Good morning Reader,
I was in my sunroom this morning, the cloudy Albuquerque skies letting bits of light in while I cut photos and fabric.
Old masks, dearest Rachael made for me in 2020. Yarn strands from an old scarf my mom made when she and I taught our selves to knit in 2010. My eyes and lips straight off my face. Water and rocks, bridges and hair.
Identity is weird. It changes so much over time. It shape shifts depending on who we're around and what we're doing.
It's also amazing. It's the most intimate part of us. The essence of who you are. How you are. The way you are. It's a micro culture in my mind. And we get to evolve with it anytime we want.
I was talking to Julianna the other day about the emotions of the past four weeks and how daunting it all is. I take comfort in the fact that I'm not alone. In all the ways our individual identities shape our way of being, we are also deeply interconnected.
My mom used to say, "All you can do is what you can do."
In that spirit, here are 10 loving things you can do:
- You can take the day (or two or four) to rest and recover.
- You can tell people no and let the guilt go. (love your no)
- You can ask for more time (from others and yourself).
- You can be happy even when stuff makes you sad or angry.
- You can do it later.
- You can do it now.
- You can laugh at yourself. (you're funny!)
- You can get silly and let your guard down.
- You can do whatever you want. (make art, sleep, scream, quit your job, have a tantrum, read, stare at the sky)
- You can change your mind. Nothing says "I love me" more than honoring the need to pause, change course or let something go.
As parts of you and your identity surely feel under literal attack these days, how can you be extra loving to yourself this weekend?
2 loving things I did recently:
- I reached out to an artist I admire to genuinely compliment their work and ask if they'd meet with me. They joyfully said yes.
- I upgraded my advanced coaching sessions to be way more spacious. Aaaaaah...so much better for everyone involved!
Loving words beloved clients shared recently:
"It's like you have a magic toolbox."
"I feel really good. You're helping me realign myself."
"I just don't really have negative thoughts since I met you. I know that sounds ... you know, but it's true."
Hearing these words reminds me who I am and what I'm here to do, especially as the shit show happens around the US and world.
Loving request
Will you share my name and my website via text or email with 1 person this weekend and reply to this email with their first name and your mailing address?
I need to be hired by 1 new client in March and love no one more than they/she/he who comes through my community. If your person hires me, I'll send you a gratitude gift. 💌
If you're interested in hiring me as your coach, fill out this form and I'll be in touch soon!
Thank you so much for being here. 💋
Sending you love on this Saturday morning,
Annie
p.s. I recently discovered Jósean Log's music and love it sooooo much.
In August I'm hosting The Emerging Artist Retreat in New Mexico and have spots for emerging poets, writers, songwriters, painters, filmmakers, illustrators.
If you're doing something completely different but are ready to devote time to a creative project dying to come out of you, fill out this form to hold your spot.
Early bird pricing is $1,000 off and special guest artists who will share wisdom and support will be announced soon!
