The Wealth Issue JANUARY 2017 | Series No. 5, Issue No. 2
Live in Your Light with
ALSO
Holly & Natalie of VASU
CO NTE M P LATE • LOVE YOUR SPACE • B E HERE NOW
We believe in choosing, embracing, unleashing, and celebrating who you've always been – who you already are – who you want to be.
Be YOU...the Perpetual You.
L E T T E R from our E D I T O R
THE
T H E OF F I CE
The Perpetual You 101 Putnam Ave. Hamden, CT 06517
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ne of the stories I tell myself is that I’m not a patient person, yet multiple facets of my life require patience – and here I am living it! • As a mother, I am required to adjust my speed every day. • As an editor, I must release my expectations of perfection.
T H E LI ST
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T H E COM M U N I T Y
Look for us on social media @theperpetualyou.
• As an intelligent person, I have to wait for the country to catch up. • As a WOMAN, I often forgive patriarchal slights embedded in our society.
Choosing to believe that I’m not patient, though, gives me a ready excuse for those times when I let myself or others down. The story is convenient that way. And I feel safer letting myself off the hook. On the other hand, every time I blame myself for “losing it” once again, I’m missing out on the opportunity to be aware and to get to know myself better—far greater rewards than convenience or safety. What if—instead of not being patient or being patient—I just am who I am? What if I’m just a person, who is sometimes anxious and sometimes at ease? What if I just accepted each moment as it comes and lived within that moment without judgement or criticism? In fact, just recognizing that nothing is as simple as I often tell myself it is brings me an abundance of possibility and a wealth of potential experiences. If I am aware, I am, in fact, being patient. This is what I want for myself and my family, and this is what I want for each of you.
lee lee The PERPETUAL YOU
The moment doesn't disappoint. The moment always delivers. – NANCY SLONIM ARONIE
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SHOP N OW
Shop the Marketplace The Perpetual You's curated marketplace of responsibly-made, small batch goods is online! theperpetualyou.com/the-marketplace
Collaborate with Us
The Perpetual You offers coaches + creatives the opportunity to showcase their work and/or viewpoint to an audience of women who value intentional living, purposeful buying, and thoughtful growth. The PERPETUAL YOU
To find out how you can collaborate with us, visit theperpetualyou.com/our-needs.
IN THIS ISSUE
Create Wealth by Embracing Patience The W E A LT H I S S U E
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F I N D U S @ T H E P E R P E T U A LY O U
Realize Enter the new year with an intentional mindset; your vision is great but so is the present moment. Enjoy life and all it has to offer: whether a couple feet of snow needing to be shoveled or a momentous decision needing to be made.
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Dwell Embellish your home with the things that bring you the feelings you want to have and that support the patient mindset required to bring your dreams to fruition.
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M O N T H LY M U S I C
Doing some soul searching? Start with this month's "The Story of You" playlist.
Embrace Embrace your true greatness, your inner essence, the YOU that has been patiently developing. Notice (and say ͞Heck Yes͟ to) what you want—and only
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what you want. Become your desires; protect your magic; embrace your now.
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Live Establish long-lasting routines that bring abundance to your life. Show yourself compassion and your partner appreciation. Allow yourself to fully feel the moment even while welcoming the year ahead. The W E A LT H I S S U E
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F I N D U S @ T H E P E R P E T U A LY O U
THE MAKERS
Our makers consistently share their time & talents. A Wealth of Gratitude goes out to these ladies.
Amanda
Kay
Cover Story Photographer
Dwell Feature Photographer
@amandaluisaart amandaluisa.com
@walkerstudiosllc walkerstudiosllc.com
Amanda Luisa is a photographer and artist specializing in portrait, wedding, and lifestyle photography. She grew up in central MA and recently moved to CT. She loves helping people create memories by capturing authentic, natural moments and personalities and celebrating real moments in every day life. This is Amanda's first collaboration with TPY.
Kay has always loved stories. She has a keen eye for detail and the tone of her photography has a potent vibrancy that highlights the best parts of life: from a father/daughter dance to a quirky cocktail to a divinely decorated fireplace to the engaging smile of a child who is candidly and simply enjoying her day. Kay has been a TPY collaborating photographer since August of 2015.
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P.K.
Lianne
Micayla
Proofreader
Editor
Book Editor
Connect on Facebook
@hilodaisy
@uggly_mugg zucchiniontheceiling.com
Jenn
Maya
Willy
Contributing Photographer
Collaborating Photographer
Contributing Photographer
@jenwenzelphoto JenniferWenzelPhotography.com
@mojalvo mojalvo.com
@lifeunstill dayinthelifeunstill.com
Taylor
Heather
Meaghan
Contributing Artist
Travel Photographer
Contributing Illustrator
@sunlit.air.mama sunlitaircreations.com
@russianwanderlust Connect on Facebook
@meaghanpelderkin meaghanelderkin.com
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F I N D U S @ T H E P E R P E T U A LY O U
THE TEAM
Lee Lee Creative Director & Managing Editor @leeleeinp
The Lee Lee is the #ladyboss of The Perpetual You. A writer by trade, designer by heart, and mother by choice, she seeks intentional practices and a positive mindset. If you’re near Hamden, CT, she welcomes you to stop by her front porch.
Lee Lee's Current Top 3 Word: Wisdom Goddess: Athena Pasttime: Taking Naps.
Kay
Jessie
Staff Photographer
Art Director
@walkerstudiosllc walkerstudiosllc.com
@littlelegendsdesign littlelegends.com
Kay Nass travels New England and beyond chasing sunsets, circling dance floors, capturing tears & laughter, all in the pursuit of preserving stories of love, friendship, and family.
Jessie Leiber is a multi-disciplinary designer striving to make her world more pixel-perfect. When she's not poring over mockups, she can be found singing (loudly) in her car or compulsively buying striped shirts.
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to align your daily practices with your ever-evolving desires
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I L L U S T R A T I O N by @ M E A G H A N P E L D E R K I N
T H E L A DY
Hidden Figure This month, we honor the purposeful actions and overwhelming patience of Katherine Johnson, who –along with fellow African American and female mathematicians Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson—was integral in launching John Glenn and his fellow astronauts into space.
W O R D S by P . K . M C G I L L
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The difference between who you were and who you want to be is what you do today. Keep going. – SHANNON KAISER
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E M B R AC E YO U R
Heart’s Desires with Julia Grimaldi
We have so much already inside of us, despite what popular media claims. Practice is no longer perfect; practice is progress and fear is just excitement on pause!
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oughly three years ago, on a yoga retreat in Costa Rica, I proclaimed that I wanted to be a health coach. I thought about it a lot, did a small amount of research when I got home, and essentially took no action. It was a gift to have known what I wanted but getting there felt scary, so I put it off, talked myself out of it and went about my business.
discovering that health is broad and beautiful. I can now help people realize whatever they want in all areas of their lives; physical and emotional health, relationships, connections to something greater, career/life calling and money/finances.
Fast forward to today. Here I am sharing with you real and accessible ways for you to be your own health coach so you may begin to pay attention to the desires in your heart now that will provide meaningful growth and longstanding wealth that stretch far beyond your bank account.
Being purposeful in our actions requires patience, as well as slowing down, so we can tune into our intuition—to what we know feels right and true, to embrace what could be true for us now and allow ourselves to have whatever it is we may want in our life. We no longer need to ask permission to have what we truly want in life, instead we can approach it with patience, compassion, and curiosity not judgement.
Becoming a health coach has transformed my health and my life in ways I never expected. I am on a journey
continued on next page
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Start Today Slowing down doesn’t mean we stop living. When we view patient living through the lens of abundance, we can desire, invite, and accept "more" into our lives.
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When I think about what kept me from stepping into my own spotlight of becoming a health coach, I remember thinking “What if it doesn’t work out?” I could not trust the process because there was no guarantee. And so, what? We enter all kinds of relationships, situations and agreements without really knowing what may come of them. At some point, we trust, we commit and we wait. Either it all works out, or we learn a great deal by doing. If we never acted on a dream, desire, or ambition then we would never know what could be. Here’s an activity to get you started on your own realization journey. Complete the following: “If I was the bravest version of myself, I would ____ (insert desire). And if I _____ (insert desired outcome), I would feel ___.“ This is a great place to start because we simply allow ourselves to say what we want, and to hear it. A change in mindset is within us all. It was in me and I faced it to get to where I am right now and to go where I am headed. Our biographies have served us well. We can thank them, even while intending for a life of abundance. We can choose to make time slow down, recognizing we likely already have the patience to practice a life full of energy, joy, grace, beauty and peace.
Julia Grimaldi is a personal chef and budding health coach. Connect with her on LinkedIn @juliagrimaldi. Photos by Willy of Life Unstill Photography
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Connect. When life happens, we tend to make ourselves small, when we are quite big. Connect with others and not just the people you know. If you have ever practiced yoga, you may have experienced a sense of community in a studio when you are in breath and movement with other yogis even if you do not know them personally.
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Contemplate. On most days, sometimes several times a day our mind asks us “Are you ok?” and often we react instead of responding. When we sit, meditate, or pray, we make room to get in touch with what we really need. When we are in constant motion, we may answer our minds inquiry with a familiar snappy comeback.
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Appreciate. Have an attitude of gratitude! Bring awareness to all the little efforts you make every day. A regular acknowledgement practice emphasizes that change happens by the little choices we make; these ultimately create big results. Appreciating others in an authentic and specific way also creates meaning and feels good to you and to others.
Keep up with all our book suggestions by following us on Pinterest. EMBRACE DETERMINED STORIES
Hidden Figures
Joy in the Morning
The Well Life
by Margot Lee Shetterly, Pub. 2016
by Betty Smith, Pub. 1963
by – Briana & Dr. Peter Borten, Pub. 2016
In this compelling book, the patience, persistence, and major contributions of five extraordinary African American female mathematicians is brought into the light. This true story opens our eyes to the unsung heroes of NASA and their turbulent path to success in a time when all the odds were heavily against them. The lives of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden are transformative because they reveal how patience leads to the kind of wealth money can’t buy.
This classic story of young love and turbulent beginnings tells of Carl and Annie’s determination to build a life together, despite the many challenges that come their way. At its core, this is a tale about connection, which grows deeper when love is paired with a heavy dose of patience. From this story, we’re reminded that a relationship built on mutual respect and trust can ultimately produce an abundant love we all crave and deserve.
The Bortens approach wellness patiently, deliberately. Absent of quick fixes, their system of adding structure, space, and sweetness to your life is as much about inner vision as it is outward choices or external changes. By tuning into your essence first, you will know what you want, and how to get it; you will also know when the time is right. Great vision takes an extraordinary amount of patience, as this thoughtful guide reminds us time and time again.
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E M B R AC E
Lingering with Rachel Haas
Sit with a recipe – make it the way you like it – allow your traditions and their ingredients to deepen over time.
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he start of a new year always seems to come with a soft hush. We’ve had months of hustle and bustle, push and pull, chaos on top of chaos. Leftovers are gone and holiday sweets eaten—we are faced with the reality of having to wait while food cooks. A strange sort of impatience then takes over. We want food that’s quick, easy, simple—made to keep up with the press of our busy lives. A batch of chili serves as a balm this time of year. Comfort food, easily built with flavors on top of flavors. There are a thousand different directions to take this one simple dish. Beans or none, meat or none, spicy or subtle. You can eat it right away, served in a favorite bowl
with fresh crusty bread and grated cheese. The deepening of flavors, though, comes tomorrow or the next day, after the chili has lingered. We are told that if we wait too long, the good things might pass us by, and this fear of missing out can be haunting. A batch of homemade chili begs to differ. Comforting in our time of slowing down, chili is a reminder that waiting has benefits, that goodness comes quick but strength takes time to soak in.
Feast on more of Rachel's food experiences at her @rlhaaswriter or R-L-Haas-Writer. Photo by @jaynacowal
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Stay tuned to our blog this month for a yummy shrub recipe!
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Mix + Mingle In January, when the hustle of the holidays has faded and time slows down for winter, a cocktail requiring a bit more patience than the average soda + spirit reminds us that good things are worth waiting for. While imparting tons of flavor, a shrub cocktail requires little skill or hands-on preparation. A shrub is a digestion-aiding mixture of fruit and vinegars left for about 2 weeks to mature and mellow. Once ready, it can be mixed with nearly any liquor for a delicious cocktail, or added to club soda for a nutritious mocktail. In a world of 15-minute ready dinners and pre-made margarita mixes, spending time preparing a shrub encourages one to slow down and let time and nature mingle flavors. Once given the opportunity to develop, a shrub lasts indefinitely in the fridge, preserving the flavor for seasons to come.
Imbibe on Belinda’s dreamy, enthusiastic cocktails at @HappyCamperCocktails. PHOTOS by Markie Jones Photography, LLC
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E M B R AC E NAT U R AL
Movement with Julia Grimaldi
Movement is an invitation to play and have a pleasurable experience in your body while contributing to your health and aliveness. Unlike regimented exercise, movement is something that can be incorporated in your daily life. To be successful, develop your own movement menu: a list of inspiring options for different types of energy levels, time restraints, and seasonal appropriateness. Once you have your menu in place, you need only ask yourself: What type of movement does my body want to do today? Let it come from your body and not from your head. The movement should be pleasurable but can be challenging (like snow shoveling!). Remember: all movement counts, even if it’s just 5 minutes.
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Product Placement Are you a shop owner or small batch maker? Fill out our product collab form to be featured in a future issue.
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E M B R AC E
Your Vision Self-care products? Check. Mantras + Motivation? Check and check. Bucketloads of confidence? Heck, Yeah. Envisioning the ideal life of your dreams takes imagination, dedication and stamina. Fill your environment purposefully, with products that inspire you to honor your dreams and enjoy the place you're in currently. Click on the title of any item to shop.
1 | Gypsy Dream Catcher by Open Eyes Open Mind ($120)
2 | Hand-Stamped Mantra Pillow by TPY Marketplace ($76)
3 | "Be Here" Necklace by Kate Stephen Jewelry ($46)
4 | Hand & Face Lotion by Violets Are Blue ($52)*
5 | The Desire Map Planner by Danielle LaPorte ($44)
6 | Sip & Steam tea / Eye Pillow by Norabloom ($22/$18)
Save on Skincare Use code 'newyear17' to receive 20% off any Violets Are Blue order in January
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Handmade modern heirlooms for your home
Modern ar t inspired jewelr y for the mildly rebellious flow-goer
casaandcodesign.com
leocadiak.com
Soy Candles | Ar t | Home
Handmade Leather Travel Notebooks
raynehomedecor.com
redpentravelers.com
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E M B R AC E YO U R
Travel Desires with Heather L. Black
That which is worth having does not always come easily or quickly. If you plant the seeds of fortune, then water and weed accordingly, you will breathe life into your investments – no matter how small or insignificant they may appear. Care for these seedlings properly, and, with enough patience, you will reap the benefits for years to come.
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y motto in life, and if you spend enough time with me you’ll hear me say it more often than not to either myself, my son, or to you, is: Patience is a virtue.
This isn’t an easy pill to swallow though. We live in a world of instant gratification. Instagram, facebook, emails, Amazon Prime. Why wait when you can have it now? Because, patience yields results, and even quick results still require watering, pruning and pampering. The photos on these pages were taken in and around the vicinity of the iconic Red Square in the heart of Moscow, Russia. While my life plan had never been to go to Moscow specifically, I had always dreamt of living abroad. Feeding that dream, tasting, and feeling it as though it were real, is what prepared me for a quick jump from the States to Russia—from a city with 600,000 people to a megacity of 17 million.
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When I moved to Moscow, Russia there was barely any preparation done—even the idea of merely entertaining the notion was short-lived. Now that I’m here, I’m reminded constantly that good footwork before a huge venture is not always the most important thing. In my case, emotional preparation got me there. Prepare for your crop now so that when you’re offered a random and amazing opportunity that you’ve dreamt of your entire life, you can jump. If you wait until the moment of the offer, you might not have enough time (or courage) to prepare. Sow your seeds now, and wait for the opportunity to bloom. It will come, if you are patient.
Heather is an American from Indiana living abroad in Moscow, Russia, and a photographer whose work captures your special love story. Her life is run on dancing and singing in the kitchen, Snicker bars, hugs from her son, and lots (and lots and lots) of coffee. Connect with her on Instagram @russianwanderlust.
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Embrace Quality with Leigh Schwab
Whether or not you were blessed with the “virtue” of patience, comprehensive & quality skin care requires a willingness to experiment and wait for results.
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used to be a serial dater of different products, switching from one to the next each month. As a result, I was never able to achieve clear or happy skin. Once I began using one complete line, however, and stuck with it to the last drop of each product my skin began to clear up. Commit to a brand that you feel good about buying and whose value feels worth it to you. For me, this brand
The PERPETUAL YOU
was Beautycounter, but there are plenty of luxurious lines to choose from (see my other recommendations on the right). Even while you’re waiting on results, you will feel good knowing that you’re using a skincare line that feels good to you. And I can promise that once you find a line of products that your skin likes, you will see results!
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Treating yourself to quality skincare and choosing a brand you enjoy using brings an abundance of good feelings and healthy skin into your self-care routine.
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Dry/or Mature Skin Two culprits of dry skin are lack of hydration or low production of oil. This type of skin may feel tight and look scaly. Gentle exfoliation can help prep your skin for deeply hydrating products.
Leigh recommends: Beautycounter’s Rejuvenating Collection ($300)
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Oily/Combination Skin
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Oily skin may have fewer wrinkles but finding the right balance in your products is the most important factor for caring for this type of skin. Exfoliating, using toner, and hydrating are key steps.
Leigh recommends: Osmia Balancing Starter Set ($90)
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Sensitive Skin Whether your skin is sensitive due to rosacea or environmental factors, simplifying your routine is the first step. Choose products with less ingredients that are calming and soothing in nature.
Leigh recommends: True Botanicals Calm Line (from $48)
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Leigh Schwab uses her love for skin care to help educate women about the ingredients in their products and the need for proper skin care legislation in our country. Learn more about her passion for a healthy and simple life on Facebook and Instagram @leighschwab.
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October's
Turmeric
Self-Care
Palo Santo
Toolkit
E M B R AC E
Labradorite Coventina
Your Intentions with Ashley Dees
Ashley’s Golden Milk Recipe Sauté fresh grated turmeric in coconut oil for about 10 minutes, then add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, coconut milk, water, and honey at the very end to sweeten. The PERPETUAL YOU
The holidays are over, the family is gone, and the mirror’s reflection has begun to change. As we wind down from the parties, cookies, and bubbly, we wake up knowing it’s a time to look within. Let this month’s toolkit support your desires as you set intentions for the new year.
H E RB
ESSE N TI AL O IL
CRYSTAL
GO D D ESS
Turmeric
Palo Santo
Labradorite
Coventina
B E N E F I TS
BE N E FI TS
BENEFITS
BEN E FITS
Aids digestion; supports detoxification
Aids in healing and clearing
Releases your inner wisdom
Reminds us to reset and cleanse
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urmeric is a classic herb; this golden wonder plant is more powerful than most know. Turmeric works on the digestive track, helping assimilation, aiding liver function, detoxing, preventing gallstones and generally supporting the gallbladder. One of turmeric’s best attributes is its ability to reduce inflammation and chronic pain so it is often used by those with arthritis. A must have in your winter wellness kit is Palo Santo, or holy wood. The essential oil can be used for colds, flus, sinus infections, skin infections, headaches, and anxiety. The holy wood oil has a beautifully complex aroma, anise-like but heavy and rich. The oil can also be used in a spray or diffuser to freshen the energy of your space. Labradorite brings out our inner power, intuition, and abilities. When the light catches this dark stone the right way, flashes of blues, greens, yellows, and purples reveal themselves; much like the wisdom within all
of us. Wear Labradorite where the light can catch its beauty and it will help your abilities to shine through. The Celtic goddess of water, Coventina grants our wishes and reminds us to cleanse both “body and mind.” To be able to hear your body, it needs to be free from congestion. A wonderful winter practice of cleansing not only gives our bodies a chance to reset but also gives us a break from hyperactivity. During the new year focus on your true intentions. Spend a day in hibernation, stack your meditation pillows in front of the wintery window and check in on your deepest desires. You have everything you need to achieve your goals.
Learn more about Ashley, and how she teaches and gathers goddesses together at Green Harmony Aromatherapy. Main photo by @jaynacowal Photo of palo santo courtesy of @catballou24 Photo of labradorite courtesy of @fit_leo.pics The W E A LT H IS S U E
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Embrace Possibility with Caitie Sherrick
“Infinite patience produces immediate results.” Gabrielle Bernstein
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h, the possibility of January. You make a choice, set an intention, write a goal. You work diligently and expand your comfort zones. Then, patiently, you wait. And wait some more. And just when you wonder if you wasted your time, it happens. Patiently waiting for the things we want most in the world is how we evolve. We lay the groundwork and surrender to the belief that everything will come together. Patience leaves room for all our choices, intentions, and goals to manifest.
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Patient style choices mean meeting yourself where you’re at. Choose to wear the same pair of jeans if they’re the only ones you’re comfortable in; buy the same shirt in every color because you love how it fits; wear a beanie all week because you didn’t have time to style your hair. Embracing patience in style allows us to focus on the possibilities of an abundant life. Be patient with yourself, my love. You’re doing just fine.
Embrace a Slouchy Beanie Cute, warm, and comfy, slouchy beanies add some unexpected charm to just about every winter outfit.
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Snow Day Whether you’re outside making snow angels or sitting by the fire watching it snow, you can’t go wrong with a stylish slouchy beanie. Throw on a white t-shirt and your warmest flannel, and pair it all with slippers or snow boots. Enjoy your snow day feeling warm and comfortable no matter how you decide to spend your time. Pictured: black beanie*, white t-shirt, plaid shirt, black leggings, thick socks, snow boots Leocadia K. Giant Mala Necklace
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Week Day Whether you’re shopping at Target for the third time this week or sitting in traffic on the way to work, wear your beanie with a soft sweater, skinny jeans and some booties. The beanie adds some unexpected style to the basic sweater and jeans combo; no amount of cart rage or road rage can take that away from you! Pictured: black beanie*, green sweater, blue skinny jeans, brown ankle booties, plaid scarf, Leocadia K. Sun + Moon Necklace
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Special Day Whether you’re at your niece’s birthday party or your mom’s Sunday night dinner, keep it simple and stylish by pairing your beanie with a sweater, your favorite jeans, and some flats. Feeling cute and comfortable will keep you calm and patient when interacting with your loved ones—even cranky Uncle Joe.
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Pictured: black beanie*, white sweater, black jeans, black flats, Leocadia K. Eclipse Necklace
* Gratitude to @petersonsweaterco for partnering with us on this spread!
Caitie Sherrick is a jewelry designer + stylist for mildly rebellious flowgoers at Leocadia K. She’s deeply inspired by modern art, has a boho heart + loves the warm, unconditional love of a good cup of chai tea. Join her on Instagram @caitiesherrick for daily inspiration + visit her shop for more every day outfit ideas.
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P E R S P E C T I V E S from T H E PA N E L
What's the first step in your decision-making process?
Breathing. Plain and simple. Conscious, intentional breathing helps to ground and center me, bring me back to the moment, slow down, and make a decision based on love and authenticity. We often lose sight of the beauty of the present. Breathing deeply and with purpose helps remind us of that gift – which inevitably assists in the decisionmaking process.
Often my first step in any decision-making process is some form of “muscletesting” – an applied kinesiology technique that helps determine whether something agrees with and supports the brain/body system. It’s a basic way to ask the body for a yes or a no. Sometimes I do the classic technique, other times I just close my eyes, breathe deeply, and listen to my body’s intuitive wisdom.
The first step is creating space. My surroundings are very important to me. I can't "think" when surrounded by clutter. Once everything is in order around me, I get grounded. I breathe, get comfy, and open my sketchbook: oversized blank, bright white pages. I write everything I can think of that relates to the issue at hand. I brain dump, doodle, mull it over, again and again waiting to see what feels right.
Natalie
Kelsey
Holly
Modern Hippie Mama Boynton Beach, FL
Educator / Author / Healer New York, NY
Zesty Entrepreneur Ithaca, NY
@themodernhippiemama heweloha.com
@kelseyfoxbennett kelseyfoxbennett.com
@norabloombotanicals norabloom.com
The PERPETUAL YOU
I ask myself 'How do I want to feel?' Because when we know this, everything seems to fall into place. Too many of us can focus on what we don't want to feel – so let's be courageous and focus on how we do want to feel and then create and grow from there.
The first step is – Am I making this decision before coffee or after! Seriously, the questions I ask are: Will my decision help fulfill my goal, and is my decision in line with integrity? Does it represent who I am?
Will this bring me closer to or further from my core values and my purpose? Does this bring value to my life and my relationships? I evaluate my needs, energy levels, and resources to ensure that whatever I decide I am not left depleted. To be selfaware, which is different than being self absorbed, I need to feel comfortable with decisions I make.
Ashley
Gwendolyn
Sarah
Transformational Coach Boston, MA
President of Simply Chickie Newport, RI
Thinker, Writer, Wife, & Mother Calgary, Alberta
@ashelizabeth ashleymaina.com
@simplychickie simplychickieclothing.com
@sbachelder sarahbachelder.com
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One is not born a woman, one becomes one. – S I M O NE DE BE AUVOIR
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to align your physical space with your ever-evolving self
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The PERPETUAL YOU
pour-over /'pôr 'ōv r/ noun A method requiring deliberation, time, and precision.
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The PERPETUAL YOU
DW E L L
Design Intentions THE PROCESS OF MAKING A HOME with Sarah Bennett
Designing a home that expresses who you are and lifts your spirits is not something that happens overnight. That’s the beauty of creating your space. Similar to the process of writing a book, painting, cooking, composing or creating any sort of art for that matter. It’s a process, and a process to be fully enjoyed with patience.
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’m getting ready to move into another house. Since designing a home space is a huge passion of mine you can only imagine the thoughts, and planning that go through my mind in creating our next home. I’m on Craigslist first thing in the morning before I check my emails. I get such a thrill out of the hunt and I find it to be so fulfilling when I collect beautiful items that bring me joy over time. My design process, however, didn’t start with acquisition. I first had to decide what mood I wanted my home to facilitate. Whereas my creative workspace is light and bright, in our living room, I create a cozy environment by layering lighter tones with moody elements: woods, textiles, rich colors and, of course, vintage elements. Before buying and designing, set your design intentions. Many of us use Pinterest to inspire and embody our visions for the home. Instagram is another wonderful visual platform that is filled with so much inspiration. Those of us who are old-fashioned create mood boards from magazine pictures—the way we did when we were girls.
If there is an empty space in your home let it be and accept it for what it is right now. Try not to rush or push to fill the space right away. Enjoy the empty canvas for what it is currently and trust that the right pieces will come to you in time. Focus on one room; visit local home décor stores that are unique for inspiration. Start there and then if you feel ready to up your hunting game explore the vast world of thrifting, flea markets and estate sales. I love slowly filling my home with local art pieces or fair trade items. Just be careful you may become completely obsessed with this whole process and patience thing and find you enjoy the hunt as much as I do. With patience and a keen eye, the right items will come to you!
Sarah is a vintage curator, designer, and stylist living in Oregon. Follow Sarah’s intentional design process at @Sariehere. Photo by Mayumi at Celebrate Well
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The PERPETUAL YOU
DW E L L
Free to Dream L O C AT I O N - I N D E P E N D E N T I S A S TAT E O F M I N D
Wealth can be defined in many ways—friends, experiences, opportunities, love—but I also desire wealth in a monetary sense: the kind of wealth that comes from working hard, making smart choices, and pairing great vision with extreme focus. To that end, I created an office space that encouraged freedom and dreaming, where I can work to create wealth of all sorts in my life.
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few years ago, I started hearing people saying that they were location independent with their business. I was absolutely enamored by this idea. I am a true wanderlust at heart and yet, I’ve not had the opportunity for much travel in my life. Around the same time, I became aware of the Law of Attraction and the idea that what we think about we bring about. I decided I wanted to surround myself with elements of global travel so that I could be clear with the Universe that I desire travel. When I came up with the original concept for my office—while living in St. Augustine, Florida—I wanted to use reclaimed pieces as much as possible; I chose desks which were made from old doors—refinished and stained. The style was representative of how I see myself: a mix of old things reinvented and classic design, along with a lot of space/openness.
By the time I moved my office to Connecticut this past year, I had become a fan of Desire Mapping and started living my life based on my core desired feelings. One of those feelings is freedom. That made it important to me to have things in my office that represented the life of freedom I truly desire. This showed up in strong ways that were not exactly what I expected—I mean, there are the standard things (boats, globe, and monkey balls) that were carried over from the office in Florida and speak to a life of travel, but some new things found a home this time: • The photo of a boat taken by my friend and talented photographer, Jennifer Wenzel gives me
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Shop the Look To get a closer look at LaKay's designs, flip to page 50.
a sense of freedom because I feel lucky to see parts of the world I haven’t seen myself through the eyes of the talented creatives I know. • The picture of the elephant doing a handstand gives me a sense of freedom because it reminds me that if an elephant can do a handstand, I can do absolutely anything I ever want to do! • The Sweetwater 420 sign gives me a sense of freedom because the slogan, “don’t float the mainstream” reminds me that doing things my way is liberating…Sweetwater 420 is also the first craft beer I tried (and loved!) and it reminds me that I can travel the world and still find a community I fit in with. One significant change to layout from my office in Florida to my office here is that I used one of the main walls—a wall that was too small for furniture—as an inspiration/vision wall. This change allowed me to highlight my vision for my life and the future in a way that was natural and easy—I can easily reach the boards to change things out when inspiration strikes!
Another change I made from there to here was the base of my desks, which were damaged in the move. I found these great sawhorse pieces at Ikea and they were black. I almost painted them navy, to match my prior color scheme. Then, I started seeing how adding the black gave an air of sophistication that was missing in the previous design. Keeping the desk bases black allowed me to tie in some “chalkboard” elements–a design trend that I currently love. Also, elevating the sophistication in the room called for an update to shiny gold office accessories, a modern nod to my brass nautical roots. Although it’s going to be a few years before I have the true freedom to travel the world, having an office (my place to create magic) that includes a feeling of freedom allows me to hold onto that (very big) intention while still being present in the life I have right now.
LaKay is a true wanderlust, champagne hippie, and modern boho. She spends her life seeking the balance between roots that help you grow and wings that let you fly. Connect with her on Instagram @lakay04. Photos by Kay Nass of Walker Studios LLC
The PERPETUAL YOU
Dwell on This To attract the life you want by honoring the person you are is the epitome of intentional design. But creating a ‘home office’ that is as grounding as it is inspiring can be particularly challenging, especially if, like me, you’re turned on by wanderlust!
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Stay Inspired My life-sized inspiration boards came from an idea shared with me by a designer friend to use foam board bought at a hardware store and cover it with fabric. Once I had chosen the fabric, it became the inspiration for my color scheme; in that way, these vision boards are doubly inspiring!
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Stay Enlightened One way to bring in a feeling of abundance is simply by letting the light in. In addition to natural light from the windows, I added a string of electric lights over the doorway heading into my living room. It also helps that the placement of this room is right in the middle of our apartment— it soaks up light from every angle.
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Stay True to You My design aesthetic is eclectic because I’m eclectic. I love farmhouse style: natural elements and chalkboard paint. I’m also drawn to travel and global perspectives: maps, globes, and ships. And I love Florida—the openness and airiness of coastal/beach design. To represent all that in my office was a challenge, but the result portrays my true personality.
Does your home bear the marks of intentional design? We’d love to feature you! Send us an email: hello@theperpetualyou.com
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Product Placement If you’re a shop owner or small batch maker who would like to be featured in one of our issues, fill out our product collab form.
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The PERPETUAL YOU
DW E L L
Shop the Look I NS PI RATI O NA L PRO DUCTS from this month’s DWELL ON THIS
You don’t have to be a world traveler to bring adventure into your home. Choose trinkets that are shiny and inspiring with a nod toward expansion, whether geographical or emotional. Click on the name of each product below to shop similar products made by a small batch maker.
1 | Decorative Globe by Danielle Conti Art (from $95)
2 | Star Sculpture by me and she studios ($189)
3 | Hand-lettered Agate by Palindrome Post (from $5)
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AT T H E I N T E R S E C T I O N O F C H A M PA G N E A N D B O H O
Words by Lee Lee Thompson & LaKay Cornell Images by Kay Nass The PERPETUAL YOU
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DW E L L
I’ve long admired my sister for her ability to embody multiple design aesthetics in any one moment (i.e. room/apartment/dwelling space), and I’ve suspected this is because of her willingness to accept whatever reality is necessary to thrive in life.
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ust recently, I was able to witness her transform once again–from full scale dreamer (and futon crasher) into an apartment-dwelling mom, complete with secure paycheck and French press coffee at the ready. As part of this new reality, she dreamed up, designed, and delegated a Hepburn-worthy room into existence, as evidenced by the photos on these pages. What these pictures speak to isn’t as simple as a room that took weeks or months to get into place and now perfectly suits its dwellers. This room is a shrine, albeit an inhabitable one, to a lifetime of waiting—of longing, really—to come into one’s own. In all its glory, this room IS my sister: boho, sparkly, colorful, unapologetic, inviting, ever-evolving with the light…LaKay. Because: why choose the heady emotions of champagne OR the grounded sensibilities of natural elements, when you can have (and be!) both?
The PERPETUAL YOU
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Shop It! You too can own this Casa & Co pillow created exclusively for The Perpetual You Marketplace.
identical chair) only to not fit in the space. This was my first custom piece—even if it wasn’t made custom for me. Somehow that reminded me of the bathtub couch that Holly Golightly had in her apartment. In fact, I see myself as classic, but in the way that Holly Golightly is classic; Audrey Hepburn is considered by many to be a true classic beauty, but that movie is all about her breaking rules and living life on her own terms. There’s a little Holly Golightly in the bar cart as well. I’ve wanted a bar cart for quite a while now. And now that I have it, I wanted it to be full of things that I love – fancy glasses, lots of gold and copper, and good small batch liquor. Which aspects of your overall design aesthetic are represented in this room?
Which three factors most greatly influenced your design choices and why? The design of this room was about wanting an eclectic space that represents both my tastes and interests, as well as Emma’s, so there are elements of vintage style, modern aesthetic, and accents that honor our past life in tropical Florida. How would you describe the room? Stunning, bright, modern, feminine, and magical. What was the inspiration piece for the room? I’ve long been drawn to expensive things. The hot pink chair in the room was found on Craigslist 5 years ago; I purchased it because the owner told me that it was custom made in London and flown over here (as part of a matching set with a couch and
The PERPETUAL YOU
Classic yet eclectic. I’m drawn to classic style and am also very feminine—I’ve always loved makeup and perfume and fancy shoes. The glitter and gold captures that very well. I’m a true modern boho, a champagne hippie, which is represented in the elegance of the strong natural elements – the wood, cowhide rug, and plants, among other things. How did you go about choosing the color palette? The color palette combines Emma’s love of bright colors with my love of feminine girly things. I already owned the pink chair, which I’ve loved for a long time. I also really
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"I’m a true modern boho, a champagne hippie, which is represented in the elegance of the strong natural elements – the wood, cowhide rug, and plants, among other things."
love gold and copper sparkly things. My daughter, Emma, really loves bright colors, which I was fine with as long as they were feminine, fresh, and inviting. I originally chose this couch in gray, which would have been a very classic color scheme, but also could have been stuffy and boring. When we saw it in orange – it was like “heck yeah!” – and then I was like, “Oh wow. It takes a special kind of crazy to have an orange couch, a huge pink chair, AND a green mid-century side chair. How do we keep this fresh and not like a Hawaiian shirt?” I decided the way to do this was to accessorize the room simply and elegantly. We included very simple frames that all match and left plenty of visual space in the room:
The PERPETUAL YOU
for example, the lamp shades are white, simple, and modern. Even the rug is white—even though it’s a totally badass cow-hide rug, it’s still basically white. Another thing I loved was the green mid-century chair, but I didn’t really want to bring in another bold color when we already had the pink and orange. Using plants to tie in the green, which is echoed in the wallpaper covering the TV cabinet, seemed like a simple way to do that. The wood, gold, and copper are other natural elements of the room that keep the palette modern.
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Every day you should have at least one exquisite moment.” – AUDREY HEPBURN
The PERPETUAL YOU
Embrace Wealth
Did the functional requirements of the room affect your design? If so, how?
Maybe you don’t want your room to have ALL the personality ALL the time, but even the most tranquil of spaces can invite abundance. Add a touch of glamour, something green, and ensure your choices coincide with your lifestyle – abundance won’t be able to stay away!
The large radiator in front of the huge windows was a factor. That was the only wall where a couch would go, but it had to be a low profile couch–because the windows are beautiful. It’s also an open space, but it’s not overly large and has a lot of doors or doorways, so furniture placement required some strategizing. Once we had the couch, we knew where the TV would go – and it would have been easy to get caught up in how to make sure all the chairs could see the TV – but we don’t watch TV unless it’s just us! Instead, we were able to direct the pink and green chairs to be more conversational and create a beautiful bar space. Also, there is a crazy amount of light in this room. Knowing we wanted bright furniture, that amount of light could have been overwhelming, but using so much white and natural wood kept that from happening. If the room had not had light, the darkness and richness of the pink chair and the orange cart could have felt stuffy; in this case, they actually feel light and modern.
Here are a few ways to embrace wealth, regardless of your design aesthetic:
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͞One big, bright piece of art can meet anyone’s need for something bold, but you can achieve the same environment with a smattering of bold throughout your room. Fill a vase with freshly cut bright pink gerbera daisies, or display a collection of miniature sized art in brightly colored frames.
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Copper + Gold Don’t worry about choosing a specific metal for your room, just bring in what feels right. Candlesticks, table lamps, a cow skin rug with gold glitter… including shiny things in unexpected places will delight you and your guest every time you walk through.
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Grown, or Sold Having nature in your room is non-negotiable for ANY feeling. If you don’t have a green thumb, try succulents which are easier to maintain or bring in colorful patterns reminiscent of nature, like LaKay’s TV console. Natural wood also does the trick.
What are your favorite things in the room? OH SO MANY! I love the cow rug that’s covered with gold glitter. The standing lamp was my big splurge in the room. I’ve always seen lighting at a sort of accessory rather than a necessity, and I’ve mostly always found lamps at thrift stores or not had them. This was a brand new expensive purchase simply because I absolutely loved it. The wallpaper on top of the TV cabinet is pretty fantastic, and the bar cart is one of my favorite elements in the whole room. I’ve loved it for a year and was finally able to buy it!
Small + Bold
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To Have & To Hold The family photo gallery wall, thankfully, remains a trend. Here, LaKay took this a step further and hung pictures of her family taken by professional photographers who she knows and loves. Looking at the photos is now doubly special!
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Tuck + Fold LaKay’s couch purchase isn’t just grand and orange and lovely; it’s a functional piece which becomes a full-sized bed. How better to invite more into your life than to be ready for guests at a moment’s notice!
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How does the room reflect your practice of patience? Well, even though a couple of weeks steadily shopping and searching for the perfect elements may not seem like a long amount of time, I am not known to be a patient person. To wait to be able to get the things I really wanted and to create a space that feels beautiful to me took patience. What did you most enjoy about the process of putting this room together?
Do you have further plans for the room, or is it finished?
This is the first time I’ve planned out a room in my head over a number of months and shopped and looked and put things together. I imagined this room in my head every night as I shopped and planned. I envisioned exactly how it was going to look and then did what was needed for it to become a reality.
There are two art pieces I ordered from Etsy that I really wanted to include in the room, but they hadn’t arrived by the time of the photoshoot. Despite that, they are a fairly pivotal piece of the design of the room because they are wooden cut outs of the two states where I live—Connecticut and Florida—and covered in custom fabric that I chose. They’re yet another custom piece of the room that is a true representation of who I am. And I’ve had to be patient, waiting on them on them to show up!
Did everything turn out the way you thought it would? Yes, actually. It looks exactly like it did in my head – only even more beautiful than I imagined. How is this room different from the other rooms in your house? This room was designed to include elements that both Emma and I love. If we’re spending time together, it’s likely in this room, relaxing together. She would have been fine if I had created something different–but–she’s actually in love with this room. As am I. That’s huge.
The PERPETUAL YOU
LaKay is a true wanderlust, champagne hippie, and modern boho. She spends her life seeking the balance between roots that help you grow and wings that let you fly. Connect with her on Instagram @lakay04. Photos by Kay Nass of Walker Studios LLC
Bespoke Femininity corresponds to Benjamin Moore 2086-20
Nature’s Magic corresponds to Benjamin Moore 434
Stunning corresponds to Benjamin Moore AF-225
A B U N D A N T LY F E M I N I N E
This month’s color palette matches bohemian chic with all that is glittery and gold.
Champagne + Sparkles corresponds to Benjamin Moore 203
Natural elements and bright colors combine to make a modern, but fun and inviting room where relaxing means more than just watching TV and hanging out: it means being exactly who you are. Here are two ways to incorporate the feminine feeling without letting it take complete control:
Accessorize Boldly
Flirt with Modernity corresponds to Benjamin Moore 2118-70
Achieve an abundant environment with a smattering of bold accessories. Fill a vase with freshly cut bright pink gerbera daisies, or display a collection of miniature sized art in frames that are your favorite bold colors.
Mix Your Metals Gone are the days of choosing a metal and sticking to it throughout your house. The more the merrier! Go ahead—mix those gold candlesticks with that stunning copper table lamp. Freedom, with an extra helping of wealth alongside.
Color Inspiration For more ideas & inspiration, follow our Color Palette Pinterest Board.
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You have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars. – HA R R IE T TUB M AN
The PERPETUAL YOU
to align your life story with your ever-evolving mindset
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The PERPETUAL YOU
THREE QUESTIONS
with
Holly & Natalie
What's one practice in your daily life that brings you WEALTH?
Which aspect of your physical space allows for or encourages PATIENCE?
How has being PATIENT led to more WEALTH in your life?
A daily gratitude practice. When you start your day counting your blessings instead of counting your dollars, you realize just how lucky, blessed and wealthy you truly are. Being deeply rooted in a sense of gratitude raises your vibration, and a high vibe attracts wealth!
We are reminded of patience when we step outside and connect with nature. She is slow and steady to move, but look at how much she changes and grows through the seasons. Taking daily walks, and having rituals that honor the seasons and lunar cycles, keeps us grounded in the present moment.
Being rooted in gratitude. Gratitude can only be truly felt when you are in the present moment, focusing on what you already have. Anchored in the present moment, you find patience in that space. Dream big, aim your arrow far, and then come back to the now with deep gratitude for all that you have, and all that is coming.
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Rise & Shine C O N N E C T I N G C O N S C I O U S LY W I T H YO U R I N N E R D ES I R ES
The PERPETUAL YOU
Words by Lee Lee Thompson Images by Amanda Luisa The W E A LT H I S S U E
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At a gathering like the W.E.L.L. Summit, where the best and brightest of clean beauty and eco-living mingle, it’s difficult to differentiate yourself. Basically, everyone there is amazing. Still, when I briefly met Holly Wheeler on Friday night and again ran into her early Saturday morning, when I was also introduced to her sister, Natalie Adele, I was drawn to both of them. I’ve never much liked the word aura – but their’s was magnetic. Holly and Natalie are radiate. They greet you with their whole beings. They are present and grounded but also unmistakably ethereal. Each time one of them smiles at you, you receive a piece of her beautiful soul.
The PERPETUAL YOU
FORTUNE FOLLOWS THE LIGHT “You won the giveaway!” I tell Holly excitedly very early the Saturday morning of the W.E.L.L. Summit. I’d just met her the night before and couldn’t be more pleased that she had won our small batch maker giveaway. When I tell her this news, we’re in the women’s bathroom, crowded with tea-guzzling changemakers, ready for their first wellness workshop of the day. Holly, who was the only person to purchase a pillow from us at the market the night before, was thrilled to have won. “Now, I’ll have two pillows for the studio!” she says, flashing her signature smile. Later, I’m in a workshop with Holly and her sister, Natalie, where I can’t help but notice their love for the world at large is rivaled only by their affection
for each other. I wonder silently: Is this a twin thing? Or just the general good vibes of the summit? I get the chance to ask them about their relationship with each other, on an early morning phone interview, just before the holiday madness really sets in. After confessing I couldn’t tell their voices apart, Natalie (or Holly?!) explains that even their parents sometimes ask which daughter has answered the phone. Holly and Natalie, who had indulged in a sleepover the night before our interview, do, in fact, have distinct personalities, albeit complimentary ones. “That’s what’s so great about being in business together,” says Natalie, “We balance each other out constantly. We keep each other present and patient.”
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were encouraged, Holly and Natalie honed their entrepreneurial skills from a young age, trading baseball cards and selling bracelets—even cleaning their mom and dad’s car and then charging them for it! “I wanted my own freedom,” says Natalie. “I didn’t want to wait for my parents to give me 50 cents!”
PAT I E N C E PAY S O F F
This yin/yang relationship serves their new business endeavor well. After a couple of years of planning, VASU Tribe, a conscious collection with soulful yoga classes and sacred workshops launched in the fall of 2016. Located in Hartford, CT, VASU’s mission is to be a sacred space where people can connect with their inner light. It’s the perfect amalgamation of the personalities, skills, and interests of both women. The entrepreneurial spirit is in Holly and Natalie’s DNA. When they were 8, their father chose to move the family from England to America in pursuit of his dreams—with only $1000 to his name. “Talk about patience and faith!” says Holly. Agrees Natalie, “The great things about living in this country is that if you want to be an entrepreneur you can be an entrepreneur. We’re really blessed to be here in that sense.” Having been influenced by their parents’ go-getting spirit and being placed in an environment where creative ideas
The PERPETUAL YOU
At the launch of their yoga studio, which I happily attended, Holly and Natalie practically float through the space, chatting with old friends and greeting new. The studio is bright and white, which makes it feel expansive and welcoming. Their intentions to encourage light and foster connection are evidenced by the collaborative buffet of healthy foods, and participatory art activity for attendees. There’s a high vibe in the arts district where VASU is located and Connecticut, overall, has a growing number of makers and artists who are changing the professional landscape. Holly thinks this may have something to do with the long winters in New England—the time of year when we “rest, slow down, and hibernate.” When March arrives, our creative energy is ready to go.
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I don’ t want to rise and grind; I want to slowly emerge and shine.. – H OL LY W H E E L E R
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During seasons of hibernation, Holly and Natalie envision and plan, often spending whole weekends mapping out their intentions for the next season. Surrounded by “truth bombs” and wearing their comfiest yoga clothes, they dig into the planning process, soaking up any magical ideas that alight in the space. They allow their “greatness" to become “greater,” as Natalie phrases it. Prioritizing comes in the form of mapping out core desired feelings, ala Danielle LaPorte’s Desire Map. We begin “with what lights us up and inspires us,” says Holly. “When we get together, everything’s a yes!,” says Natalie. “Everything’s a HELL YES,” interjects Holly. To stay focused and grounded, they explain, they often quantify: what do we say yes to right now, and what goes down as a yes for later.
The PERPETUAL YOU
Cultivating a Vision Natalie and Holly have declared their theme of 2017 as “Protect Your Magic” because they’ve learned in the business of entrepreneurship that fast-forward is not always the appropriate or most rewarding pace. When the magic strikes, here’s their intentional process:
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The practice of self-care is also a key ingredient in their business strategy. To lead from the feminine means to receive and manifest ideas, not just chase after them. This approach to business takes supreme patience and trust. Just as Yoga does. For example, explains Natalie, moving from Dancer, a balancing pose, to Child’s Pose, a relaxing posture, takes not being attached to either pose at all. “In that moment, you’re in it, you’re in it, you’re breathing; [You] settle in fully to that space, whatever it is. Just be present and patient.” The same applies to life, says Natalie. “When you’re doing your dishes, do your dishes. We live in a multi-tasking, 10 browsers open at a time world.” To combat this busy-ness, Natalie and Holly coined the word “uni-tasking” as a reminder that focusing on a single event or single task has its payoffs. The final step is to let the vision go, to “be present and be aware,” says Natalie. “If we’re too busy with the planning process, we might miss the actual experience.”
Create. ͞Creativity is a “lifelong partner that you need to keep safe, and honor, and protect,” says Holly. Listening to your vision, creating a space where you can invite it in, along with sharing the vision with those closest to you are vital ways to protect your creativity. “That’s why it’s great to have each other,” says Natalie. “It feels great to share with her and I know it’s safe.”
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Protect. Those of us who “want to be of service,” says Natalie, might feel some sort of obligation to “rush” the creative process. “But if we push it, we’re depleted,” she says. Part of protecting the magic is just sitting with an idea until it’s ready: resting, sleeping, eating, reading. Agrees Holly, “I’m a natural sharer and a generous person, but there has to be a boundary.”
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Nourish. Holly and Natalie are big nourishers; taking a cue from nature, they sit with an idea, allowing creativity to blossom in due time. Says Holly, “We’ve come to a time in our society where we think that we have to constantly be in motion in order to be productive. There’s a sense of guilt and shame when we stop and rest. Remember: that’s where the magic lives – in that rest.”
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Share. Entrepreneurship is a balance between gratitude and mindfulness, between “being present and being a gogetter,” says Natalie. Sit with your idea but “don’t get lost in the dream.” There will come a time when you know the idea is ready to be shared; as long as you’re mindful along the way and have protected the vision thus far, you’ll be ready to release the creativity into the world.
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Meet + Greet Local to Connecticut? Here are three upcoming workshops VASU Tribe is holding you don’t want to miss: JA N
Malas + Mantras
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6:30 PM / $75 Start your new year off with intention, making Revolutions instead of resolutions. Click to purchase tickets
JA N
Dark Goddess
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7:00 PM / $45 Honor & express you’re your dark, shadow self. Click to purchase tickets
FEB
Heart of the Matter
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6:00 PM / $45 Enjoy an evening of Self-Love Yoga, and Organic Chocolate. Click to purchase tickets p.s. A little birdie told me Cat Yoga is coming soon! Join their mailing list to stay up-to-date with all of their events.
The PERPETUAL YOU
Sit with the silence, and reflect on what you’ve invited into your life. Says Holly: “How are we going to get the invitation to the next creation, if we’re so focused on the achieving and the getting?”
G R AT I T U D E AT T R A C T S W E A LT H “So what do you do while you’re waiting?” I can’t help but wonder aloud. “Gratitude brings you into the moment,” says Holly, “when you’re in that vibration of really being grateful, those things you’re waiting for come closer.” Holly had a revelation, in fact, at the launch of their business, that being grateful is a magical way to fully receive the dreams she had accomplished over the past couple of years. “If we don’t learn to be patient and grateful,” she says “then we’ll never really get to appreciate the nectar of the moment.” Adds Natalie, “It’s also important to just keep on doing the things you love. With patience comes faith and trust. If you’ve asked for something from the Universe, or if you are really wanting something, you put it out there and then you wait. It might not come within a week or on day 1 of a new year. In the meantime, just do you.”
I soak up these illuminating responses, feeling once again as enamored with these ladies as I was a few months ago in our W.E.L.L. Summit workshop together. My cat, who I think can also feel the vibe, begins licking my arm contemplatively, and burrows in beside me. Winter’s about to begin and I’m looking forward to seeing what emerges from the creative hibernation of the VASU Tribe sisters. In the meantime, I snuggle into the feeling of gratitude: I started my morning with the magical, delightful Holly and Natalie, soulful companions who want to see everyone shine.
Get in Touch Can’t get enough VASU? Connect with Holly & Natalie via Instagram at… Holly’s
Lee Lee Thompson is the Cofounder and Managing Editor at TPY. She has had the privilege to interview 20 amazing women who inspire others to choose, embrace, unleash, & celebrate the best parts of themselves–their Perpetual selves.
Natalie’s Shared
@fieldtofacebeauty
@yogionfire
@vasutribe
Photos by Amanda Luisa Photography
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Entrepreneurship is a balance between gratitude and being a go-getter. – N ATAL IE AD E L E
to align your innermost thoughts with your ever-evolving perspective
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The PERPETUAL YOU
F L O W E R S selected & donated by @ W I L D F L O W E R A T M O S A I C
No. 105
White Lily (Lilium Candidum) At once intimate and mysterious, the Lily is shrouded in legends of prosperity and immortality. A flowering plant that can live indoors or out, the Lily emerges from an unsuspecting bulb to become one of our most distinct and alluring flowers, renowned for her femininity and revered for her constancy.
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LIVE
Clean Slate S E T T I N G T H E R ES O LU T I O N TO B E YO U R S E L F with Meghan Kacmarcik
The PERPETUAL YOU
It’s that time of year when resolutions are being made. Weightloss commercials are increasing tenfold, along with ads to make your teeth whiter, your face clearer, your bum firmer. We’re tempted to listen to them, especially when it seems like everyone else is listening. But you really, truly do not have to.
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e live in a society that is extraordinarily good at convincing us that we are doing it wrong. Whatever it is that we’re doing, they try to convince us that they have something that will make us better, faster, thinner, taller, younger, stronger. They capitalize on our insecurities. If ever we are satisfied with our bodies, then we wouldn’t fall into the traps they set for us. When paired with the fact that we also live in a society that reveres anyone who’s young and thin with perfectly tweezed brows and a toned stomach, the dangerous traps set by society start to look a little bit like the right answers. If Weight Watchers worked, they would be out of business by now. If Revlon made a product that made you look 20 years younger, they would be the most successful company in the world. If that protein shake that you saw on a late-night TV ad made you look like Serena Williams, then it would be on every shelf in the country. There are thousands of companies out there who are trying to convince us to change and with the media praising basically only one body shape and size, it’s easy to let them convince us that they have the answer. I spent many years convinced that New Year’s resolutions were arbitrary and ridiculous and could be made at any point during the year and not just at
the New Year. This isn’t as radical as it sounds, given that I continued to make resolutions every year. Last year, I committed to weight lifting at least a few days a week, after being told by the media that women should not only be thin, they should be strong. Of course, this just doubled my time at the gym and made me bitter—something else that is much worse for your health than any lack of weight lifting. I maintain that resolutions and goals can be made at any time, but I cannot deny the sense of purity and simplicity that comes with a new year — the feeling that things can be new, different, changed. The comfort of a clean slate is hard to deny, and, for many, that’s exactly what the New Year feels like. That clean slate is an opportunity to become our “Best Selves.” This usually includes a personal trainer, a meal plan, and yoga classes that are more about the workout than the sense of peace and calm that yoga invites in. This new year, I want to ask a different question: How can we lead rich lives without having everything? How can we be deeply fulfilled and happy without having a flawless body, the “perfect” family, and a successful career? Fortunately, we already have the answers. We are born with an innate sense of peace and happiness,
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with passion and wonder. And even though it might be easy for those feelings to get dirtied as we move through this turbulent life, the New Year is the perfect time to rediscover the things that can bring us back to a place of joy and peace. There is so much good within you. It might be buried underneath a mound of body hate, worry, and sadness. It might take long to uncover, as you dust off the layers of dirt that has covered that bright spot within you. But the good is there, waiting. When I was in my eating disorder, my light was dimmed by fear and worry and revulsion over my reflection in the mirror. I forgot about what once made me happy: daydreaming about being a writer and narrating not-yet-written books in my head; dancing around the kitchen cooking, before the kitchen became a place I dreaded; walking outside, without counting how many calories I was burning, surrounded by trees and dirt and Earth. It took me a really long time (a really long time) to remember. It took me years to write anything in my journal besides what calories I had consumed. It took me years before cooking was fun again. It took me years before I could walk outside, without my mind telling me to run.
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The world wants to convince you that you need more. Try to remember what you wanted before the world tried to tell you otherwise. Try to remember what made you happy, what made your center light up and your smile widen. Remembering requires patience. Sometimes your heart learns faster than your brain. The world will try to convince you that you aren’t good enough. Try to remember what you loved and where you found joy before the world started convincing you otherwise. Live unapologetically in the light. There is no wrong way to be yourself. You are inherently right. A fresh start? Yes. But not the kind society tries to persuade us to have. Beneath what may be layers of dust, you have a bright light that needs no resolutions, no radical declarations. Resolve to give yourself unending love, to show yourself compassion. Resolve to rediscover the things that bring you joy. Resolve to live a rich and meaningful life, just by being you.
Meghan is a blogger, body positivity advocate, eating disorder survivor and Registered Dietitian. You can follow along on her adventures on Instagram @sundaesforthesoul or read her blog at sundaesforthesoul.com. Photos by Jen of Jennifer Wenzel Photography
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E M B R A C E YO U R D OW N T I M E
Simple, still activities like walking, drinking tea, and drawing rejuvenate a woman's soul. We chose these images to showcase women who spend time with themselves, being present and open to abundance.
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LIVE
Intentional Marriage E M B R A C I N G A S LOW- L I V I N G M I N D S E T with Katie Rose Lynch
The PERPETUAL YOU
Sunday is sacred in our home. The one day of the week, where neither my husband or I have to work. On Sunday, everything slows down. I love slow.
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am sitting at my desk in my pajamas, warm cup of tea in hand, watching the snow fall outside of my window. I am taking time to feel the warmth of the cup in my hand, to breath in the scent of our freshly decorated Christmas tree, and to listen to the footsteps of my sweet husband as he walks around upstairs. Slow living was not always my way. For over a decade, life was fast. The hustle was always present. I worked hard, played hard, lived hard, yet at the end of the day, despite all my accomplishments, there was always a hole. Feeling fulfillment was a foreign concept to me. While craving this fullness, I met my husband. We fell fast and deeply in love, quickly married and fell into a warm, loving, and magical life. I finally felt full. I discovered that fullness for me meant living in the present moment. I savored the moments that made up our days – how his footsteps sounded as he moved through the home we now shared – and the details of our life – each shade of blue in his eyes that sparkled when he looked at me. As we have transitioned into our marriage and our days have become filled with even more peaceful and comforting routines, I am aware of how easy it would be to slip out of present moments and back into the monotony of “busy.” Keeping up with work routines, finances, home life, and friends/family:
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all these things can threaten the tender and coveted fullness found in slow-living. I am not willing to let our relationship fall victim to the hustle of daily living. Embracing a slow living marriage is even more important to me now. For us, this year has brought lots of transition. We are transitioning from partners in life to partners in my husband’s business. I am transitioning from an employee in a non-profit to entrepreneur and owner of my own private therapy practice. Finally, the biggest transition of all, we have made the decision to try and become parents. Transitions bring intentions. It is our intention to be successful entrepreneurs and for both of our
The PERPETUAL YOU
businesses to flourish. We intend to continue to be fulfilled in our relationship, whether we become parents or not. As inspiring as transitions are, setting goals can bring an impatience about the future. If we stay in “future thinking” mode too long, we run the risk of missing out on the present moment. Staying rooted in slow living is the key to cultivating the patience required to move through transitions. What does it mean to be in a slow living marriage? First, it is about setting an intention. My intention is to embrace a mindful and intentional marriage, and I am committed to being present as much as possible. Committed to resisting the urge to go through life with my husband on auto-pilot. When I feel myself slipping into auto-pilot or getting flustered by the “busyness” of daily life, I remind myself of this intention and take a moment to bring myself back to the present.
Next is our daily rituals that allow us the opportunity to slow down and be present with one another: A few moments together with coffee each morning; A slow kiss and long hug before we leave each other for the day; A warm embrace when we return home at the end of the work day; Going to bed at the same time each night. Each of these rituals is small, but together they have an immense impact on our marriage. Also, daily gratitude is vital to a slow living marriage. I slow down each day and identify the things in our relationship I am grateful for. Sometimes it’s the “big” ticket items in our marriage, like his willingness and ability to listen and understand me or his unwavering support of my entrepreneurship. Other times, gratitude is about the small routines that make up our life, like how he makes our morning coffee and walks the dogs no matter what the weather. Finally, to live fully in a slow living marriage, I take care of myself. This means I spend time tending to the things in my life that help me stay present. I move
my body. I meditate. I drink lots of water. I get enough sleep. I follow my passions. When I am able to be present in my own self, I am able to slow down and be present in my marriage. Slowing down to be in the present requires a hefty dose of patience. Luckily for me, I have learned that I am my most patient when I am most present. Embracing slow living is the key to cultivating patience for me. Bringing slow living into your relationship or partnership means being present. How would your relationship shift by embracing slow living? What small step can you take today to begin to bring more slow living into your partnership?
Katie Rose Lynch, LICSW is a professional mindset coach + psychotherapist and a semi-professional newbie wife. Connect with her at katieroselynch.com. Photos by Kay Nass of Walker Studio LLC
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The PERPETUAL YOU
JA N UA RY M A N T R A
Abundance is available to me in all moments as I patiently await the arrival of my desires. Mantra by Krystal Krystal Brandt, Authenticity Coach, is a soulful, sensual siren who lovingly and powerfully guides high-achieving women back to their innermost desires by re-introducing them The W E A LT H IS S U E to their own intuitive whispers of wisdom. Connect with her via krystalbrandt.com.
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You’re Invited M A K I N G T H E R E S O L U T I O N T O S TA N D S T I L L Words by Marie Levey-Pabst Images by Mojalvo
The PERPETUAL YOU
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LIVE
It’s a new year. Folks are setting resolutions, making goals, planning on happiness. Signing up for yoga, buying books, creating Pinterest boards. Focusing. Taking action.
D O E S R E S O LV I N G M E A N A C T I N G ? For some, the new year can mean setting thoughtful intentions and journaling to discover how to best embrace them. On the other end of the spectrum the goal-junkies (myself included) will make charts and checklists to help us create new routines to make ourselves stronger, richer, and, well, better. If you want something a little different this year, I’ve got an invitation for you. How about instead of doing, you and I agree to simply wait? What if, instead of just planning and acting, you and I decide to spend a bit more time hoping, dreaming, resting and noticing? Sounds a little crazy, right?
The PERPETUAL YOU
I feel you. I came up with the idea, and it still feels crazy to me. You see, all my life has been about doing the next thing. Every year around this time I ask myself “How can I push myself to do the next thing, the next life-step as soon as possible?” In many ways, my story is one of always seeking out more. Times when I have sought more wealth of a monetary nature, but also times where I have pursued wealth that is personal, emotional, or spiritual. Every New Year I set resolutions that I believe will grow my wisdom, my resilience, my hope, my strength, and my serenity. As I look back at my past New Year’s resolutions, they have all been about adding to my stores of personal wealth. I’ve looked further and further beyond “wealth as money” every year.
Honor the space between no longer and not yet. – NANCY LEVIN
I set these goals for the same reasons you probably set goals – because we want to be better, to improve, and to move forward on the journey to our best selves. Doing the next thing, getting even better, moving into the next phase of life as soon as possible has always been my trajectory. And I know I’m not alone. Most recently I’ve set resolutions around: • Improving my health • Growing my business • Learning more (One year my resolution was all about a whole new graduate degree) • Producing more content, both in written and video form • Making more connections with people • Expanding my influence • Becoming a more present and connected mom On the face of it, my resolutions are not about “traditional” wealth. I’m not trying to build a room full of gold coins to swim in a la Scrooge McDuck. Rather, my resolutions are about growing abundantly in my personal, emotional, and spiritual life. More, Better, Growth, Expansion.
LETTING PAT I E N C E H A P P E N My drive to set goals and then push towards them has served me well at many points in my life. As a high school student, I dreamed of attending the elite private college near my hometown. I went to sports camps on their campus and imagined myself strolling to class along with those so-impressive seeming college freshmen. I set that goal of getting into that school knowing it was a shot at the stars.
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I didn’t get in. But in the process of visiting “safety schools,” I fell in love with a rural campus, away from my hometown. My academic record that wasn’t enough for that elite school was more than enough for this second choice that quickly became one of the best decisions I ever made. When I was twenty, I set a goal of getting into an elite teaching program. I wanted to teach in urban schools, and this program was a way to get a job directly out of college. I did volunteer work geared towards teaching. I talked to alumni of the program to find out about the application process in detail. I spent hours writing and refining and editing my application. This time—I got in. And I began a career that, even with its ups and downs, still feeds both my soul and my bank account to this day. From experiences like these I learned the lesson that, if I wanted to make something happen, I needed to go after it with sheer willpower. I had to study. I had to work for it. I had to do. Effort brought the reward of achievement of my goals in some form or another. As I’ve grown, however, I’ve realized that this lesson, by itself, is not sufficient if I want to continue to grow the personal, emotional, and spiritual (and, yes, the monetary) wealth I have in my life. • From being a parent… I’ve learned that I can only overcome my worst instincts and grow into my parenting self with patience and gentle love. This goes for my children and myself. • From being a teacher… I’ve learned that sometimes a narrow focus on objectives and goals for learning can’t be met without time to pause, reflect, and waiting to see what happens next.
The PERPETUAL YOU
• From becoming an adult who has learned to see nuance in the world… I’ve realized that my personal growth chart isn’t simply an upward slope that meets goal after goal, but is instead a winding wave that undulates between phases of life. When I try to fight the wave, to push too hard, sometimes I miss the next wave of growth. In essence, I’ve realized that action isn’t enough to move me along my journey. I’ve learned that embracing patience isn’t just a nicety that will help me be calmer along the way, but a key ingredient in my process of embracing and growing abundance in my life. Action and patience are not the opposing forces they might seem at the outset. Our ability to grow wealth in our lives, literally and figuratively, requires action. At the same time, if we only focus on action and doing, we will miss the opportunities for growth and change that are waiting for us to notice them.
Sometimes it’s not about making our plans and dreams become reality. Sometimes letting our plans and dreams become a reality requires waiting. It requires noticing. It requires weathering difficult storms. It requires patience.
W H AT PAT I E N C E R E A L LY M E A N S “Patience,” in its earliest forms, wasn’t just about waiting for something calmly, but about being willing to “bear adversities” and maintain a “calm endurance of misfortune.” At its heart, then, the word patience describes how we deal with suffering and misfortune in our lives and how we can move through that suffering.
In this way, being patient is to show a quiet strength in the face of suffering and misfortune. Being patient is about being standing tall, while a storm swirls around us. Being patience is about being still when the tides and eddies of life’s rivers threaten to wash us away. Nowhere is this type of strength needed more then on our quest to become our best selves. Indulge me a moment as I attempt to apply this concept to my own impatient ways. You see, I have big goals around wealth – financial, personal, and spiritual. And I’m well practiced at acting; continued on next page
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A C T I O N A N D PAT I E N C E : HAND IN HAND As with most things in this complicated life, there is no simple answer to the question of “which is better: taking action or embracing patience.” The truth is: we need both. When setting intentions and/or goals, you are embracing the excitement of making plans and taking action. You will do things that matter, do things that help you grow, do the things that fulfill you.
however, I’m ready to try something new. All action didn’t cut it for me in 2016. As a business owner, one of my goals is to create literal wealth in terms of money. I believe that money is one signal of impact, and as a business that also donates 25% of revenue to folks who are fighting for women’s rights, money is also literally a part of how my business impact spreads. I have high revenue goals for 2017. I also had high revenue goals for 2016, and I didn’t meet them, even with some seriously focused action. I spent the year getting more clients, growing my email list, and otherwise promoting my services. These actions did serve me in many ways. I worked with some amazing clients and met some fantastic people, learned some new skills as I marketed my business online. I started the year with my goal, carried out an action plan, and maintained laser-like focus. But, as I reflect on my path, I realized I missed out on some amazing opportunities. Early in the year I led a few workshops and loved doing it. It was fun, challenging in interesting ways, and impactful. At the time, I didn’t pursue them because that wasn’t where the money was. Only later did I realize that I loved teaching workshops and seminars so much that I wanted to make them a larger part of my business plan. If I had been more patient, more able to stand still and weather discomfort, I might have seen that opportunity for impact sooner.
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You will also have moments in which you will be given the opportunity to embrace patience. You will have points of needing to wait, to notice, and to embrace stillness rather than action. Embracing patience isn’t optional; growing wealth and abundance in all its forms requires both action and patience. Knowing patience is required means we can choose to embrace it with purpose. In our path towards becoming our best selves, embracing patience lets us notice and embrace opportunities that arise. Our journey towards growth and improvement means some struggle, and we must embrace patience and noticing if we want to emerge from that struggle more aware and more whole than when we entered it. With patience, that struggle becomes part of the beauty of the journey. May your 2017 be filled with action when it suits you, and patience when you need it most.
Marie Levey-Pabst is the founder of Create Balance, a community of parents who are creating balance between the personal, professional, and parenting sides of life on their own terms. Marie developed the Create Balance Method to help navigate the “work-life balance” in authentic and practical ways. Marie is also a writing teacher, a mother of two mostlyadorable children, and a huge Star Wars fan. Photos by Maya Oren of Mojalvo
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The PERPETUAL YOU
Be wherever you are right now. No more hiding. You are worthy, always. – SC LOU RIE
Create Wealth by Embracing Patience