I love the image of cultivating. I love the sense of possibility. I love that it is marked by intention and purposefulness. It also implies interconnection. For me it is a word grounded in hope.⁣

• ⁣What does the word cultivate evoke for you?⁣

• ⁣What would you like to cultivate in your life or your corner of the world?⁣

Two things come to mind for me today. One is inward and one is outward.⁣

⁣First, I am keenly aware that when I am stressed or frazzled, emotions can come out sideways. I can be short or short-tempered, impatient or easily feel put upon. Like a lot of people, I am feeling some extra layers of stress and the more it heaps on, the more vulnerable I am to having things come out in words or a tone I don’t intend. So this week I want to cultivate the practice of pausing a moment before I speak to someone when I’m feeling stressed or anxious. In that pause will be a gut check and a quick reflection “What do I hope for from this exchange? How can I use my words and tone to create space for a productive conversation?”⁣

⁣My second desire is this: I want to cultivate deeper friendships with a couple women in my neighborhood. ⁣

How about you—from earnest to silly, simple to involved—what would you like to cultivate in your life or your corner of the world?⁣

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Please share a word or some thoughts in the comments below.⁣

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