LOVE, LOSS, AND NEW BEGINNINGS
Good morning!
It's been a while, and I've missed connecting with you. We have a lot to catch up on. Since we last connected, I embarked on quite a journey: returning from my six-month semi-sabbatical in Victoria, BC—a place I hold dear—spending a brief moment in Colorado with family, friends, and colleagues, and finally making a permanent move to Nashville, TN.
On May 6th, 2024, my entire storage unit, locked away since 2021, arrived from Texas. On May 7th, my heart ached as I said goodbye to one of the most precious beings in my life: my 16-year-old Maltese, Cooper.🐾
It felt as though he was saying, “Mom, I got you home. Now it's my time to rest.”
Over the years, doctors warned me to prepare for this moment. But Cooper had an incredible spirit and seemed to live on nine lives. Each moment we shared, particularly towards the end, reminded me of a profound truth: we never know how long we have with the ones we love.
This realization can either paralyze us with fear and anxiety or be a precious gift—an opportunity to embrace each moment with love, gratitude, and presence.
In our Western culture, we often avoid discussing aging, death, and dying. We fear it and swipe left when it comes up. However, in cultures like Mexico, where age and death are embraced, every moment is lived with greater vitality and appreciation. By accepting the inevitable, it no longer lingers in the shadows but fiercely reminds us that every moment is unique and precious.
Living in Gratitude + Embracing New Beginnings🙏🏼
Reflecting on these experiences, I realize the preciousness of time and the importance of living in the present. We often get caught up in the hustle, forgetting to savor the beauty of each moment. But life, in all its imperfections, offers countless opportunities for gratitude and growth.
And as I settle into Nashville, I'm excited about the new friendships and opportunities this city will bring. If you know anyone in Nashville who might be interested in connecting—whether for friendship or professional collaborations—I'd love an introduction - so please do not hesitate to reply to this email!!
Exciting Work Ahead🎉
On the professional front, there's a lot happening. At the end of the month, I'll be running two Unleash Mindful Leadership sessions for a global investment bank, an executive presence + public speaking event for a tech company, and several events focusing on how to effectively navigate stress—essential with the upcoming elections—and how to shift from frustration and fear to courage and innovation.
If your organization could benefit from our support and expertise, I'd love to explore how we can collaborate. Now is the perfect time to start the conversation, as we'll soon be stepping into the busy fall and election season. Let's work together to create resilient, mindful, and empowered teams.
An Invitation to Reflect and Connect
Today, I invite you to reflect on your relationship with time and change. Where might you be holding back in fear? How can you embrace the present moment with more gratitude and love?
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Let's continue to embrace change, nurture our endeavors, and trust in the unfolding beauty of life
P.S. If you're navigating your own sea of change, remember: it's not just about weathering the storm. It's about developing the skills and learning to sail in new directions. If you're ready to embrace and cultivate change, reach out—I'd love to hear from you!
P.P.S. Don't forget to join us for Calm & Connect this Sunday, June 16th at 8 AM PST / 11 AM EST. It's a wonderful way to strengthen the muscle of mindfulness and dive into essential reflection alongside others.