Development Digest - December 2024
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
Reflecting on the Year
Dear Friends,
During this holiday season, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared with each of you this year. It’s truly an honor to walk alongside you as your coaches and witness your courage, growth, and resilience. We want you to know how deeply grateful we are for the trust you place in us and for the privilege of being part of your life.
This time of year is so much more than the hustle and bustle and never-ending to-do lists. It’s a reminder of the beauty, hope, and possibility that exist all around us, even in challenging moments. If you find yourself facing difficulties right now, we encourage you to pause and remember your strength. The challenges you’ve overcome have shaped you, and each day offers a fresh start, filled with opportunities to connect, grow, and create moments of joy.
Here’s what truly matters: love, connection, and the small but meaningful joys of life. Whether it’s sharing laughter with loved ones, finding peace in quiet reflection, or embracing a new sense of possibility, these moments remind us that brighter days are ahead. And they are not just possible—they are within reach.
As we close out 2024, we hold each of you in our thoughts with deep appreciation. You inspire us with your willingness to grow, your determination to build lives of meaning, and your openness to change. It’s a joy to be part of your journey, and we look forward to all the ways we’ll continue to grow together in the year to come.
May this season fill your heart with hope, your days with peace, and your life with light. You are capable, you are loved, and you are never alone.
With gratitude and warmth,
Annette and Ada
Morning Intentions Podcast Begins Again on January 1, 2025!
We’re thrilled to announce that Morning Intentions will return on January 1st for another year of inspiration, clarity, and purpose!
Please join us for a daily dose of positivity, practical advice, and encouragement that will help you embrace the year ahead with open arms and a hopeful heart.
Morning Intentions is your time to set intentions, create meaningful change, and step into the possibilities of a brighter, more empowered you.
Follow us on:
Together, let’s make 2025 a year of growth and transformation!
We’re Excited to Announce a Brand-New Feature in Our Newsletter!
Do you have questions about personal development, navigating relationships, or creating a more balanced and fulfilling life? If you have a question, there’s a very good chance you are not alone, and now’s your chance to ask us directly! Each month, we’ll choose one or more questions to answer in our newsletter. Whether you’re seeking advice on setting boundaries, developing self-understanding, or simply finding peace in the midst of life’s challenges, we’re here to provide you with thoughtful, compassionate insights.
Your privacy is our priority. While we’ll share your questions and our answers, we’ll never share your name or identifying details. Feel free to ask any personal development question that’s on your heart or mind. This is your opportunity to gain clarity and guidance in a safe and supportive space.
To submit your question, simply reply to this newsletter or visit the newsletter page of our website and click the big button that says “Submit Your Question for Ask Annette and Ada.”
We can’t wait to hear from you and share this new journey of discovery and growth together!
Send us your questions today, and you might see your answer in our next edition of Development Digest.
Self-Care Tip of the Month:
Do One Thing You Enjoy Every Day
We have a sign in our Yellow Room that says: Do one thing every day that makes you happy ~ and this sign is there for a reason:
Life can often feel like a race against the clock, with endless tasks and responsibilities pulling us in every direction. Amid all this busyness, it’s easy to overlook one simple but powerful truth: joy is essential for our well-being. That’s why taking the time to do at least one thing you enjoy every day isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Engaging in activities that bring you joy can have a profound effect on your mental and emotional health. It lowers stress, improves your mood, and even increases your ability to focus and handle challenges. These moments don’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming. They could be as simple as curling up with a favorite book, savoring a delicious meal, listening to a podcast that inspires you, or stepping outside for a short walk in nature. The key is to choose something that genuinely lights you up and reminds you of the beauty of life.
Making this a daily habit can also help you reconnect with yourself. In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to lose touch with what makes us happy. By intentionally carving out time for something you love, you send yourself an important message: Your happiness and well-being matter.
Here’s your invitation: Today and every day, take a moment to reflect and ask, “What can I do today that will bring me joy?”
Whether it’s a small pleasure or a big adventure, lean into it fully.
You deserve it!
November’s Recommendation:
All Creatures Great & Small
Now more than ever, it’s important to be intentional about the media we consume. That’s why this month, we’re excited to recommend the heartwarming TV show All Creatures Great & Small.
Set in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, this series is an adaptation of James Herriot’s beloved books about a young veterinarian in the 1930s. From its charming characters to its gentle humor, the show is a breath of fresh air. It’s not just a story about animals and medicine – it’s about community, kindness, and the small, meaningful moments that make life special.
What we love most about All Creatures Great & Small is how we feel after watching an episode. In a time when so much media leans into conflict and sensationalism, this show offers something different: a sense of warmth, hope, and connection. Watching it feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a cold day.
When you’re intentional about choosing content that reflects the feelings you want to experience – whether that’s joy, peace, or inspiration – it can have a positive impact on your mood and outlook on life.
We encourage you to give All Creatures Great & Small a try. You just might find yourself smiling a little more and appreciating the beauty of life’s simplest pleasures.
All Creatures Great & Small is available on PBS, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Apple TV.
Cranberry Spinach Salad
We have made this family holiday classic on Christmas Day for years! It complements many other dishes, and we love it!
Dressing:
2 T. sesame seeds, toasted
1 T. poppy seeds
½ cup white sugar
2 t. minced onion
¼ t. paprika
¼ cup white wine vinegar
¼ cup cider vinegar
½ cup canola oil
Salad:
Spinach
Dried cranberries
Topping:
1 cup almonds, blanched, slivered, toasted
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, onion, paprika, white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, and canola oil. You can make the dressing ahead and refrigerate; however, make sure you whisk all the ingredients together once again just before you use it.
When it’s time for serving: In a bowl large enough to gently toss the salad, toss the spinach and cranberries. Carefully drizzle the spinach leaves with your desired amount of dressing and, again, toss gently.
Top with toasted almonds. Enjoy!
