"I was talking to my daughter Lauren last night, she is going through a struggle period right now ...living in Banff, away from family. She has to move and it is hard to find nice accomodations at this time. As we talked about her year she shared with me the tough times and I held the space while she talked about and felt the experiences that have really stretched her emotionally.

I am so proud of her as she lets go of the sadness and fears that she has had to face. At the end of our beautiful visit I reminded her to write in her journal before the New Year, about the hard times and the good times. She said to me, 'Yes Mom, there were many good times.'

I felt her in that moment free and ready to walk through the door of the New Year. Lauren is an adventurer and I look forward to witnessing her journey as she gets to know herself so fully and authentically.

Take the time to write about your blessings and feel the gratefulness of your adventure with your soul's evolution. Happy New Year!"

Colleen Hoffman Smith

"Kiss the heart of Christmas with the warmth of your love, gentleness and peace. Nurture yourself during this busy time so that you can give from a full heart. Blessings for the holidays."

Colleen Hoffman Smith

"The other morning my daughter Lindsay and I were having breakfast and we counted 22 doves sitting on our tree over our balcony. The peace that we felt in our hearts was so reflected in this beauty of nature.

I believe this is everyone's true nature and at times when it is storming around us we may feel every emotion but peace. Acknowledge your stress or discontentment as it rises up with emotional charge and try not to bury it with a controlling mind. Hold the space for your own release just as you would embrace a loved one who needs to share their fears or hurts.

Be the one who knows...that peace is on the other side of the experience and always waiting inside you to be connected. While the storms of winter are blustering around you, sit in the center of your safe heart and move consciously into your world."

Colleen Hoffman Smith

"Last night we watched a Christmas Carol (Scrooge). It was the first one in black and white. I loved it and the movie took me to my Christmases of the past. I found myself reliving some of my history as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present and Future took Ebenezer Scrooge into the time chambers of his life.

I laid awake early this morning remembering times when I had struggles, breakthroughs, life changes and a few Christmases where I shut my heart down from someone and left. I know that I broke someone's heart long ago to save my own soul... during the holidays.

It is the time of year to forgive others and ourselves and move into the New Year with a hopeful heart and faith that we have made choices for the good of all. Let go of the past and live fully present with this precious time! Life will change but the gift of your loving heart will always be remembered."

Colleen Hoffman Smith

"The economic situation has forced retailers to gift buyers with boxing day prices. It is the week before Christmas and the stores are loaded with merchandise. Shoppers are delighted as they receive discounts at this time. I am sure the small independent stores are suffering. This is the time of the year when most stores should make their profits for their balance sheets. The dichotomy of joy and fear is felt throughout the malls and in our homes.

As the holiday season unfolds, people are being stretched with emotions. Let's be conscious of others and take care of our own heart so that we can become the opening to allow the spirit of Christmas to flow instead of the barrier of a closed heart that reflects the fear. Once we find our peace within, create this magic in your home and welcome your loved ones to celebrate the love that is the greatest gift of all."

Colleen Hoffman Smith

"Silence is the golden gateway to our heart and the time spent out of the details of our mind. Our breath takes us deeply into a safe place to feel and to see what is important in our lives. We accumulate so much in the way of possessions and thoughts that clutter our outer and inner space. Letting go can free us and lift the heaviness that is energetically holding us down. We can blame others or we can look at our life with the truth of what we are holding on to. Our space or lack of it is telling us an important truth. Either we have the space or we don't! Sit in the quiet space of your heart and home and know that this temple is yours."

Colleen Hoffman Smith

"Sometimes we need to be heard....other times we need to listen to our own deep sadness so that we can speak without the pain. The ignition of guilt or resentment becomes the barrier for clarity with our voice.

Our personal awareness can take us to conscious communication so that we can hold the space for others. Someone may need the support and gentleness of our open heart. At times we may not have the space ourselves to listen. We are constantly manifesting experiences to become clear. Take responsibility and release the emotions that rise up to be felt.

Relationship is where I learn the most about what is going on inside me....the places that I need attention."

Colleen Hoffman Smith