FEELING ALL...

….the FEELS. And it seems I am not the only one, since almost daily for the last two weeks, I have had at least one person say to me how this year has been A LOT. This does not mean it has been absolutely terrible. Rather it is more a commentary on how challenging it has been to navigate, while also trying to remain healthy and hopeful. Thus whatever aspirations one may have started 2025 with, these past 10 months have been a tumultuous journey. Many of us have had to re-shuffle our priorities, finances and focus to accommodate the unexpected detours that our lives are now careening along. Not every alternate route is necessarily an unwelcome pivot. Yet having to figure out “next steps” one day-at-a-time can be quite stressful. So I ask: How many times have you smiled today? Or laughed? Or sang? Or danced? Or napped?

Take this as a friendly reminder to consistently make time to care for yourself, plus to notice who positively ‘pours into you.’ Certainly, there will always be circumstances that impact us that we can not control. However, finding little delights to soothe our souls —as well as to keep us sane — is an absolute must! For me, this includes exercising 6-7 times a week; teaching yoga in an inclusive, affirming community; and treating myself to coffee regularly. I will admit the latter has happened less this month due the arrival of a Keurig at my boyfriend’s apartment. (*Although being able to have a hot oatmilk latte whenever I want on these progressively cooler, fall days is pretty awesome.)

The other BIG ‘mood boost’ for me lately has been making time to properly catch-up with friends in person and via phone (or video chat). It is shockingly easy to feel disconnected from many of the people we hold dear…despite all the technology readily available at our fingertips. Just hearing a few voices of friends that I had not spoken to in months helped to re-balance my mind and spirit. I encourage you to call a pal soon whom you have not spoken to in awhile. It such a simple joy you can gift them —and yourself.

So draft that ‘call list’ — and “check it twice” — because a season filled with gifting is very quickly approaching. This means I will be sharing more of my fave ‘finds and buys’ of the year in my next two e-newsletters. Spoiler alert: my waterproof Nammu hat is definitely on that list, as are a few of the stellar suspense books I read or listened to this year like “Not So Perfect Strangers” by L.S. Stratton. If you are looking for a spine-chilling, page-turner this Hallow’s Eve weekend, add it to your audiobook cue ASAP.

Happy Halloween, y’all! ~Rachel