The Belly of Winter & Gratitude

How are you doing?

Might you take a moment to check in with yourself (and comment below or send me an email if you would like to share!)?

Since my last letter to you, we have been amidst the darkest days as well as the “in between” days. Last week as well as this week have a different kind of energy or feel to it than any other time of the year. Maybe you feel it too.

Beneath the busyness of the season, there is an undeniable stillness calling as the darkness is still very prevalent. There is a pull to pause and reflect. There is a pull to rest a bit deeper and/or longer. There is a pull to be a bit more quiet and still, to move a bit slower.

We are in the belly of Winter. A resting place to pause and be nourished so that when the light returns and the ground thaws with the turning of the season, we can do the same without effort.

Along with tending to my physical body and emotional body through food and herbal allies (as I have shared in previous letters), there is another beautiful and simple practice I’ve been taking part in for many, many years - end of the year journaling

There is no right or wrong way to practice End of the Year Journaling. If you decide to try it out, the important part is that you feel like it supports you in the ways you need. Let this practice offer perspective while also bringing encouragement and excitement!

Within Pause and Reflection,

Kara

---

Thistle Patch Wellness in 2025 - Thank You

2025 was a year of steady growth (literally and metaphorically) for Thistle Patch Wellness.

• I was honored to get to work with individuals out of two locations again this year - my home office in Eagle Lake as well as Wildmother in Zumbrota.

• I also got to share my passion and wisdom of the plants and human body with so many through leading plant walks, classes, and workshops throughout the year. I taught in Zumbrota, Mankato, at Herb Fest in Dundas, at the SCVHG Herb Fest, and at the Midwest Women's Herbal Conference in Wisconsin.

Each and every individual I get to share this work with is a blessing - no matter if it is via this newsletter, in an herbal consultation, through a plant walk or class, at a conference, on social media, or having a conversation in the “wild”.

The work that I do within Thistle Patch Wellness is centered around community just as much as it is centered around nature and the plants.

Thank you for being here, reading this letter.

Thank you if you(‘ve) work(ed) with me within herbal consultations.

Thank you if you have participated in any of the classes/ plant walks/ workshops I’ve offered.

Thank you if you’ve commented or shared my social media posts/ events.

Thank you if you’ve shared about herbalism and Thistle Patch Wellness with those in your life.

If you feel inspired to share your testimonial (from 1:1 herbal consultation(s)) and/or leave a review (from classes/workshops/plant walks/etc.), I would be so grateful!

I look forward to what will come in 2026!

Classes and offerings are penciled in and are in the process of getting officially scheduled. Plus, updates to my website are in process as well!