I chose this day, December 21st, 2014, to participate in Linda Litebeing’s 2014 Wrap-Up Blog Challenge: What were the gifts of 2014? because today is the Winter Solstice here in the Northern Hemisphere, the day that the Sun stands still, and an astronomical new year. This quiet, shortest, and darkest day of the year is an opportunity for us to reflect upon the past year as well as look ahead and envision what we wish for in the coming year. The turning of the wheel of time has paused for a moment of silence before a new cycle begins. But today is also a rare occurrence: both the Sun and the Moon are beginning their new cycles entering Capricorn within 2.5 hours of each other. This will be a grand new year!
Thank you Linda for your invitation to this lovely 2014 Wrap-up! My reflections:
Which lessons did you learn? I have come to a much clearer, deeper, and profound understanding of my Neptunian boundaries, or rather the tendency for the lack thereof. It’s a regular focus or meditation that I need to check on regularly, else I allow others to trample on me. But in truth it is I who has disrespected my own boundaries.
How did you serve others? There are many answers to this question. 
A new act of service that began this past year was having one of my Alaskan Malamute pups become an animal assisted therapy pup. You can read some of here ponderings here.
What blessings did you receive? The greatest blessing I received in 2014 was the completion of a life-long process of healing. It required much work in delving into my own shadows and releasing grips from 
my psyche. I was blessed with a rebirth like a butterfly coming out of its cocoon.
Was there something you lost that turned out to be a blessing in disguise? The greatest blessing mentioned above is the blessing in disguise. An event that occurred that brought about completion would not be thought of as a blessing to most, yet it was a great gift to me.
Did you receive any “gifts” in terms of powers or skills? Rebirth and Clarity.
Happy Solstice and Happy New Year!
The next post in the 2014 Wrap-up is over at Tania Marie’s blog.
Hi Julie,
I certainly enjoyed connecting with you in 2014! You bring so much into my blogging world – your energy – your presence. Your presence was felt/experienced by me, and I truly appreciate the work that you do, and who you are revealed to me.
Blessings on another wonderful year: 2015!
I do hope our paths meet in the overlaps of our neighborhoods,
Best and blessed,
Ka
Thank you Ka! I too am glad we have become blog friends! 🙂 Wishing you a blessed and amazing New Year!
❤ Julie
A beautiful post which is in the true spirit of the ending of the year. Your questions on an auspicious day of the celestial event the winter solstice are indeed soul searching. And now I shall introspect and make up for my failings in the New year.
Regards and have a blissful 2015. Namaste _/|\_
Thank you Dilip! May the New Year be abundant for you! Namaste _/l\_
Beautiful, butterfly. Thanks for be ing-ing! Meredith
Happy Solstice Julianne. Sending glad tidings for a most happy and blessed Christmas season.
Thank you Eddie and merry Blessings to you too!
What a beautiful way in which you presented this Julianne. It is my great pleasure being your blogging friend. You are truly a warm hearted gal, with some snugly fantastic fury children.
Congratulations Julianne Victoria! It has been a wonderful year for you. May your New Year be filled with Blessings and Joy.
Kelly
Thank you and yours too Kelly! (And Marty and furblings!)
Reblogged this on At the Table, On my Plate.
Hi Julie,
Thank you for joining the challenge again this year. This post is so beautifully written and illustrated with lovely tarot imagery. You certainly have had a powerful and eventful year. You have certainly emerged as stronger and even more dynamic and creative ( of that is even possible 🙂 )
I wish you blessings this year in the form of continued growth and abundance and the freedom to realize the totality of you.
Love to you my sweet friend today and every day!
Namaste,
Linda
Thanks Linda! I actually feel like my creativity is re-emerging from a 2-3 year slow down. It feels good to be me with my new wings! 😉 I hope your Solstice marks a wonderful new cycle for you! ❤