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Hello, beauties!

As the humidity builds, and the population of our resort town swells, I appreciate this air-conditioned moment to reflect and write.

Thank you for meeting me here; I am grateful for our connection. 

Some of know I used to teach middle school and high school English. And yes, I proudly identify as a word geek. The New York Times Spelling Bee and WORDLE have been delightful additions to my daily routine. 

So, I have to admit, when I first read the word "freudenfreude," I definitely perked up.

Hmmmmm. I know the word Schadenfreude comes from German. 

• Schaden: meaning damage or harm 
• Freude: meaning joy. 
• Schadenfreude: enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others.
• Or, put another way: the unattractive human tendency to take pleasure in the misery of others.
• UGH!

This is a word I hear used by news commentators, pundits, analysts, and others. While not entirely common, definitely a word that has made its way into mainstream English usage. 

But, Freudenfreude? This was a first for me. 

A quick online search via Merriam-Webster should easily solve this one. 

Wait? What??

Freudenfreude hasn't made it into the dictionary?

Alright. Back to my years of high school German. (Thank you, Herr Wolfert, for putting up with me!) And, a little more scouring on the internet. 

Freudenfreude:

• taking joy in other people's successes;
• the lovely enjoyment of another person's success.

To learn how to SPIRAL UP and practice Freudenfreude, keep reading . . . 

Hello, friends! 

Today, I am SUPER excited to catch up with you; I have 2 announcements and 2 updates. 

First, a big Save The Date and Early Registration Opportunity! 

The Art Of Connection is returning this fall, Saturday, September 17. If you missed the buzz last year, or are new to my mailing list, let me fill you in. 

The Art Of Connection is a one-day retreat where you will connect to your body and create courageously. My dear friend, and amazing artist, Theresa Gray and I will be your facilitators. We'll spend the day moving our bodies, breathing, meditating, and painting. 

Trust me, you're going to love it. And, you don't need any expertise in yoga or painting!

You simply need to show up for yourself and receive the relaxing, empowering, experience of the day. (Did you read the quote at the top of the page? Yep! 😉) 

Registration is now open with Early Bird Pricing available. This is the only West Michigan date for this workshop this year, so now is the time to secure your spot. 

Our webpage has all the details (retreat includes: art supplies, delicious lunch, celebratory closing circle, etc.) and it's easy to sign up.

I hope you can join us!

Next up, stay tuned for a powerful way to deepen your practice, and experience transformation, all from the comfort of your home. It has been a couple of years in the making, and I can't wait to release my 40-Day Yoga Challenge called Elevate Daily Life. 
If you're looking for a way to:

• reduce stress,
• raise resiliency, 
• elevate mood,
• increase energy, calm, and clarity . . . 

THIS IS FOR YOU!

Keep watching these emails for further details and registration information. I'd love to be alongside you and support you on your journey. 

And, two quick updates: 

• Thank you . . . for all your kindness and support around the loss of Uncle Jay. He will be honored in October with a military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. I plan on bringing pesto to help feed the crowd. 
• My luggage that went missing between Italy and Germany in June has not found its way back to me. Time for me (finally!) to learn how to travel lighter. No more checked bags for this girl. 😉

Stay courageous and shine brightly,

m

"What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness.
Those moments when another human being was there,
in front of me, suffering, and I responded . . . sensibly.
Reservedly. Mildly."

~ George Saunders
Quoted in Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown

Dear Ones,

This week, a personal tribute to Uncle Jay . . . who unexpectedly left us this week, far too soon.

Whenever I am plunged into grief, part of my healing process becomes stillness. I know I need to settle into stillness in order to hear.

What exactly am I listening for? I am listening for the wisdom from my heart. It's my heart that reveals to me the lessons I can learn from a life well-lived. And this is where the transformation, and the healing, begin taking place. 

While I still have much to process about Jay's death, I know there's so much we can all learn from the way he lived his life. Here's how I hope we can all be more like Jay. 

Live a big, brave, COURAGEOUS life:

• Find the courage to say "yes" to something new, even if it's something challenging!
• Have the courage to be kind, to all your fellow travelers. 
• Be courageous enough to continue opening your heart to love.
• Be courageous enough to know what you believe in and to admit when you are wrong. 

Live in SERVICE to others:

• In your work, in your deeds, in your words . . . be a source of strength and light to those around you. 
• Be generous with your time, your talents, and your treasure. When you show up for others, you may never fully know what a difference you made in someone else's life. Thank you, Jay. For all you did for us. 
• Let loose a few full belly laughs while you work. It makes everyone else feel lighter and better. Oh, and if things get tricky? You might want to know a good curse word or two as well. Those can also help release tension. 😉

Learn to make the foods you love (and delight in sharing with everyone around you!)

• Jay, I promise that every time I make pesto, I will do it the way you taught me. And, yes, I will make more than seems humanly reasonable, and I will happily share it with everyone at the table. 
• And, Jay, even though this one hurts a little . . . I won't keep the leftovers for myself. I'll send people home with giant canning jars of the green gold, and I won't grouse (too much!) if those jars never get returned. I'll just keep showing up with huge amounts of the most delicious pesto, time and time again, smiling and laughing all the while. 

​Thank you, Jay. For your courage. For your service. For the Italian meals that fed us so, so many times.

You will always be an inspiration, and you are forever loved.

m

P.S. I'd love to hear how you embody lessons from a life well-lived!
Drop me a line via email or text.