Walking into the new year feels bitter sweet for me.
This will be my first new year's eve without my husband Clayton.
Many many years ago, before we were married, we didn't spend one NYE together and it just didn't feel right at all, so we both made a promise that we would always spend NYE together.
With me being an event planner the past 15 years that has meant he has had to join me at a few NYE weddings and we have both had to make it a priority each year.
One year he joined me at a wedding and as an architect he just couldn't get past that most of the exit doors were being blocked by chairs for storage. He was focused on the fire exits and all I needed him to do was keep the groomsmen in this one area before I sent them down the aisle. Let's just say he was the worst event assistant I have ever had but also the cutest. Kissing him at midnight with perfectly timed confetti will always be one i remember.
One of my favorite NYE memories was when we attended a friend of mine's wedding as guests. My friend David is an incredibly talented floral designer and he and his husband threw the party of the year!
The most memorable part for me was that because it was a gay wedding and the guests were also predominately gay, Clayton kept getting hit on.
By the end of the night he was hiding behind me with both of his hands on my shoulders using me as a shield. I mean, could you blame them? Clayton really was the cutest and those dimples could make anyone melt.
But we danced our hearts out and sang at the top of lungs with the most animated group of gay men and it was probably the most fun party we have ever attended.
So this first NYE without Clayton is going to be a tough one.
And just like the rest of life, I believe we can hold joy and grief simultaneously.
if you have been following me for any amount of time, you know I am consistently seeking celebration and joy and although I am allowing waves of grief and processing the many stages and emotions that come with loss, I am embracing those tiny pieces of light that shine in darkness.
i adore the fresh start of a new year. It feels like magic and light for me.
As you may know, I completed my growth coach certification in October and kicked off my first coaching experience right after Thanksgiving.
My first five week coaching experience was life giving to me. The women in this group have been incredible and I wish i could truly express the joy they have given me to walk beside them during a season of despair.
Being able to use my gifts as a coach and celebration cheerleader lights me up in ways I haven't experienced before. I feel overcome with gratitude that i get to do this work and that so many women have trusted me with their hearts.
To ring in the new year I want to share with you a few things that I am most excited for and I hope you will join me. Here is a preview of the next 60 days.
in January, I am looking for one more woman who is celebrating a milestone birthday. What is a milestone birthday? Well, it can be any birthday really but most likely one that ends with a zero or a five!
If you are having a milestone birthday and are looking to make a change in your life or have your best year ever, send me a message. i want to celebrate you BIG.
i am working on the final details of my program as your birthday transformation coach and need a few people to walk through the experience with me at a discounted rate before I launch it this Summer.
in January, I am also looking for two women who want to schedule just one coaching session with me. You don't feel ready to do a four or five week experience but you're curious if coaching might be what you need this year. Send me a message and I know it will be time well spent to kick off 2022.
in February, I am going to be offering a very special four week coaching experience that is focused on Self Love.
During the Celebrate Retreat, we spend a lot of time talking about loving ourselves more and what i have found is that so many women not only struggle with this but they aren't sure even how to do it.
During the month of February we are going to explore this together in a hybrid model of group discussion and one on one coaching sessions. I will be limiting the number of women who join the group so message me this week.
Join me to explore why you don't love yourself like you love others. Discover how to shift your negative thoughts to kindness and how to take easy action steps toward increasing your self love. Invest four weeks of celebrating yourself and choosing love to see a transformation that will lead you into the new year.
All of the details and the investment will be shared next week. Do this for you. It's a gift that is well deserved and probably way overdue.
And last but certainly not least, i have partnered with an extraordinary writer and friend to host a writing retreat the last weekend in February!
This retreat is for anyone who has the dream of writing a book. Whether you are just getting started, need focused time and accountability to finish or are working on your next book, this is the perfect getaway for you.
If you have read how picky I am about retreat locations, then you know this one will be no different. We have chosen a beautiful, luxury cabin nestled near the lake in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.
You will have the opportunity to be coached and educated about writing a book by Kasia Flanagan. The weekend will be structured so that you have hours of dedicated time to write while being supported and encouraged. Plus, a few of my favorite things like surprises, yummy meals, and a small community of women with like minded dreams.
This will be an all inclusive weekend so all you have to do is show up, write, relax, and write some more!
There are only 4 rooms available so this will be an intimate gathering. Details will be published next week so save the date for February 24 through February 27 and let me know if I can save you a seat with a quick message.
Writing a book has always been a dream of mine. I started writing a few years ago when God placed celebration on my heart but I haven't been able to finish it yet. With Clayton's death, I feel more motivated than ever to complete this goal and share it with you.
If you have a book in your heart, come join me and Kaisa in February. I can't wait to curl up next to the fire, sipping warm, mint tea while sharing all the words that need to be written or maybe even laughing about how long we starred at a blank page.
The next 60 days are going to be an epic start to 2022.
I invite you to join me.
I want a front row seat to your success this year. Let me cheer you on and celebrate you through a birthday transformation, one on one coaching, a self love experience or the writing retreat.
See you soon! Happy New Year!
Thoughtfully, Chelsey Arnal