Newsletter No. 2 - March 18, 2025

The world feels heavy right now, doesn’t it? With so much uncertainty swirling around us, it’s easy to feel pulled into loops of worry and fear, questioning what tomorrow might bring.

I want you to know—I see you, and I get it.

This is why learning to resource yourself, to steady your nervous system, is so essential. Not just for you, but for the people who look to you—for your family, your friends, your community. This isn’t about ignoring the hard truths or brushing past the heaviness with forced positivity.

Instead, it’s about building the capacity to feel the lows, without losing yourself in them. To dip into those challenging places and still find your way back to your safety and your light. This is a skill, learned with patience and compassion—not perfection.

Together, we’ll explore ways to support this process, to celebrate your growth, and to reconnect with the part of you that’s ready to rise. You’re

not alone in this, and I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

We came across a stairway along the coast in Salento, just north of Otranto. We were curious, so we entered, down into the dark and damp hole. It was creepy at first but as the stairwell curved it revealed a light in the distance. And just beyond the next curve it revealed the sea. Popping out of the tunnel the warm light baked the rocks and the smell of the salty sea filled the air.

SHINE BRIGHTER WITH SMALL CHANGES

So, how do we keep tapping into our own growth and manage the impacts of the outer world without feeling overwhelmed?

What if I told you that small, intentional shifts in your daily habits could transform your life?

Imagine waking up one day and realizing that those tiny changes you started with care have created a life you’re proud of living. That’s the power of habit change, and with the right guidance, tools, and emotional alignment, it’s possible for you.

Ryan was granted dual citizenship in July 2024. This was a looong process. We had been dreaming of this day since February 2021. We spent countless hours collecting documents, and even more waiting for mail, appointments and information. Even after this day, Ryan waited until December to have his passport in hand. Just last month I was granted a Visa after being in Italy for 14 months. We have to remind ourselves to celebrate after these milestones because it’s so easy to be bogged down by stress of it all. There is still an element of disbelief when we realize the process is now behind us.

CHANGE IS EMOTIONAL

Here’s a truth worth remembering: Behavioral change isn’t just about logic; it’s emotional.

We like to do things that feel good. But so many of us have been conditioned to focus on what’s “wrong” and fixate on where we’ve fallen short.

This mindset only feeds perfectionism. And here’s the thing about perfectionism—it doesn’t exist. It’s like chasing unicorns- they don’t exist. It’s a dead-end pursuit that pulls us further away from joy and connection.

What if, instead of chasing an illusion, you could focus on what’s working?

That’s why gratitude and self-celebration are at the heart of habit change. When you choose to celebrate every step forward, no matter how small, you send powerful signals to your brain that transformation isn’t just possible; it’s happening.

The truth is, what you celebrate grows. By recognizing your progress, you create positive momentum that propels you forward. It’s not about being “perfect”—it’s about being present and honoring the effort you’re putting in.

Last March we ventured north to explore Abruzzo as a possible place to live. We got lucky and chose to stay in Sant’ Eufemia a Maiella. Excited to be in the mountains we all summited Mount Marrone. I think this will be Harlow’s last big peak.
Adjusting to this nomadic life has been hard for me. I like the stability of a home and I have missed my Vermont community dearly. And, at the same time, I am constantly reminding myself of how fortunate I am to be having this amazing experience.

THE ART OF ACCEPTANCE

Acceptance is another key step toward transformation and habit change.

Here’s something no one tells you enough: You cannot think your way to acceptance. Acceptance is a state of being; it’s a feeling you learn to inhabit within your limbic and primal brain (where the thinking brain cannot access).

True acceptance comes when we cultivate compassion for all parts of ourselves. The messy and the magnificent. The hard and the light. The pain and the joy. By welcoming every layer of who we are, we stop trying to fight or reject the parts of life that feel heavy. Instead, we step into grace and wholeness.

This is not an easy process. But here’s the beauty of it. If you can celebrate yourself for just showing up and doing the work, even when it feels tough and imperfect, you begin to rewrite your story. Each small moment of self-compassion rewires your nervous system, helping you shift from resistance to connection.

Acceptance does not mean you stop growing or evolving. It means you meet yourself, exactly as you are, with the kind of love and kindness you’d offer a dear friend.

You open up to life, all of it, and show yourself that you are worthy of love, just as you are.

INTRODUCING THE M.A.P. FRAMEWORK

True transformation isn’t about overhauling your entire life in one sweeping move; it’s about taking steady, purposeful steps that align with your deepest desires. These steps sit on a powerful M.A.P.—a framework that unlocks meaningful, sustainable change.

M is for Motivation:
Motivation is what keeps the fire burning, even when it’s tempting to give up. Coaching provides the accountability of having someone who not only roots for you but also reminds you of your inner strength, celebrates your progress, and motivates you to keep moving forward. Knowing someone is in your corner can make all the difference.

A is for Ability:
Change isn’t just about willpower; it’s about having the right tools to create the life you envision. With coaching, you gain actionable strategies, practices, and knowledge that empower you to unlock new possibilities. And it’s not just about gaining tools but about trusting yourself to use them boldly.
P is for Prompts:
Even with motivation and resources, we all need nudges to act. Prompts are the cues in your day-to-day life that remind you it’s time to take that next step. It’s about weaving those moments of awareness into your routine, turning intentional changes into lasting habits.

This past summer I decided to try competing in vertical Skyraces. In this picture I was the second woman to complete the 1200 meter climb, completely exhausted and psyched at the same time. Before the start I was trying to think of reasons not to start. But with the encouragement from my husband Ryan, who happens to be a running coach, I took the plunge.

YOUR PRACTICE FOR THE WEEK

I want to leave you with a simple but powerful practice. For the next seven days, carve out five minutes each day to name three things you can celebrate about yourself.

They don’t have to be monumental. Maybe it’s the fact that you stayed patient today when things felt chaotic. Maybe it’s that you took time to rest or reached out for connection. Each act, no matter how small, deserves recognition.

Write them down. Say them aloud. Feel the energy of those moments move through you. Most of all, give yourself permission to shine for yourself.

And if you’d like to share your wins, I’d love to shine with you.

Send me a reply or message—I’m here cheering you on every step of the way.

Stop Chasing Unicorns