I love setting goals for myself and making plans. I love fine-tuning and getting really clear on what brings me joy so that I can live a more vibrant life regardless of my circumstances.
And yet, I can over do it. Over do the commitment. Unrealistically look at a body of work to do and think...that should take 20 minutes. Only to be disappointed when 12 hours later, I'm only half done.
To be fair, I come from a long line of overly optimistic humans. I trait I generally love, but that others sometimes find...ummm...less than optimal.
I bet you understand this. I can also fine-tune so much that I have a rigid schedule attached to each day and my inner rebel is like "no way". And then I let it all go, watch instagram reels while my coffee gets cold and I no longer have any time at all to meditate before work. Alas.
I also love to learn. And so I gather all the books. Read all the things and buy the MCT oil, in powdered form with secret flower petals from a cave in Argentina harvested under the soft rain of the first full moon of the season, from the 17-hour infomercial video I clicked on too late at night, but it is going to keep me young and vibrant.
(to be fair, I WOULD probably buy that MCT oil...after all I'm here for the experiences and that much intention. Well. Yes.)
And then after meditating and quieting my mind, I'm reminded that what works best for me is to know myself.
Keep it simple.
(Try) to be realistic about what can be done well in a day.
Give myself loose guidance, tons of grace and go back to the basics.
Again, and again and again.
And that's just what we're going to do in the Embody Your Joy sessions. Commit to our own simple, grace-filled plans and lift one another up in a loving container. And learn. ha! Because, I can't resist!
(I just released the 5 days of Finding Your Joy on the podcast! Check it out!!) It's free and I'd love to hear how it went for you.
I have also been that person that beats themselves up with all the ways I fail to meet my goals.
I've grown though and I give myself the grace to trust what's right for me in the moment and to know I can begin again, right this moment. (mostly :-) it's a journey after all!)
Why all this commitment and planning and getting to know myself? Because I desire ease and peace and joy in my life and I believe I can bring that in.
I believe we all can. And so that's why I'm starting the Embody Your Joy sessions.
A monthly journey of committing to our own joy, learning techniques to make our things happen, changing our mindset, connecting and lifting one another up.
You can sign up now for a September start...because who doesn't want to sharpen pencils and crack open fresh notebooks in September! No one. That's who.
Embody Your Joy Sessions
In sewing related news...
I have been craving a live session of my first online course - Sew Clothes You LOVE. You know how you have a soft spot for your first born? (shh)
I love the intention that goes into finding out what you like to wear, how you want to feel and clearing out what no longer fits either your body or your style and, as sewing clothes naturally allows, learning to love your body a bit more.
Then ending with some practical techniques on how to choose your size and make changes to the pattern before you begin for a better fit from the get go.
Want to join me? YES!! Click here.
We'll start in September (what can I say, I LOVE fall for the fresh beginning it brings)
You'll get both the pre-recorded sessions with handouts and bonuses and (NEW) weekly live sessions where I talk about the material for that lesson in person and talk directly with you!
You'll leave this session with a better understanding of how you want to feel and how your clothes can support that, some exercises on trusting your gut, skills to plan your projects (I love getting all nerdy on it!) and the knowledge to make things you'll actually wear and what you can do to check the pattern for fit, choose your size and make adjustments before you begin!
You get the whole course when you sign up. You can begin anytime you want. Then in September, I'll send you the days and links to the 5 weeks of live lessons. Because, really, aren't you craving live interaction (even if it's online) as much as I am?
Join us here.
In Kinship,
Tina
Those links again..
Free Finding Your Joy series of podcast episodes
Embody Your Joy Monthly Sessions
Sew Clothes You LOVE
What I've been loving...
I've been following Liz Murphy's online journey for years and years. I have knitting patterns from her in my lovingly stacked pile of things to knit some day. And I've loved hearing about her homesteading journey and where life has taken her and her family.
And then this past spring, she shared a very surprising turn. Not to me, I was delighted, but in her life. She has hung out her shingle as a medium and I recently had a session with her, which was nothing short of extraordinary! I'll not get into it here, she'll be on the podcast and I'll share then. I will say, we were connecting with someone else who has passed on and my grandma kept jumping in! It was mind blowing. Check her out.This just made me giggle! Out loud. Indeed.
When I was little, I made a miniature old-timey store. With wee little cans of food, burlap bags of apples and an itsy bitsy counter and register. I wish I pictures, but the memory and the delight of making it are permanently embedded. This reminded me of that. Maybe my wee boy and I need to get to work?
I've been thoroughly enjoying the work of Carmella Rayone on Substack. If you love simple, intentional design for home and life really, check it out.
This skirt is jumping up and down from the front of my to-make list!
Hello! I'm Tina and I'm honored to be in your inbox. I'm vulnerably, creating a vibrant life in Northern Lower Michigan. A life full of joy. And I'm thrilled to share that with you.
I have amazing and deep conversations with makers on my podcast In Kinship and I teach women to sew clothes they love so that they feel beautiful, empowered and connected.
You can find the podcast, workshops and retreats and my blog on the website.