Wow, another Monday huh? Relentless.
Well, nevertheless, we persist. This morning I spent some time at my favorite spot, the local library! While I was there, I spent some time thinking about a book I just finished. I am apparently on a bit of a ritual kick, but I can't help but notice just how much they are showing up in my life right now. Even to start this newsletter, I found myself doing the ritual I've been repeating the last few weeks. I sit down, I light a pink candle, and I turn on focus music.
The book, The Ritual Effect by Michael Norton, stood out to me especially in the aspect of discussing being someone who moved from being secular, to someone who practices rituals. I too was a skeptic for a long time, and have certain personality traits that make me struggle to commit to things long term.
But thinking about how nice it felt to celebrate my second Spring Equinox, and how every Sunday as of late, I clean my kitchen and start a simmer pot, I find myself recognizing the importance more and more.
In the height of the pandemic, time began to blur into one big mass. Many of us joke about how we lost those years and shouldn't have to count them in our age even. The reason the time felt that way is partly because we lost so many of our daily rituals. Everything from getting a cup of coffee on our way to work, to birthdays, to sadly, funerals.
Your body likes rituals because your body likes predictability. It likes to feel safe. And you know what makes something feel safe?
Doing things multiple times, and not dying. Truly. It's wild, but effective. Less time feeling like you're dying, less energy spent fighting the urge to run equals a lot more energy in the long run. If you've never read Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, I cannot recommend it enough. One of the things they talk about is how biologically, your body feels like it's being chased by an animal. If you slay the beast, and go back to the village to celebrate, your body would learn it is safe. But if you never actually tell your body it is safe, how will it learn? So imagine you are just being chased by lions, all day every day. And imagine what that will do to your energy levels, over time. It's exhausting, and unsustainable.
But rituals? I'm telling you, they change the way I manage my energy.
Okay that's enough.
Reminder, this is what I'm offering these days, for services:
I’m offering Transition Mapping Sessions for people who feel like they’re in the middle of something they can’t quite name yet. Career shifts, identity changes, burnout, endings that didn’t come with a clean narrative. We sit together and map what’s actually happening, what’s noise, and what’s real.
I’m offering Transition Clarity Intensives for those who don’t need a full overhaul, but do need someone in their corner while they figure things out. This is steadier, ongoing support. Together we scaffold a future with a solid foundation.
I’m opening limited 1:1 consulting for people who are still in their roles or running businesses, but know something isn’t working. This is where we look at your systems, your workload, your expectations, and sustainably rebuild something that doesn’t drain the life out of you.
And I’m piloting small group spaces for people who don’t want to do this alone anymore. There is no community to have to manage, or grand expectations of change. Show up, practice a skill, and start to build something a bit better for the long run.
Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.
What I'm Reading, Eating, Playing, Obsessing, Recommending and Treating.
Reading: I just finished The Ritual Effect on audiobook, and then I picked up Techgnosis from a "Fill Your Bag for $20" book sale on Sunday.
Eating: Weirdly I had a very boring food week. I was on my period and we had takeout more times than average. Nothing exciting here!
Playing: I recently came across this birdfeeder made out of a tea cup idea on Pinterest. I saved it, and then was able to get several free tea cups and saucers from my local Buy Nothing group. I picked up some glue that works on glass, and let them dry for 24 hours after arranging them. I love how they turned out and I know the birds will too.
Obsessing: I recently got 6.5 yards of this fabric while thrifting. I know it looks like an old lady sofa, but that's actually my favorite pattern for clothing okay? Anyway, I am obsessed with it, I love the pattern that I've picked out, and I'm hoping with the help of my sewing classes I can make a really beautiful piece.
Recommending: Asking yourself what kind of rituals you remember from childhood. Do you remember them fondly? Have you brought them forward to your new life?
Treating: Myself to these fantastic frocks. I scored both of these thrift finds recently. I love kaftans, and I also love these vintage nightgowns!
The end.
Have a good week!
xoxo
Jessica
