The visit from my daughter was a good reminder of connection and how warm and wonderful it felt to a mother’s heart. Even though we talk several times a week, the human and physical touch was a blessing. Just hanging with my girl was exactly what this mama needed on a sunny summer day and I’m pretty confident it’s just what she needed too. Connect with loved ones you haven’t seen in a while……it’s good for the soul.

Bloom with Wellness is a program to create personal health and wellness goals while connecting the mind, body and spirit. We’re already into our fifth session and feel completely connected to the group, as we are all like-minded women, wanting to challenge ourselves and set goals for improving life. We are there to support one another, hold space for one another and lift each other up.

Now, in our new location we talked about the meaning and power of a new moon. Black new moons are said to be more powerful than regular new moons. This black moon is in Leo and helps re-learn ways to express our creativity. It’s also a time for self-love, including all matters of the heart; especially our own. It’s time to stand in our own power.

Why are we always critical of ourselves? Crystal, Andrew and Hannah all liked the picture and when I showed it to a few friends, they equally agreed. What were they seeing that I wasn’t? My critical eye, was not grounded in fact, rather expectations that wouldn’t measure up.

This past week I spent an evening with a good friend along the lakefront in Wisconsin. It was a beautiful night and we had originally wanted to dine outside which didn’t work out but none-the-less we had a delicious meal and fun conversation. At one point over dinner, my friend mentioned it was the seventh year anniversary of her Dad’s passing. It was significant since both of us were daddy’s girls.

Within another 30 minutes or so, a crane was spotted sitting on a nearby dock that looked as if it wasn’t set up for the season yet and the bird was taking advantage of the height the stacked wood provided. The merganser family showed up again right next to the crane as if they had a mutual understanding of sharing the area. We saw and heard loons, listened to bullfrogs, watched families of mallard ducks, deer and many chipmunks scurrying around the cabin.

Until recently, there was a place I hadn’t thought about in a while, the Slew. After reminiscing with my brother, he mentioned the Slew was what farmer’s referred to as wet areas that weren’t farmable. The Slew was in the middle of the large piece of property adjacent to our house. We used the wet and swampy area as a playground, even though the land surrounding the Slew was planted and harvested each year. Right smack dab in the middle of the property was an old dirt road, we referred to as Slew Road.

Monkey see, monkey do was how they acted as a troop. What one monkey did, the others followed suit. It reminded me of peer pressure in life. Sometimes we’re afraid to speak up for what we want, but doing so moves us beyond our fear and gives us the courage to take our own path. Are you walking yours or are you following someone else’s path? Be bold, be brave be you!

I asked if she would send me a picture of it later that evening. One of the items was to take my children on a trip; which had been on my mind and already planned. You may think that’s no big deal, but for me, it was. We spent time each year on vacation, but they always included other friends and family. We hadn’t taken a trip with just us, until this year. I had given them a trip of their choice for their Christmas present. It was fun to think and plan of what would suit us best. After many conversations and investigation, we settled on Costa Rica and would all experience it together for the first time.

The straightforward quote that caught my eye was, “Nothing is worth more than this day.” It’s uncomplicated yet so meaningful. This day is all we really have. How do you want to show up for it? How will you make it memorable or make a difference? Live each day like it’s the only one that matters and then if we get another chance tomorrow, repeat.

At this point I had no idea where my friends were and assumed I had fallen way behind, but with determination started on my third and final leg of the race. Instead of reveling in my accomplishments thus far, I was disappointed in my experience in the water and the popped tire. I lost a bit of steam but kept pushing on and came to realize what I had just accomplished. I never ran into my friends again until I crossed the finish line.

Once everyone completed the ceremony, each woman had a simple necklace filled with beautiful handwritten notes on both sides. As each woman read their special notes of appreciation, teardrops fell. Small words of kindness can be just what a person needs. We all want to feel loved, appreciated and seen.

During our last morning, after yoga, programming and breakfast, everyone took turns pulling written messages out of the “believe” jar and one by one, read each blessing aloud to the group. It was a wonderful testament to the gratitude the ladies felt for people and experiences in their lives. Some of the blessings included: the weekend and coaches, family, daughter, and open hearts.

It was an emotional and meaningful journey for her and was able to give herself much needed soul-care and self-love. I wouldn’t have wanted to share this day with anyone else. To those that need to give themselves a little love and soul-care; the winds of change are waiting for you.

Giving a little self-care each day is a simple, yet a powerful statement of self-worth. Do something good for yourself each day to show some love; I promise it’s worth the effort.

As we gathered outdoors around the fireplace and lit seasoned wood, we took turns releasing our words, old wounds, negativity and anything we no longer wanted or needed in our lives, into the fire. As we watched our unwanted thoughts burn, release and smoke rise, we read the following together:

After my Dad’s passing, my sister and I represented the family and my Mom’s wishes regarding the gravestone they would one day share. The gentlemen helping us with monument decisions, asked if any special words or phrase should be added in addition to names, dates and etchings. After conferring with the family, it was an unanimous decision to add the phrase, “betcha a nickel.” It would be two words that would forever link their lives in a loving and playful manner.

As if by magic, fate, divine timing or whatever you believe in, things started coming together like gang-busters; everything was working out. Each time I worked on portions of the weekend, I felt pure joy….frankly, I was giddy. I knew the weekend would be transformational not only to the participants, but for the coaches as well.