This week has been a journey of rediscovering joy, anchoring in the present, and finding balance amidst life’s demands. From painting with friends to exploring the tranquility of Wissahickon, I’ve been reminded of the power of connection—both with others and with myself. Simple pleasures like gifting bundt cakes, savoring homemade rice bowls, and surrounding myself with calming scents have reinforced the importance of nurturing my mind, body, and spirit. As I reflect on the inspiration I’ve drawn from bold leaders, timeless design, and moments of withdrawal, I feel grounded and ready to approach the week ahead with clarity and purpose.
Current Wellness Practice:
I have found in the last week that spending time painting in the company of friends opened up space to discover some missing joy.
In emotionally challenging moments, laughter and the arts can be the healthiest way of holding onto our sense of perspective- it certainly redirects my energy and reminds me of the power of feeling connected. Focusing on my canvas gave me a way to anchor my thoughts in the now (and to show off my inner Monet 😀).
Favorite Place to Unwind:
I love to park at Valley Green Inn and go an hour to hike alone in Wissahickon. It's so close to Center City, and yet when I'm walking through the meadow there, I feel a world away. Time there reminds me that I am capable of experiencing adventure all by myself.
Feel Good Buy of the Week:
This week I picked up 7 (yes 7) mini bundt cakes from one of my favorite dessert chefs in the world, "Lizzie's Love Cakes".
I gifted most of them, giving one to my mail lady, three of my immediate neighbors, and three dear friends- which still left two for me! Everyone was so appreciative and it was an easy way to support a business I want to see thrive and to do something sweet for the people who take care of me.
Recipe of the Week:
This week I settled into one of my year round go to recipes: rice bowls. My daughter and I try to eat a plant-based diet and so we focus on tasty toppings. To create it, we experimented with a Spanish rice base (white rice, tomato paste, white onions) and then added organic black beans, an organic cheese blend, avocado, organic sour cream, and fresh cilantro. So quick, so easy, so healthy, and so, so good.
Favorite Scent:
In the face of high emotions related to the state of the country, I've been turning to a fragrance called "Rest" from Gold & Water Co. to help bring some calm into my bedroom. It delivers.
Go-To Outfit or Fashion Accessory:
One item that I just can't seem to get enough of is my 1960s navy leather frame bag. It's got a sturdiness to its architecture that reminds me that the women who have come before me have done hard things. It reminds me that I, too, can do hard things.
Aesthetic Inspiration (Art, Decor, etc.):
I am really inspired by Japanese design. The minimalism of traditional Japanese landscapes create a sense of spaciousness that I've relied on in designing my own home.
Daring Woman of the Week:
Kamala Harris is a woman whose capacity to pursue an incredibly bold dream really inspires me this week. She stepped out front and advocated for democracy with only 100 days to make her case. I will always be appreciative of her tenacity, grace, and courage.
Reflection Word of the Week:
This week I'm meditating on what it means to "withdraw". In a moment when I could have turned my attention to the constant news cycle both locally and nationally, I protected my nervous system by creating distance from it. I restricted my social media time to less than 45 minutes a day for nearly a week (a significant reduction), and watched my inputs generally.
In this withdrawing, this pulling away, I was able to remain feeling clear about what I personally needed to accomplish and to reinvest my energies towards supporting my employees, colleagues, and daughter. Withdrawing, I'm learning, can be a tool for focused leaders.
Final Words
What would withdrawing from your usual routines or distractions look like for you? How might creating space for joy, inspiration, and reflection help you reconnect with what matters most? As you consider these questions, remember that even small, intentional shifts can create meaningful change in your perspective and well-being.
We encourage comments! :)