a solstice pause: honoring the season you’re in (even If it’s a little messy)

the squarest sea glass I’ve ever found…I think it needs more tumbling time

Happy solstice blessings from the shores of California!!

I can’t believe I used to surf in winter waters. One time, the water was soooo freezing that my fingers were completely numb, and I couldn't hold the car keys properly with my fingers. I had to ask another surfer friend to help me unlock my car door. Hypothermia is no joke.

I mean, yes, we’re pretty spoiled here in California with our sun-shiny days and golden sunsets. I never take that for granted. But before I became a mama, I’d paddle out at sunrise in 50-something degree water, catch a few waves, wiggle out of my wetsuit, blast the heater in my car, and still make it to a full day of work.

How?! Honestly, no clue. I can’t even imagine doing that now. My nervous system would probably go into shock.

But I’ve been thinking about the version of me who used to do that…
And how I’ve always dreamed of paddling out with my future kid(s). (Well, now it’s just the one!)

I’ve shared that dream with my husband and even shared it with my daughter. She’s growing and getting braver in the ocean. Maybe, just maybe, that vision will come to life one day. But first... ballet. :)

I’m sharing this because lately I’ve been reflecting on how we move through seasons within seasons. Some of you are heading into the deep pause of winter. Others are feeling the fire of summer.

But no matter the weather, we all have our own internal seasons too.

Stretches of quiet, or clarity. Rest or momentum. Grief or joy.

Sometimes… a bit of everything at once.

For me, this season has been a slow exhale...full of healing, big family milestones, all the shopping and errands, and lots of games and holiday movie nights with our 10-year-old. A little chaotic. A lot heart-filling.

But underneath it all?
A flicker of dreaming again. A gentle nudge toward what’s next.

So wherever you are, Northern hemisphere or Southern hemisphere, sun or snow, I hope you’ll give yourself permission to pause. To celebrate how far you’ve come and plant a seed or two, even if you're not sure how or when they'll bloom.

With love and warmth,
xo-dez

P.S. If your heart is stirring with visions of “more” - more creativity, more purpose, more joy - I’d love to invite you to Dream + Design 2026.

It’s my favorite creative ritual of the year: part art retreat, part mastermind, and all about mapping out a year that reflects your version of a life well-lived. As a Vision Board Dreams alumni, you'll get a special invite as a thank-you for being part of the journey.

You can read more here: Learn More