I'm writing to you from the New York Public Library and have a confession to make. As a native New Yorker, I've walked past this international treasure hundreds of times and never stepped foot inside before today. Part museum, part creative working space, and part library (to the tune of more than 54 million books), The New York Public Library is an architectural embodiment of wisdom.

Perhaps because I am having anticipatory thoughts related to the annual transition from one year to the next, being inside this historic landmark provides me with a sense of deep peace that I've been craving during this chaotic time. Feeling grounded here comes from being in the home of thousands of years of wisdom. As I transition into a new year, I'm trying to absorb the best of 2023, filter the knowledge gained and bring the wisdom into 2024. I do this ritual every year to continue to grow and cultivate the elements that enable me to be the best version of myself.

Reading this might make you think I've been drawn to ancient, religious or scholarly texts. Au contraire! What inspired me most was the Winnie the Pooh exhibit at the library—not just the books but the characters that made up the classic Winnie the Pooh stories that A.A. Milne wrote for his son Christopher Robin. The exhibit seemed to convey the wisdom of The Tao of Pooh.
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‍One of my favorite quotes from The Tao of Pooh:

Knowing others is intelligence;
Knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
Mastering yourself is true power.

⎯ The Tao of Pooh

As I look towards a new year with anticipation and, let's face it, enthusiasm peppered with some trepidation, I'm reminded that a well-lived life comes from knowing oneself first. From calling up the wisdom that lives inside each of us and has its own signature. Only once we understand and relate to ourselves can we use our innate intelligence to work with others and open our hearts and souls to the potential for future decades of joy, vitality, purpose, and impact.

My profound experience admiring the stories behind a series of stuffed animals is an offshoot of why looking through the lens of the art world is so important in our lives. I love the concept of curation and have even named my MEA workshop "Consciously Curate Your Life." If you're seeking guidance to make conscious, clear and sustainable changes in your life, join me in Baja from February 12-17th.

‍What if you approached the creation of your greatest opus—your next chapter—with the same humble convictions and wisdom that A.A. Milne brought to the world?

‍What if you had the time, space and guidance to curate this next chapter of your life? 

‍Consciously Curate Your Life is a 5-day immersive experience to expand your capacity to experience the benefits of increased longevity and sustained vitality by consciously curating decades of a meaningful life, including:

• Self-Exploration: Identify your life threads and gain the wisdom you need for a purposeful and impactful journey.
• Reframe Transitions: Shift your perspective on change to foster a positive relationship with transformation.
• Align Your Values: Embrace authentic fulfillment by understanding your values and aligning your daily life choices with what matters most.
• Find Your North Star: Create your 2024 Impact Statement to guide your decisions with clarity and conviction.
• Enhance Your Well-Being: Cultivate energy, joy and equanimity for the meaningful, purpose-driven journey ahead.
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Learn more here or submit your application here—space is limited. Financial Aid may be available.

-Barbara

Barbara Waxman is a veteran guest faculty member for MEA and is a leading life stage expert, leadership coach, and gerontologist. She is part expert coach, caring truth-teller, strategic thought partner, and an accountability advocate, buoying her approach with compassion, honesty, research-based expertise, and a light heart. Her next MEA Baja workshop is February 12-17, 2024, Consciously Curate Your Life.