A BALDWIN CITY NEWSPAPER
FAREWELL 2025! A YEAR WORTH REMEMBERING
If you’ve lived in Baldwin City for more than five minutes, you already know this truth: we don’t need a big-city skyline to have big-city heart.
2025 was packed with the kinds of stories that remind us who we are— neighbors showing up for neighbors, local leaders rolling up their sleeves, organizations building belonging, students and athletes building pride, and small businesses doing what they do best: keeping our town alive, interesting, and connected.
The Maple’s 2026 Non-Resolution
We’re not promising to “reinvent ourselves” or “hustle harder” or “drink more water” (though… probably). Our non-resolution is simple:
We’re going to keep bringing Baldwin City news directly to your fingertips.
The celebrations. The challenges. The changes. The people. The projects. The wins. The “wait, what?” moments.
But here’s the deal: we can’t do it without you.
If you know something we should be covering—send it; If you know someone who deserves to be celebrated—tell us; If your organization has news, a fundraiser, a need, a milestone, a new face, a new service, a new goal—loop us in; If you’re a business with updates (or a great story behind your counter)—we want it.
This paper works best when it works like a community bulletin board… with better writing and fewer thumbtacks.
2025, Month by Month: The Stories That Stuck With Us January: Kindness with
connection with Friendship Month— leading toward Friendship Fest and reminding all of us that inclusivity isn’t a buzzword, it’s something you build. Bracelets, sing-alongs, community challenges—simple ideas with real impact.
February: Service, Strength, and a Spotlight
We followed Keara Torkelson— veteran, advocate, and Super Bowl honoree—whose story holds both heartbreak and fierce resilience. Baldwin City doesn’t just produce hometown pride; it produces hometown leaders.
March: The Depot Comes Alive
The Lawrence Model Railroad Club brought miniature worlds into the Santa Fe Depot, turning history into an interactive experience. Proof that community spaces don’t have to sit quietly—they can hum, whistle, and bring generations together.
April: Blue Ribbon Baldwin
Parents as Teachers earned Blue Ribbon Affiliate status again—another reminder that the strength of a town is measured by how it supports families before they ever hit kindergarten.
May: Childcare = Community Growth
Rainbow Experience Preschool announced big expansion plans—newborn through Pre-K, with a new facility on the horizon. It wasn’t just news. It was momentum.
June: Preserving the Places We Love
The Lumberyard Arts Center received a heritage grant to protect a building that protects something else: belonging. Saving
history isn’t only about brick and mortar— it’s about keeping the spaces where community happens.
July: A Lake Worth Fighting For Citizens rallied to save Baldwin City Lake, forming a committee and showing up in numbers that made one thing crystal clear: this community cares deeply about its natural spaces—and we’re willing to do the work to protect them.
August: Sirens, Splashes, and SchoolYear Spirit
The Baldwin City Fire Department’s Back-to-School Water Fight was peak Baldwin: joyful, soaked, loud, and full of laughter. Sometimes a “story” is just a moment that proves we still know how to have fun together.
September: Art in the Streets
New downtown pole banners debuted—thanks to artists, committees, and collaboration that spanned across town. Plus, BHS athletics saw major shifts, new leadership, and a renewed focus on culture and pride. Baldwin doesn’t just show spirit—we build it.
October: A Leaf in the Middle of It All Downtown construction became something more than a project when the maple leaf brick design began taking shape at 8th & High—an instant landmark in progress, tying identity to infrastructure.
November: Democracy, Baldwin-Style Election coverage reminded us of a timeless local truth: a few votes can shape the next several years. New leadership and familiar names signaled another chapter in
how Baldwin City grows and governs.
December: The Season of Showing Up
The first big community-wide Food Drive effort brought dozens of drop-off locations together to support the Baldwin Community Food Pantry. In a year full of moments, this one might be the clearest: Baldwin City takes care of its own.
A Community Resolution
Here’s our playful, practical, actuallydoable “resolution” for 2026:
Let’s be the kind of town that notices.
Notices the new business.
Notices the volunteer who never gets thanked.
Notices the student, the coach, the caregiver, the quiet helper, the neighbor who needs help, the organization that’s stretched thin, the family doing their best. And then let’s do what Baldwin does best: show up.
Because if 2025 taught us anything, it’s that community isn’t something you “have.”
It’s something you practice—over and over—month after month.
Help Us Tell 2026’s Story
Got news? Got an idea? Got a person we should celebrate?
Send it in. The Maple is proud to be your hometown hype machine—but we need the hometown to keep the hype coming.
Here’s to 2026—may our coffee be strong, our pants be optional (kidding… mostly), and our community connection stay loud and real.
Happy New Year, Baldwin City.
STATE LAW CHANGES EXEMPT CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY FROM TAXATION
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Changes to Kansas state law approved by lawmakers are now in effect, exempting several categories of personal property from taxation beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Douglas County Appraiser’s Office Appraiser Brad Eldridge said approximately 38% of the county’s personal property assets qualify for exemption under the new law.
Personal property that became exempt from taxation on Jan. 1, 2026 includes:
• Watercraft and marine equipment
• Off-road vehicles, including allterrain vehicles, motorcycles, golf carts, and snowmobiles
• Motorized bicycles, scooters, and mopeds
• Trailers with a gross weight of 15,000 pounds or less that are used exclusively for personal purposes
Personal property that became exempt on Jan. 1, 2026 is still taxable for the portion of the year it was owned prior to that date. As of Jan. 1, residents no longer need to notify the Appraiser’s Office of changes related to exempt personal property.
Personal property that continues to be taxed includes:
• Mobile homes
• Tiny homes
• Aircraft
• Antique and salvage-title vehicles
• Vehicles with heavy tags (16/20 or higher)
• Oil and gas leases
Residents who own taxable personal property will receive a value notice in May 2026 and a tax bill in November 2026. Owners must continue to report any changes to taxable personal property, including:
• Purchase of new personal property
• Sale of personal property
• Changes in use
• Changes in where the property is stored
The Douglas County Appraiser’s Office mailed letters to all personal property owners in early January outlining the state law changes.
“These changes significantly reduce the amount of personal property that residents need to report each year,” Eldridge said. “Our goal is to make sure people understand what is still taxable and what no longer requires any action on their part.”
For more information, visit the county website at www.dgcoks.gov/appraiser
CITY COUNCIL APPOINTS RUSSELL HARDING AS CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Tuesday evening, December 16th, City Council appointed Russell Harding as the new City Administrator, effective immediately. He has served as Interim City Administrator for the last several months. “I look forward to serving the citizens of Baldwin City,” Mr. Harding stated in response to the Council’s motion to approve his contract.
A NOTE TO OUR PAPER READERS
We want to acknowledge and apologize that our printed-paper readers did not receive a printed copy of The Maple Weekly during the final publishing week of December. Due to an unfortunate incident involving stolen copies, that issue was unable to reach mailboxes as planned.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding. As a small, local paper, unexpected situations like this are frustrating—but we’re grateful for the continued support of our readers.
To ensure nothing is missed, we will be re-running both the story about Baldwin City’s new mayor and the feature on Baldwin Wax & Wick in our January 12 print edition so they receive the space and visibility they deserve.
Thank you for supporting local journalism and for sticking with us.
— Jenni Fish, Publisher, The Maple Weekly
COUNTY ACCEPTING NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE GRANT APPLICATIONS
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
The Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council is accepting applications for the 2026 Natural and Cultural Heritage Grant Program. Up to $250,000 is available, with individual awards of as much as $60,000. The Board of County Commissioners allocated funding for the program as part of the county’s annual budget.
The council encourages applications for community projects focused on cultural heritage, natural heritage or historic preservation. All projects must take place in Douglas County and be completed within two years.
The program includes two grant categories:
• Seed grants. Updated this year, these grants support smaller-scale projects such as events, curriculum or material development, signage or planning efforts. Seed grants require a shorter application process and provide up to $5,000. A total of $40,000 is available.
• Target grants. These grants support projects expected to have a significant and lasting impact on the conservation of the county’s natural and cultural resources. Awards are available up to $60,000, with a total of $210,000 in funding.
“This funding is an opportunity for people across Douglas County to take action on projects they care about,” Ammerlaan said. “We encourage anyone with an idea that supports our natural or cultural heritage to reach out and apply.”
There will be an information session from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Douglas County Public Works and Zoning and Codes Building, 3755 E. 25th St. Anyone interested in learning more about the program is welcome to attend.
Grant guidelines and the application are available at dgcoks. gov/hcc. Applications are due by 5 p.m. March 5. Applicants must discuss their project with Heritage Conservation Coordinator Kaitlyn Ammerlaan by Feb. 20 before submitting an application.
The Heritage Conservation Council will review proposals and make funding recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners in April.
Since the program launched in 2011, Douglas County has awarded more than $3.2 million to over 130 projects. Past projects include renovations of the Eudora Community Museum, inventory of high-quality prairies, an interactive exhibit at Watkins Museum of History and ecological restoration at Lawrence Riverfront Park. A story map of past projects is available at http://dgcoks. gov/hcc/grantmap.
COMMUNITY
CREATE YOUR OWN FUTURE
YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE OFFERS HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE, CASH PRIZES STATE LAW CHANGES EXEMPT CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY FROM TAXATION
Douglas County is accepting applications for the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, a competition where students pitch their business ideas. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 20, at The Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center, 2920 Haskell Ave., in Lawrence. The community is invited to attend.
The competition is open to Douglas County students in grades 6-12. Participants will prepare a written summary, deliver a business pitch and create a trade show display. Students will compete for $3,500 in prize money, including a new $250 Innovate Globally Prize, sponsored by KU Innovation Park. With the upcoming 2026 World Cup, the prize will be awarded to the student or team who can showcase a product or service that is global in scale or highlights a country or culture outside the United States.
Entries will be judged by local entrepreneurs, teachers and community leaders. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23.
This is the eighth year for the Douglas County event. In past competitions, students have pitched businesses offering swimming lessons, resale clothing, jewelry, baked goods, pet sitting, lawn tool rentals and more.
The first-place winner will advance to the state competition, where they will have the opportunity to win more prize money and recognition.
Last year, nine students representing seven businesses competed. The winners were Daniel and Lawrence Dao, of Lawrence Virtual School. Their business, “Don’t Panic AI Tutors,” offered tutoring and workshops to help students build skills for a tech-driven future.
“The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge gives students a real opportunity to explore their ideas, build confidence and see what it takes to bring a business to life,” said Jill Jolicoeur, assistant county administrator and event coordinator. “Every year, we’re impressed by the creativity and determination these young entrepreneurs bring to the table. It’s inspiring to watch them discover their potential and share their vision with the community.”
The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is hosted by Douglas County, the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and K-State Extension Douglas County and sponsored by Network Kansas and KU Innovation Park.
For more information or to register, visit: https://dgcoks.gov/yec.
Kansas lawmakers have approved changes to state law that will exempt several categories of personal property from taxation beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Douglas County Appraiser Brad Eldridge said about 38% of the county’s personal property assets will qualify for exemption under the new law.
Personal property exempt from taxation starting Jan. 1, 2026:
• Watercraft and marine equipment
• Off-road vehicles, including all-terrain, motorcycles, golf carts and snowmobiles
• Motorized bicycles, scooters and mopeds
• Trailers with a gross weight of 15,000 pounds or less that are used exclusively for personal purposes
Property that becomes exempt on Jan. 1, 2026, will still be taxed for the portion of the year it was owned before that date. After Jan. 1, residents will no longer need to notify the Appraiser’s Office of changes related to exempt personal property.
Personal property that will continue to be taxed:
• Mobile homes
• Tiny homes
• Aircraft
• Antique and salvage-title vehicles
• Vehicles with heavy tags (16/20 or higher)
• Oil and gas leases
Residents who own taxable personal property will receive a value notice in May 2026 and a tax bill in November 2026.
Owners must continue to report any changes to taxable personal property, including:
• Purchase of new personal property
• Sale of personal property
• Changes in the use
• Changes in where the property is stored
The Douglas County Appraiser’s Office will mail letters to all personal property owners in early January outlining the state law changes.
“These changes significantly reduce the amount of personal property that residents will need to report each year,” Eldridge said. “Our goal is to make sure people understand what is still taxable and what no longer requires any action on their part.”
For more information, visit the county website at https://www.dgcoks.gov/appraiser.
12
COMMUNITY
FROM PATROL TO PUBLIC SERVICE — AN INTERVIEW WITH BALDWIN’S NEW MAYOR
Interview by Jessi Gerber
Though his career in law enforcement took him across Kansas — most recently as Chief of Police in Norton — Gerry Cullumber always kept his home in Baldwin City. Now, as the community’s newly elected mayor, he shares reflections on small-town life, leadership, and the lessons learned over four decades of service.
Q: You’ve lived in Baldwin for 25 years, but your career took you all across Kansas. What kept you rooted here?
A: I’ve always loved Baldwin. Even when I was serving as Chief in Norton, I kept my residence here and came back on weekends. It’s the kind of small town I grew up in — safe, close-knit, the kind of place where people ride bicycles and know their neighbors. Everything I didn’t appreciate about small-town life as a kid, I value now.
Q: What originally drew you to a career in law enforcement?
A: I knew from the time I was six that I wanted to be a police officer. My heroes were Reed and Malloy from Adam-12. My first job was as a janitor at Shawnee Medical Center, where I met my wife — the best thing that’s ever happened to me. But law enforcement was always the dream. So I enrolled into the police academy.
Q: Your career path is impressive — Johnson County, Lenexa, Edwardsville, Gardner, Norton. What stands out most from those years?
A: Probably the people. Whether in a city or rural area, it’s always about people. Out west, the hardest part was the lack of mental health resources. We’d have to drive hours just to get someone help. It really showed me how important it is to treat mental health with the same urgency as physical health.
Q: Who influenced your leadership style?
A: Chief Ellen Hanson of Lenexa. She’s one of the smartest and most compassionate people I’ve ever met — and one of the first female police chiefs in Kansas. I still call her for advice. I believe in what I call “three-deep leadership” — always having three trusted people you can turn to for counsel.
Q: What made you decide to run for mayor?
A: Honestly, timing. My wife, Cindy, and I wanted to be closer to family again, and I still have that drive to serve. Baldwin’s my home, and I want to see it thrive. We’ve got great people here, and a lot of potential.
Q: What are your priorities for your first three months as mayor?
A: First, I want to meet every city employee and department head. I’m planning a “Meet Your Government” night so residents can connect with their council and city staff in an easy, friendly setting. I also want to focus on financial stability — making sure we’re prepared for emergencies — and improving infrastructure: water lines, curbs, downtown appearance. Small improvements make a big difference in how a town feels about itself. I want to meet every employee the city has and business owners in the city. I want them to all know there is an open line of communication and I want to establish that right away. This goes for the people of Baldwin City, too. I want to meet them and talk to them, I want them to be comfortable calling or emailing me.
Q: Outside of public service, what are you passionate about?
A: My wife and I are big antique collectors. We have spaces at the Lone Elm Antique Mall in Olathe — you could say we’re “enthusiastic hoarders.” I also collect WWII memorabilia and study history. My favorite piece is a medal group from an American pilot who flew for Britain before the U.S. entered the war — he was shot down and sabotaged Nazi prisoner records while a POW. That story reminds me of courage and resilience.
Q: Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
A: Winston Churchill, Bobby Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln, and Alexander the Great. I’ve always admired Bobby Kennedy in particular — he brought family and heart into politics, and I think that’s something we could use more of.
Q: What message do you have for Baldwin residents as you begin your term?
A: Change is coming, but it’s good change — steady and thoughtful. I want people to look around in a year or two and
say, “Wow, look what we’ve accomplished.” We’re going to get the town spruced up, strengthen our community ties, and build a Baldwin we’re all proud of.
Gerry Cullumber will be sworn in on January 6, 2026. His term begins as Baldwin faces challenges in infrastructure and growth — but also opportunities for renewal. As he puts it, “We need enthusiasm and keep investing in our community.” If you have the opportunity to sit down with Gerry and talk about life and history, take it. We could have chatted all day. His love for reading, history and antiques is impressive. Also, he is unapologetically himself: authentic, real, one of us.
COMMUNITY
BALDWIN WAX & WICK: A CLEAN CANDLE COMPANY ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
What began as a pandemic pastime has grown into a beloved local brand, lighting up homes—and hearts— throughout Baldwin City and beyond.
Baldwin Wax & Wick was born during the COVID shutdown, when founders Kristen Seele Amburgey and Jenni found themselves, like many others, spending more time at home. With candles burning constantly in the background of their work-from-home days, the pair realized something was missing.
“We were burning a lot of candles and didn’t love any of them,” Kristen shared. “Once we started researching, we learned how many unhealthy ingredients can go into candles. That really pushed us to create something cleaner that also smelled amazing.”
What started as curiosity quickly turned into purpose. The duo dove deep into candle-making research, determined to develop a product they felt good about using themselves—and confident sharing with others.
That commitment to clean, natural ingredients has remained at the core of Baldwin Wax & Wick since day one. “We didn’t want unhealthy ingredients in our homes, or in the homes of our families, friends, and customers,” Kristen said.
“We wanted something we could truly stand behind.”
From the beginning, keeping the business local was just as important as keeping the ingredients clean.
Conversations with friends revealed a need in the community for high-quality,
thoughtfully made candles. The operation started—and still remains—in their kitchens, where each candle is handpoured in small batches.
As life grew busier, the team grew too. Claire joined Baldwin Wax & Wick to help keep production running smoothly while maintaining the quality customers had come to expect. Today, the business is proudly female-owned and fueled, with each team member playing a key role.
Kristen jokingly refers to herself as the “point guard,” handling supply ordering, communication, and daily operations. Jenni works behind the scenes managing finances and taxes, while Claire brings her design skills to life through labels, marketing pieces, social media, and hands-on production of candles and wax melts.
Balancing business ownership with family life hasn’t come without challenges. “Life is busy,” Kristen said. “It really takes teamwork—and a village— especially during candle season.” She credits careful planning, selective event participation, and the support of family (especially her mom) for helping make it all work.
Despite the demands, there’s no shortage of joy in the process. From the calming aromas during production to the excitement of developing new scents, creativity remains a highlight. “It’s always fun when we come up with an amazing
new scent we can’t wait to name,” Kristen said.
One scent in particular holds special meaning: Pumpkin Spice Latte. Inspired by childhood memories of sneaking coffee grounds from her great-grandmother’s house just to keep the comforting aroma close, Kristen knew she had found something special when she paired coffee notes with fall spices. “That’s when the lightbulb moment happened,” she said. “They were meant to be.
As Baldwin Wax & Wick has grown, so has the community support behind it. “The support from our community is unmatched,” Kristen shared. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported our small business over the years.”
Customers can currently find Baldwin Wax & Wick candles at Baldwin City Market, Om Grown, Eccentricity, and This & That KC. The brand is also known for its presence at local events and pop-ups, including community candle-pouring parties—an experience the team loves sharing.
“It’s fun to hear the stories behind the candles,” Kristen said. “Favorite scents, gifting stories, and the love people have for our product—it’s all incredibly heartwarming.”
From clean ingredients to community connections, Baldwin Wax & Wick continues to pour intention, creativity, and care into every candle—proving that sometimes the best ideas really do start at home.
COMMUNITY VOICES REORIENTING HOME
DEAR HOMEKEEPER
By Cat Henry
Happy New Year! By now, hopefully, most of the tinsel has been taken down in your home, and you are planning and looking ahead to 2026. A new year offers the opportunity for renewal or resets. Some call this making New Year’s resolutions. After weeks of heightened sensory input, social intensity, and rich food, the body longs for rhythm and restraint. Resolutions can masquerade as discipline, but underneath them is a desire for equilibrium. Balance.
As the homekeeper reorients the home after all the festivities, we often return to the same ingredients when tending the heart of a home. It may mean leaning into basics that work quietly and consistently to achieve an alchemy of ambiance and aesthetics, of how a home feels, as much as how it looks. These basics shape mood, invite comfort, and make space for memories of ideas and items that survive the test of time.
One approach in homekeeping is incorporating “trends. There is plenty of inspiration available with decorating headlines competing for attention on what is “in” only to change it next year in a neverending cycle (and cost) of yet a newer one. There are plenty of hacks, ongoing new tech, reinvention of old, and predictions marketed as necessary.
There is nothing wrong with following trends. They help people feel connected in real time, are suitable for rapid experimentation and creativity with low risk, and are useful for attention, visibility, and momentum. However, they have a short life span, expiring before depth can develop, rewarding speed over substance, reaction over reflection, flattening the nuance you may want. The occasional trend can be layered in, adding a touch of whimsy and keeping the space feeling fresh rather than performative.
Trends often are the first steps for a homekeeper as they develop the foundation of their home. An occasional trend can be layered in (like seasonal decorating), adding a touch of whimsy and keeping the space feeling fresh rather than performative.
Foundational ingredients for the home atmosphere you build have appeared here before. To achieve the alchemy mentioned above, I think of it through the acronym:
C.O.Z.Y. H.O.M.E.
The “C” is for creativity, which is not novelty but imagination at ease. The space feels personal,
not purchased, as though it grew this way rather than arrived boxed and labeled.
“O” is for organic. Textures like natural wood, wool, cotton, pottery, and wicker tend to age beautifully. Organic reminds us that homes are meant to feel lived-in, not staged.
“Z” is for zones that invite rest, a place to linger to encourage reflection, or just the simple act of breathing.
“Y” stands for you and your expression (not necessarily decorative) personal touch. Books, notes, family artifacts, meaningful objects, and marks of authenticity make a home feel human.
“H” is for harmony that shows up when nothing competes for attention. One example to achieve this is through a subtle fragrance, which creates presence without words.
“O” represents overtones, the quiet layer beneath what’s visible. For example, sound can cushion a space as tenderly as fabric cushions a chair. Soft background sounds: quiet music, kettle boiling, subtly offer a layer of domestic comfort.
“M” is for memorable, which rarely lands as the centerpiece. Compare it to how you don’t per se recall a room exactly, but you remember how you felt inside it.
“E” is for emotional welcome and acceptance. This is the soul of the home.
Likely, you are already instinctively developing these intangible qualities without consciously naming them.
When all this comes together (and it’s a process) coziness isn’t merely visual. A home should be a refuge, a sanctuary of predictability and acceptance, a shelter where life unfolds. Whether you share your home with friends, guests, family, or live solo, a home becomes a testament to presence, hospitality, and quiet care.
I encourage the homekeeper to take a moment and ponder these things while creating your home. Personally, writing these thoughts down is very powerful in my own execution as homekeeper.
New Year resolutions aren’t really about self-improvement. They’re about reorientation with a sense of purpose.
With you in the keeping, Cathenry.ch@gmail.com
P.S. The new year begins by settling into what endures.
CELEBRATE LIFE
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
By Jeanine Ross
What a wonderful time to be alive! Technological breakthroughs, medical discoveries, and most importantly, Spiritual awakenings! 2026 promises to be one of the most important beginnings of planetary awakenings thus far. While it will not be the last, far from it, it promises to be the beginning of people all over the world beginning to understand the importance of knowing and living their purpose. Are you ready to live yours?
The spiritual awakening that is happening all over the world is the beginning of people realizing that we are all on the same journey and we can all help each other along the way. Have you noticed how many self-help books are turning toward the need for internal searching? The medical profession has long known that positive thinking has a profound effect on healing. Even the scientist are beginning to realize, they can’t explain everything through rock hard facts our senses can experience.
We are awakening into a season of dawning that we are not alone and we never were. We were guided to this place in time for a very specific reason, and that we get to be a part of its new beginning is beyond anything this writer can express! I can’t think of a better time to celebrate life! We are in the gap between the old and the new and we get to usher it in! We are the ones who will verbally record what life was like before Spirit descended and the world woke up. We can tell our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren how blessed they are to live in a time when love and compassion and abundance are a way of life, not a call for help. We are the last ones to cross the bridge and close the door on a past that no longer serves us. Can you feel the power and the trust we’ve been given for this sacred task? What a special, amazing, blessed task we’ve been given! The time to celebrate is now! The reason for celebration is upon us, and we are the chosen to end the old and usher in the new. We’ve been given the task, so we’ve already been given the strength and the knowhow. So when the time comes, we will know exactly what to do and how to do it. Keep your internal eyes and ears open and your senses tuned to the sacred calling that will begin as a tiny whisper inside you and end with a knowing you can’t explain but will overwhelm you with joy, thanksgiving, and gratitude. Celebrate this life because you lived through it and you get to close the door forever on what it’s become. Now rejoice in what is ahead of us! So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
