite book: another tough call. I'll go with Another Day by David Levithan. 

Next year I want to learn: how to get my screenplay bought, produced and released.

Next year I want to go see: more friends visit me here in Aspen. 

Next year I want to be better at: finding the energy/inspiration to write/create at other times of the day other than mornings.

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!

As we look at the impending new year, it's imperative to reflect on the opportunities for learning, growth and improvement from the past twelve months. 

Twelve months ago I could have never envisioned my life today. What a difference a year makes. A year, and a lot of guts. 

As they say in skiing, "no guts, no glory." 

I'm not sure what the "glory" is supposed to be, but there is immense satisfaction in stepping out on that cliff and taking the leap. 

On some level, I think we all strive for some form of recognition or admiration from others. For me, the most surprising achievement has been the oohs and ahhs I've gotten from people when I tell people that I gave away all my possessions to charity (except a few boxes and what I could fit in my car) and moved to a place I hadn't visited in 19 years and didn't know a soul. Oddly, that has garnered more admiration than writing seven books and holding a patent for my invention! 

Espeically surprising considering it was not that difficult a decision to make. Yes, the logistics were exhausting and filled with overwhelming challenges, but for some reason that just spurred me on more; like a gale-force wind behind my back pushing me west. 

So – to answer the question. What can I do today that I wasn't capapble of 12 months ago? Well, considering that a year ago I was deathly ill with the poisoning from the Costco tuna fish and literally didn't think I would live through 2016, the answer is quite dramatic. By this time last year (after months of slowly being poisoned day after day), I could barely walk up a flight of stairs. Now I'm walking up mountains in the snow, I'd say that's a pretty big one. Internally, I've changed even more. Yes, the devastating results of the election and the fears of what's to come have impacted me profoundly, but I just keep going back to my 3-Part Plan: 

1. Find safety 
2. Enjoy life as much as you can, while you can
3. Make a difference however you can

Love, 

Brownell

 

The beauty of writing a daily blog is that it focuses you to, well, focus. To observe. To pay attention. Some days it's a bit of a struggle to figure out what to write. Others, I have to choose from more than one topic. 

If you're looking for a resolution for the new year, I heartily recommend writing a blog. It doesn't matter if anyone reads it or not. It also doesn't matter if you have a theme. Just go out and observe – and put it out there. 

I'm finding that writing a blog is more fulfilling than a journal. When I kept a journal, I found myself venting my negative thoughts and worries. And that can be helpful – up to a point. Eventually, though, it can be draining. Not to mention de-motivating. I got to the point of looking at my journal and felt the "energy" from it. Not good. 

Of course, as the author and expert of "Bad Things," I know the importance of "face it, feel it, free it." I also denounce those who try to force others into thinking positively 100% of the time. It's not only unrealistic, it also suppresses those subconscious sabotaging thoughts that wreak havoc in our lives. 

But I can also attest that it's helpful to "look for the good" in life. Whether you've moved to a land of miraculous beauty as I have or not, you can look at the world with new eyes. 

Enjoy.

As the New Year creeps up on us, it's always a good message about one of my favorite topics: reinventing yourself. 

Change is a paradox. We crave it, but we also avoid it. Yet either way, change (like something else) happens with or without out consent. 

We want more money, but we don't want to pay more taxes. We want more love, but many of us aren't willing to give more. We want to achieve our dreams, but we're afraid to take the first step.  

What will you do in 2017 to reinvent yourself?  

While I was looking for a video clip from the movie "Starting Over" (one of my favorites), I stumbled on this video.  (Or was I guided to it? Hmmm).  Either way – Enjoy.

 

Last night my next-door neighbor (who I barely know) knocked on my door, carrying a piece of apple pie with a side scoop of ice cream. 

Such a simple thing, yet it spoke volumes. I've lived a lot of places – including several locations in Atlanta, New York City, Nashville, Chattanooga, Dallas, Lexington and more, but I've never once in my life had a neighbor bring me a treat "just because." 

I don't know if it is just that my neighbor is nice and thoughtful, if it's because I'm now in a small town, if that town is Aspen, or if there's something different about "me," but whatever it is, I love it and want to honor the thought in today's blog. Thanks, Neighbor!  

Two days ago I reached the six month mark of living here. Halfway through the 365 Days I'd committed to. Later this week I'll discuss the end-of-the-year milestone.  

It's interesting how we segment time. A way to monitor progress, a method to measure progression. 

When I came here, I had some hopes, some expectations and lots of uncertainties. I'd never lived in a small town before. I'd honestly never considered it. But of course Aspen is different. First of all, it's only "small" when you count the full-time locals.  The population swells in both the summer and the winter.  It's estimated that the population goes from under 7,000 to 26,000+ over the holidays.  Secondly (and I hope I don't offend anyone with this statement) but it doesn't suffer from a "small-town mentality." The definition of the word "provincial" suggests, "having or showing the manners, viewpoints, etc., rustic, narrow or illiberal; parochial."  Yet the people of Aspen are none of these things. They're actually sophisticated, open-minded, and liberal. 

When I moved I expected intelligent and hoped for open; I was pleasantly thrilled to find so many of them liberal and concerned for the environment. (I guess I should have expected the latter, given the magnificent beauty of this place I now call "home.")  

What you don't know when you make a move like this is how it will change you in the process.  How a change in surroundings can affect you internally as well as externally.  

I'm still a work-in-progress. And I'm experienced enough to know that things will continue to change/evolve for me. But for now, as I chronicle my daily experience in this blog, I will marvel at the wonder of it all. 

In these uncertain times of controversy and divisiveness, especially about Christmas and the holiday season, I feel it's important to remember the "bigger" picture…

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or the two-dozen or more other holidays this time of year, I hope we all focus on this message…

 

Aspen was voted as the #1 Place for the Holidays.  Some photos are below…

This Town In Colorado Was Ranked The No.1 Place For The Holidays in The U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of my favorite subjects to discuss is how people get connected to one another. I call the force behind it the "traffic angels." Otherworldly beings whose "job" it is to bring people together for a lesson or a purpose. Sometimes it's people of similar vibrations (soul levels) who gravitate together like invisible magnets. And sometimes it might be for a common cause or learning experience. One might be the teacher and the other the student, or they could both be learning along the way. 

The old "reason, season or a lifetime" quote. 

Of course I believe everything happens for a reason. I literally "wrote the book" on things happening for a reason. 

Sometimes the reasons are lasting and deep. Sometimes they're just for our fun and enjoyment. Either way, it's a gift. 

There are a lot of people in my life – in person and virtual – who have provided infinite experiences of joy and growth. One of the newest is my new neighbor, confidante and ski-buddy. A like-minded soul who inspires me. And we all know what "inspiration" is, right? "To be infused with Spirit."

What a gift, in deed. Just in time for Christmas. 

 

 

 

'Tis the season many people criticize for materialism, so I thought it would be a good blog topic for today. 

I live in Aspen, Colorado, the town known for extravagant wealth. At first glance, that is. A walk into the heart of town will show you Burberry, Prada and Ralph Lauren stores, as well as several art galleries. 

Like many other first impressions, you need to look beyond the surface to find the truth about a person – or place. 

You can recognize the tourists by their pristine, matching outfits and fur coats. I'm not saying that locals (like me) don't have new ski clothes, but they're usually more practical and designed to last the season. More about function than form.  

The same is true about most of the people I've met. Of course, I'm more drawn to the people with depth and substance, so that would explain part of it. But I do think that my new "home" does attract (or does it cultivate?) people with more depth.  Maybe it's because of the beauty. Maybe it's the physical activity. Maybe it's the radiating energy from the silver or latitude/longitude/altitude. I don't know, but it is a reason to celebrate.  

Since I love, love, love Dave Barnes, here's my Christmas present for you, dear reader: