Dear Friend,
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to check in on you with so much going on lately. It seems many of us are facing challenges—I've been navigating the loss of my dad recently, and it's still a tender process. Within my circle of family and friends, there's illness, heartbreak, and a lot of uncertainty. It's a time when tenderness is needed, even behind the smiles we wear.
I’m gonna be honest: navigating through all these challenges is difficult, especially if they happen simultaneously. So, if you’re going through something right now, I feel you. Know that you’re not alone in all this.
When the going gets tough, I turn to certain practices that have been helpful, and I want to share them with you today:
#1 Rest is vital.
Life can be demanding and sometimes calls for courage, but it also requires rest. Listening to your body is crucial during these times. Taking time for yourself—whether it's through solitude, extra sleep, or connecting with loved ones—can provide a much-needed mental and emotional break. As women, we often prioritize others' needs over our own, but self-care is equally important.
#2 Savor life’s tiny moments.
Finding hope and solace in life's small joys has been transformative. Recently, after days of heavy rain, I was struck by the sight of a stunning rainbow (photo above). It was a fleeting moment of awe and beauty that reminded me of the transient nature of life itself. Despite the loss, moments of profound beauty remain to be cherished and appreciated.
#3 Be kind to yourself.
During times of hardship, we can be our own harshest critics. Practicing self-compassion and kindness can ease the emotional burden. It's about befriending ourselves and nurturing the parts of us that need healing.
#4 Spend time with nature.
Nature has been an essential refuge for me. Taking leisurely walks allows me to clear my mind and find peace. Even in urban settings, parks or quiet corners can offer moments of respite and connection with the natural world.
#5 Express yourself.
Find ways to express yourself through art, movement, song, or words. Writing has been particularly therapeutic for me. It has helped me process my feelings and thoughts and express myself authentically. I've shared some of my writings here in the newsletter and podcast. Another way to express yourself is to be with people with whom you can freely talk to and be willing to listen without judgment. Finding like-minded people can be challenging, so I’m holding a free listening circle for women who want to be seen and heard in a safe container. I’ll share more details soon, so watch out for that.
Before capping this, I’d like to say I'm grateful for your presence in this space I've created. Sharing fragments of my journey here is enriching; knowing you're part of this makes it even better.
What practices or tools do you apply when times are tough? Share them with me in the comments below.
With love,
P.S I relaunched my podcast, and the new episode is out! Not only will the audio version of the newsletter posts be uploaded there, but I’ll also be sharing my thoughts and interviews on topics I’m sure you’d be interested in. Subscribe and listen now to your favorite podcast apps!