Year Ending 12/10/25

Yesterday I took a bit of time to reflect on the fact that yet another year is quickly coming to an end.

What you don't know about me is that currently I work part-time at Trader Joe's as a crew member. I chose this employment while building my coaching business for different reasons. It is close to my home, I earn decent money, I have some benefits, I get to interact with the public, and I get to constantly move my body.

But, what I most appreciate about this job is how much I have learned (and continue learning) about myself and others.

You see, I've been successfully self-employed for over 27 years as a house cleaner, a bookkeeper, a store owner, an artist, and a life coach/hypnotherapist.

So why TJs? Why now? You might wonder.

As I expressed earlier, I needed something flexible and part-time with decent pay and benefits as I build my coaching/hypnotherapy business. Also, I knew I wanted to be out in the community, and active, in a place that felt good to me. People seem to be happy when they're shopping at Trader Joe's. I always hear, I love it here!

What's nice too is that I know I'm making a small difference in people's lives working there because I love learning about people and ask them personal questions when I'm working on the register. People open up. They tell me about their holiday traditions, their children getting married or graduating college, or having a baby. I learn about illnesses and deaths too. They tell me if they like working from home or not, and they tell me what social media platforms they scroll through. They tell me if they like to cook -most say yes if they're not busy moms, although lots of empty nesters don't like cooking anymore.

Granted some days I don't feel like talking but I do.

Some days I get angry at coworkers for reasons I won't share but I keep showing up.

Some days I ask myself, What are you doing here Mary?! - as I'm schleping way too heavy boxes around the store.

And here I am now on December 10, 2025 (a day to myself) - sitting in my office, listening to holiday music, reflecting on the year. Reflecting on what I've done—and haven't done.

Earlier this morning when I spoke with my sister, we talked about recent experiences that happened at TJ's that bothered me. We also talked about the snail's pace at which my business is coming along. I shared about things related to my ego that were holding me back from moving forward a little bit faster—I'm too overweight, I'm not always 100% on my game, I can be very moody, and other things.

What my sister pointed out to me was that people do what people do (which I know) and that I needed to remember what we were taught as young people; Do your best and don't worry about the rest. I expressed she was right and that I truly understand that everyone has their own journey, their own story to write. She also brought to my attention that I wasn't honoring the true me, the skilled coach/hypnotherapist me who did and continues to help scores of clients, friends, and family improve their lives. She pointed out that I was my own worse critic — judging myself and even judging others. She reminded me that building a business takes time (which I recognize) and that for now I am earning what I need with my part-time job, and that I have the flexibility to do what I need/want to do on my days off.

"Ok, Ok I get it sis, I'm well aware that my reactions and my thoughts belong to me," I said.

Anyway, my time at Trader Joe's continues to teach me that I am me - a very conscientious and hard worker (thanks Dad!), intuitive, empathetic, kind, curious, creative, and that I like being part of a team rowing in the same direction—which doesn't always happen. I continue to learn that things don't always go my way and people don't always like me, and I have to deal with it in ways that feel right to my heart and soul—in ways that preserve my well-being and my integrity. Pausing, breathing, and humming in the moment are 100% my tools. Journaling in the privacy of my home is another practice.

Looking back, as this year is wrapping up and I reflect on what I've done and where I'm headed, I am happy to say that actually, I completed my new website, I completed two excellent books In Peace and Because I Care: a real-life self-help guide, I started my social media campaign, and I completed my self-talk cards—all while earning money at Trader Joe's, supporting others, taking care of myself, appreciating my health, my life, Mother Nature, and all the people who make all this living and learning possible.

Moving forward, if I find someone's actions to be annoying, I will silently wish for them that they get all they need and want (something I learned), I'm setting the intention to lean more into my BEing which includes quiet time, time to be with Mother Nature, creative time (I'm starting my new book A to BEing, time to care for my health and my family, time to learn about more approaches to healing, AND time to help others see the good, see themselves, and love themselves for who they are right here right now living, learning, and leaning into what they came here to do and be...whatever that is.

I wonder what experiences you want more of moving forward? Why?

H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S and B E W E L L.

Love, Mary

PS. For those of you who know me from my former art business, I'm sharing this post with you too because my Self-Talk cards have my beautiful images. I think you'll love them!

PSS. If anyone wants to attend my free gathering on January 6th from 7-8pm to learn about sustainable desired personal change...I'd love to see you! Learn More Here.